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| Photo by Richard Wilkins Jr. |
Well, it's official, the Phillies have signed Aaron Harang to a one-year, $5 million deal for 2015. At the moment, Harang slots behind Hamels and Lee as the third starter, just in front of David Buchanan. Jerome Williams will be the front runner to be the fifth starter, with Wandy Rodriguez, Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, and Adam Morgan coming to camp to compete too. If nothing changes, the Phillies probably are done signing pitchers.
Obviously though, the Phillies are not done. There are several more moves that are possible from now until Spring Training, and even Opening Day. We've seen Antonio Bastardo, Jimmy Rollins, and Marlon Byrd sent packing already, and we've seen a few signings already. Now what is there to watch for moving forward?
- From the obvious list, Cole Hamels could certainly still be moved. I do not like the talk of the team becoming "more realistic," as with Ruben that could mean another Tyson Gillies/Phillippe Aumont package coming. If anything, now is the time to hold the line on getting at least two big pieces back in a four player deal (I'm defining that as either major league ready, controllable players or top prospects), as the teams who could buy are starting to get more desperate to get their ace. I see San Diego, St. Louis, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, Texas, and Boston as teams that could get it done.
- Also pretty obvious is dealing Ryan Howard, in my view a priority. Howard will obtain 10-and-5 rights if he is back this year, and already has $60 million remaining on his deal. The Phillies will eat $50 million to move him and open first base up for either Franco or Ruf (I prefer Franco plays third, personally). We keep watching Baltimore and Tampa, and with good reason, but don't completely count out a Toronto either. Basically, anyone who needs a lefty DH is someone the Phillies should talk to.
- Jonathan Papelbon talk is quiet, but I wouldn't assume that's going to stay that way. He had 39 saves in 43 opportunities last year for a terrible baseball team. He's one of the best closers ever. Teams need a closer. The Yankees will come up, but I'd also watch the Blue Jays and Tigers. Others will emerge in the closer market.
- I continue to hold out the possibility of Ben Revere being dealt before he goes to arbitration. Revere is a nice ballplayer, who had a very nice year. He's also a limited ballplayer who will get a raise. Plus, the Phillies are talking about Rule-5 pick Odubal Herrera playing some center, and would like to still get Jeff Francoeur onto the 40 man roster. San Diego may want him in a Hamels deal that brings Wil Myers over, presuming he doesn't go somewhere in a stand-alone deal.
- In theory, if the Phillies get a catcher in a Hamels deal, they could then try to trade Carlos Ruiz. Watch Pittsburgh on that front.
My thoughts of a Cody Asche deal never really materialized, no one will take Dom Brown, and the Phillies are insistent on Chase Utley starting the year here for some reason (no idea why), so I doubt anything else happens before the season, or that all of these do. Once you get into the season, a healthy Cliff Lee could be dealt, as could Jerome Williams or Aaron Harang if they do alright. For now though, I think we're basically watching five players to see if they're still here.
