Philadelphia Phillies Not Standing Pat in Baseball Free Agent Market

While the New York Yankees and the New York Mets made their initial splashes in the free-agent market, the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies were quiet.

Both NY teams have been busy in the offseason. The Yankees secured starters C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, and the Mets added closer Francisco Rodriguez and set-up man J.J. Putz.

The Phillies camp was rather quiet as baseball’s Winter Meetings closed, making a minor trade in sending catcher Jason Jaramillo to the Pittsburgh Pirates for catcher Ronny Paulino.

A few days later, Philadelphia was involved in talks regarding a three-team trade, with the Phillies getting utility infielder Mark DeRosa from the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres starter Jake Peavey going to the Northsiders, and Philadelphia due to send a player—perhaps J.A. Happ—to San Diego.

Once that deal fell through, the Phillies made their move through team signings and free agency.

Phils infielder Eric Bruntlett and relief pitcher Clay Condrey each signed one-year contracts to avoid arbitration. Then Philadelphia signed two free agents: outfielder Raul Ibanez from Seattle, and relief pitcher Chan Ho Park from the Dodgers. They also re-signed free agent pitcher Jamie Moyer.

Whew! Welcome to the GM chair, Ruben Amaro, Jr. You earned your stripes in the past week. And the Mets don’t even have their pitching staff set. All in all, a good start for the defending World Champions.

Ibanez, for one, was impressed with the energy of the home fans during the World Series run this past October, as reported by John Finger of Comcast SportsNet.

“I watched [the World Series] on television, and you can feel the energy coming through the television,” Ibanez said. “As a professional, I can't remember the last time I watched something on television and I got goose bumps. Even when I talk about it now, watching that energy, I can't imagine being a part of it.”

The Mets got off to a good start themselves by shoring up their bullpen, but now must make more tweaks as the Phillies have all of a sudden become an even more left-heavy lineup.

Seeing as nothing is won on paper—despite Rodriguez's claim that the Mets are the team to beat (again?!?!)—the National League East division will be a dogfight decided on the field.

And that should be the one thing both Phillies and Mets fans can agree on: It is going to be one hell of a battle in the National League East. Add in the Braves—who are in the running to re-sign Rafael Furcal—and it appears that at the very least the East will be a three-way dance.

Ibanez, to me, is a great signing. And it has little to do with a Phillies fan’s love for incumbent left fielder Pat Burrell—the un-signed free agent who is most certainly is on the outside looking in on his old team.

I like the Phils' chances to repeat, failing major injuries or a longer rehab for second baseman Chase Utley, who went through surgery on his hip several weeks ago.

Ibanez, a career .286 hitter, hit just over .300 against lefties last year and should do fine in the sixth hole. He is a character guy, in great shape at 36 years old, and said all the right things at Monday’s press conference in Philadelphia.

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel signed a three-year contract during the Winter Meetings, and the team's “chemistry” is a positive one.

If the Phillies can get through some important arbitration hearings and the fans' white towels are flying this season to root for the home team, the Phillies will advance to the playoffs again this year.

And possibly as Eastern Division Champions for the third year in a row.

Rodriguez should think that the Mets are the team to beat. If he didn’t think so, then the Mets are wasting money.

Mets, Braves, Marlins, and Nationals: Let’s get it on!

*Photo courtesy of Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia