The 2015 Phillies offseason has not shown much of the Phillies taking advantage of their large financial ability. But the Phillies figured out a way to keep some depth around, and it came as a result of their advantage financially. Retaining Cesar Jimenez is something that will help the Phillies as the season moves on, and they have reportedly done so, according to Jake Kaplan of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
One of the first moves the Phillies made this offseason was to sign arbitration-eligible Cesar Jimenez to a one-year deal. When the Phillies added Chad Billingsley, Jimenez was designed for assignment. At the time, the move seemed curious, mainly because the Phillies' roster still has Phillippe Aumont on it. But there is a method to this madness.
But, because the Phillies spent their a still-undisclosed amount of money (let's say $1 million guaranteed) on Jimenez, he cleared waivers. Once Jimenez cleared waivers, he was free to decide to sign with any team. But, if he declared free agency, he would nullify his deal. So, Jimenez stayed with the Phillies organization.
Jimenez is not a superstar player; he may be somewhere between a AAA and major league player. But what he does do is help the Phillies have options when they deal some players throughout the course of the season. Jimenez has proven himself to be durable, and can pitch many innings without totally imploding. The Phillies signed players like Aaron Harang and Chad Billingsley not to win, but to trade. They will have slots to fill come July.
What Jimenez will do is keep the Phillies' young bullpen from overworking itself. With so many bright arms in the bullpen, Jimenez surely will help protect them. As for Phillippe Aumont? He will get one last chance to show he is worth something. It is better for the rebuilding Phillies that they get his last chance instead of another team, lest he make something of himself this Spring.
