Philadelphia Phillies: 5 Realistic Offseason Moves the Phillies Should Consider

Does Ruben Amaro have enough tricks up his sleeve to bring the Phils back to the promise land?
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Ruben Amaro is known for making great deals for the Phillies.  But does he have enough left in his tank to get the key players the Phillies need?  With the NL East getting more and more competitive, the Phillies need to make some moves to maintain their dominance in the National League.  

They obviously have a few holes in their roster that need to be addressed.  Here are some offseason moves the Phils should make.  

No. 5: Acquire Left-Handed Bullpen Help

Could Josh Grabow be the difference maker out of the bullpen for the Phillies?
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The Phillies have enough right-handers that have proven they can be effective out of the bullpen. But they desperately need to add some left-handers to their arsenal.  The only reliable lefty currently in the pen is Antonio Bastardo, so he needs some fellow southpaws to accompany him.

Two options the Phils should explore are free agents Josh Grabow and Randy Flores.  

Grabow seems to be the best fit, previously playing for the Cubs.  He is a 33-year-old journeyman who from 2004-2008 had the fourth most appearances by any relief pitcher. Grabow spent the last two seasons with the Cubs proving to be one of their most dominant pitchers out of the pen.

Another viable option for the Phils would be Randy Flores, previously of the Cardinals.  The lefty won a ring with the Cards in 2006, appearing in seven games that postseason without surrendering one earned run.

Which direction will Ruben and the Phillies take?  I guess we will have to wait and see.

No. 4: Fire Greg Gross and Make Ryne Sandberg Hitting Coach

Is Sandberg ready to be an MLB manager?
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After taking over for Milt Thompson in 2010, Greg Gross hasn't made much of a difference for the Phillies hitters, plus making Sandberg hitting coach would prepare him to be an MLB manager.

We don't know how many more years Charlie Manuel will be the skipper of the Phils, so making a move like this would put Sandberg next in line to be Charlie's successor.  

No. 3: Fix the Hole at Third Base

Is Polanco past his prime?
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Placido Polanco is 36 years old and proved in the second half of the season that he doesn't have the same bat he use to have.  He suffered through a back injury and never got things rolling again after that.  His lackluster performance in the postseason raised many eyebrows and had Phillies fans calling for his exit.

But who should replace him?  Many think the Phillies traded for Ty Wigginton to replace Polanco and also because they cannot afford Michael Cuddyer.  But hold your horses.

David Wright would be an other viable option since the Mets are trying to start over.  There have been reports that the Phillies could trade Polanco and Dom Brown for David Wright.  

Is it worth giving up the young, raw talent in Brown?  We all know what David Wright brings to the table and can be certain he will bring a more clutch bat than Polanco day in and day out.  

No. 2: Get a Much Needed Right-Handed Bat off the Bench

Is Cuddyer the righty the Phils are missing?
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Assuming the Phillies do not waste their time re-signing Ross Gload, they will go into the season with Ben Francisco, Wilson Valdez and Michael Martinez (switch hitter) as their only right-handed bats off the bench.

Most likely with Ibanez's declining production (if he even accepts arbitration) and with Howard out for the first part of the season, Mayberry will be starting a majority of games.  The Phillies cannot rely solely on Francisco, Valdez and Martinez to supply any major forms of offensive production, so Ruben needs to works the phones and make some deals.

Who should fill that gap?  Well I still think Ruben has a few more moves in him, and I would love for the Phils to get Michael Cuddyer.  If Ruben is able to make that move, the Phillies would have two solid right-handed hitters in Cuddyer and Wigginton.

Even though it's likely only one of those two would come off the bench, the Phillies would still get a much needed boost in a right-handed bat. 

No. 1: Let Jimmy Rollins Walk

Is J-Roll headed to the West Coast?
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J-Roll has been the head honcho of not only the Phillies but also the city of Philadelphia for the past decade.  He is a three-time All-Star, World Series champion and National League MVP. He is a five-tool player and is loved throughout Philadelphia.  

So why should the Phillies let Rollins go?  Well his production over the past couple years has not been up to snuff.  The star has been suffering from a number of injuries and at 32 years old, he wants a five-year deal that would bring him to 38, which is too old to be a productive everyday shortstop.

How do the Phillies replace someone that has been apart of their organization his entire MLB career?  Right now they should think short term like Rafael Furcal or Alex Gonzalez until prospect Freddy Galvis is MLB ready.

We all love J-Roll, but like every professional sports athlete, his time has come.