I Don't Know On Third Base

Ruben Amaro is wasting no time this offseason, already telling Brett Myers thanks, but no thanks for his services next season. Now it's becoming clear Brett may not be the only semi-high profile player being bounced this fall. According to an article at Philly.com, with the team option due on Pedro Feliz by Monday, the Phillies GM is looking at potential replacements for the third baseman.

"More than anything else, we want to see what options may be out there for us and decide whether picking his option up is best suited for this club to try to move forward," Amaro said.

A move away from Feliz would not be a complete surprise at this juncture. He's one of the better defensive players in baseball at a very difficult position to field, but he leaves quite a bit to be desired at the dish. At age 34, he's battled injuries since joining the club and seen his modest power numbers decline in a small ballpark. His postseason was largely considered an abomination too, mustering just nine hits while looking plain defeated at times.

Not to get too down on the man though. Feliz was certainly a critical piece of both the past two season's runs. It's not as if we're trying to run him out of town, but we believe most people see this as an area that could possibly be upgraded, in fact the only spot in the regular lineup that might require any tinkering at all.

Which brings about the obvious question: if the Phillies are serious about replacing Feliz, and they seem to be, who are the potential candidates? The top free agents are Adrian Beltre, Mark DeRosa, and Chone Figgins, and there's no guarantee any of these players won't re-sign with their current clubs. Andy Martino suggests they could also seek a trade.

Personally, while Feliz has been steady the past two seasons, I like the idea of improving. They have the money, and the time is now. That said, if they decline the option, they have to be reasonably certain they can bring somebody in who is actually, you know, better.

How do you see this playing out?

>> Phillies consider changes at third base [Philly.com]

P.S. The Phillies picked up the option on Cliff Lee for $9 million.

Comments

[phillyfan412]

The most disappointing thing about Feliz is that he never used to be this bad offensively. The change happened once he came to the Phils, for whatever reason. He was hitting over 20 homers a year for San Francisco, in a pitcher's park. If they can get someone who is not a huge drop-off defensively but who is better and more consistent offensively, then I say do it. However, if it would cost too much in money, players, or prospects to make a signing or trade, I wouldn't mind keeping Feliz. He is still one of the best defensively and this offense is good with or without a good hitting third baseman.

[Trevor McFur]

He was the pits at the plate in the playoffs, outside of one game. You have to wonder if his defense might start to decline a bit too now that he's moving into his mid-30s. They might not necessarily need another big bat in the lineup, but it just seems like he killed rally after rally in the post-season.

[Eric]

Feliz should change his last name to GIDP

[BD]

i swear in the playoffs he they should of had a stat at how many first pitch strikes pedro feliz grounded to shortstop

[theKrisheim]

haters

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jsI-mZLBZc

[JoeinMontco]

I would not pick up the option, find a replacement for Feliz that can hit (either Figgins or Beltre), and sign Pedro to a smaller deal to come off the bench defensively.

We REALLY need guys who can give Jimmy, Chase, and Ryan days off, and Feliz has experience playing 2nd base and 1st base at least (along with his natural 3rd base spot).

[Jay Ballz]

I feel like adding Figgins' speed makes Shane expendable, at a later date, as the minor league OF "studs" become ready. Werth slides to CF, while RF can be the new home for Taylor (or possibly Brown).

Or maybe Werth is the expendable one, if his return is greater. I like the prospects the Phillies have coming up behind the current crop of stars.

[Mike P]

I think it's probably unrealistic to expect the Phils to sign both Pedro and a Figgins/Beltre. My guess is that they go after Beltre, though Figgins would be an interesting pickup, giving the team a better leadoff hitter and even more speed on the bases. Then they can try to get one of the free agents who can play multiple positions--DeRosa or Scutaro.

[BriWilly]

i wouldnt mind hanging on to feliz, then again i wouldnt mind trying someone new as well. i dont think the angels will let figgins go, at least i wouldnt if i were them. i would go with derosa, he not as good as feliz with glove but he's such an improvement at the plate

[Bernie215]

no way werth is expendable. he had a monster year and is only making 7 million per year. If i got rid of anyone in the OF it would be shane, he can take his ugly ass swing and ground outs/pop ups to 2nd base with him haha. I'd only part with shane if you brought in a guy with some speed at the top of the line up :cough: figgins :cough:

Anyone think Scuttero from Toronto might be a good pickup for bench depth. He's an upgrade over Bruntlet and imo Dobbs.

How long is Stairs under contract? I wouldnt mind seeing him ride off into the sunset as well.

[Benjamin]

Feliz was the best 3rd baseman we've had in years. He was terrible at the plate in the post season, but not so much during the regular season, and he saved plenty of runs at 3rd.

If anyone, if it were at all possible, I'd try to get Zimmerman from Washington, but they'd never give him up without making the phillies pay for him, especially being in the division.

[agam22]

I say we trade Kyle Drabek for Wes Helms, if that doesn't work out we can lure David Bell out of retirement

[Mike P]

Yeah, I don't know why, but something tells me that the Nats won't give up the best 3rd baseman in the National League. For anything. At all.

[phillyfan412]

The Nats gave up Zimmerman they would lose whatever fans they have left.

[Bernie215]

id love to see Zimmerman on this roster. its a waste talent like that is on such a shitty team.

[jeffH]

Troy Glaus is a free agent and may be a decent fit. Would love to see them pull off a trade for Kevin Kouzmanoff.

[Zack]

@Bernie

Stairs is done...from what I read, if they signed him at all it would be for a minor league deal to see what happens

Luckily the Phils get rid of most of Eaton and Jenkins' remaining contracts...so that should open up some money

[djack]

Zimmerman for Werth.

[Mike K.]

I love, love, love the idea of a non-committal deal with Beltre. He does everything Feliz does but better, and is a perfect fit for CBP.

[Brian G.]

I agree Feliz needs to be replaced but I am grateful for all the big hits he had in 2008 and his solid defense.

[aphilfan]

Yeah, the important thing to remember with Beltre or Figgins is that you improve on offense without giving up a lot on defense. Feliz is great with the glove, but I agree that he's likely to decline pretty soon at a position you need quick reflexes.

[asd]

If they can find a better replacement, that's fine, but I wouldnt mind Feliz being back. He had a rough post season, but I thought he did fine in the regular season. And I'll never forget he drove in the game winning RBI in 2008 to win the effing world series. If it came down to it I would have no problem having him back.

[Jerusalem]

As I see it, Werth is on teh market. He's a FA after this year and is going to be able to demand top dollar. We have either Taylor or Broan to play RF this year (at MLB minimum) we package Werth for the 3B we want and a top bullpen guy who can set up, or close as needed.

Frigens makes sense as Rollins is also a FA after this year.