March 23, 2007
DysPHunctional Phllies
Mike Rants about the poor construct of the Phillies 25 man roster.
They cut utility infielder Danny Sandoval, who committed six errors in thirteen games, and two pitchers who were supposed to be part of the bullpen mix, Brian Sanchez and Justin Germano (who was claimed on waivers by the Padres) among others. Minor cuts surely. However, they demonstrate how deeply, how fundamentally fouled up this team is.
Sandoval, a no-hit/(apparently) no-field middle infielder, was the only man on the roster who could competently back up Jimmie Rollins at shortstop. The only other player with major-league experience at short is Abraham O'Nunez, who played just three games there last year.
On average backup shortstops play around fifty games each year (actually, 52.14 to the starter's 128.38 on average for 2000-06). Nunez, who came up as a shortstop with the Pirates in 1997, has not played that many games at short since 1999.
Besides Nunez is supposed to split time at third with cemented gloved Wes Helms. Imagine Charlie Manuel, a manager who has yet to master the intricacies of the double-switch or a modern bullpen, trying to rotate Nunez around the infield late in ballgames.
So no biggy, the Phils are just foregoing utility infielders. Maybe in and of itself, that wouldn't be that big a deal. But this team is skimping in so many areas like right field, third base, and the bullpen.
Mike thinks the team wins just 75 games this season, rather than compete for the division title. The counter argument to that is, what if the starters stay healthy all year? This strikes me as a team that is not going to be very dependent on their bench.
If all the Phillies are worried about is backup shortstop and the back end of the bullpen, let's pour the champagne.
and they'll still have Burrell batting in back of Howard ...
sigh ...
Bench plays a big part. You really need some back up. You improved your rotation, but still have to pitch in that tiny stadium. Garcia gives up LOTS of HR's. The total won't go down in the land of the cheesesteak. Bullpen is the name of the game, these days. You have none. The better part of the NL East has offense. Howard's phenomenal season last year didn't gain you much. It won't this year either without a bullpen. You'll come in second behind the Braves, but ahead of the thrid place Mets.
because if jroll goes down for 50 games the back up will matter anyway... right
I thought the same thing Tim. I'm probably guilty of being too optimistic, but only 75 wins is, with all due respect to Mike, a bit absurd.
On the other hand, a few days before, he had a rather objective look at the bullpen, and it scared the beejeezus out of me.
If you want to see what happens with no bullpen, just look at the 06 Atlanta Braves.
"If you want to see what happens with no bullpen, just look at the 06 Atlanta Braves."
OR, the '06 Cleveland Indians....
