Philadelphia Phillies: Which Remaining Free Agents Could the Team Sign?
The Philadelphia Phillies have made a major splash in free agency this past offseason. The only person of note they lost was Jayson Werth, who signed with the Washington Nationals, and they signed Cliff Lee to a deal seemingly out of nowhere.
Beyond that huge signing, most of their contracts were either minor league offers, such as signing Kevin Cash, and re-signing their own free agents, like Jose Contreras.
Nonetheless, the team still has a couple voids remaining. They could use a number five starter, although they don't seem to be in a hurry to trade Joe Blanton. Having an extra proven lefty alongside J.C. Romero could help as well.
While Ruben Amaro has noted that he's fine with the roster as is, here are some players that the Phillies could bring in.
Grant Balfour
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Balfour has been a staple of the Tampa Bay Rays' bullpen the past three seasons and had particularly good years in 2008 and 2010. Adding him into an already stocked right-hander bullpen would mean he wouldn't have to pitch in 70 games, which should make the Contreras-Madson-Balfour trio a great one should they wish to go that route.
Scott Podsednik
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It's unclear if Domonic Brown will be able to evolve into the star right fielder the Phillies are hoping, and while Ben Francisco is insurance at that position, some depth behind Raul ibanez and Shane Victorino would be nice.
That's where Scott Podsednik comes in. He can come off the bench as both a pinch hitter and pinch runner, and would help provide some outfield depth. Having a .300 hitter off the bench is always a plus.
Joe Beimel
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If the Phillies are unsure if Antonio Bastardo or Mike Zagurski can make the cut as a lefty reliever, they could bring in a veteran to do that. Joe Beimel would be the man to acquire if they want to go that route.
Beimel has kept an ERA under four in several seasons with the Dodgers, Nationals and Rockies. In 2010, he had an ERA of 3.40 in 71 games for the Rockies, so he's worth a look.
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Andruw Jones
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For this to work, two things would need to happen. First, Jones would need to accept primarily a bench role, though he could see some starting time in center and right when Victorino rests. Second, it would have to be a minimum, incentive-laden deal.
If this works and Jones returns to his old glory, then that gives the Phillies an outstanding outfield, plus they take away a free agent the Yankees were looking at.
Jerry Hairston
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Jerry Hairston would be a very good bench addition for the Phillies, as he can play most of the positions on the field. He hit .244 in 119 games for the Padres last year, and it looks like his days as a starter are over.
I'm sure he would gladly take a bench role on the Phillies. He's can be streaky year-to-year, so he's a risk, but it could pay off in the end.
Laynce Nix
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Nix played some solid baseball as a backup outfielder for Cincinnati this part season, but now finds himself without a team. He can play all three outfield positions, so signing him to work alongside Ben Francisco could turn out to be a very good move.
It helps that one hits left and the other hits right, too.
Nick Punto
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Punto may be outside of the Phillies' price range, but if anyone would make a solid utility infielder, it's him. He was once on the Phillies before being traded to the Minnesota Twins. He can still play the field, but has struggled at the plate, hitting .228 and .238 his last two seasons.
He's a possibility, though, if he's willing to sign cheaply.
Joe Inglett
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Inglett fits in the same way that Nix and Jones do, but he can also play second base and can fill right in should Chase Utley fall to injury. He had a decent 2010 with Milwaukee, and he may be able to carry it over to Philadelphia.
If nothing else, he can be signed for the league minimum, so it won't break the bank.
David Eckstein
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There's nothing really flashy about Eckstein, but he's a reliable infielder that can back up Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley. He hit .267 for the Padres in 2010, which is better than we can say about many of them.
Perhaps most importantly, you don't have to worry about any lack of World Series experience; he won a ring with the Angels in 2003 and the Cardinals in 2006, so he's good to go in October.
Chad Durbin
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It fits almost too well. Durbin spent the last year in relief for the Phillies and did a good job, finishing the year with a 3.80 ERA in 64 games. He knows his role on the team, and while he'd like to be a starter, the two sides have met and look to be close to an agreement, so he will not be a free agent much longer.
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