A Ryan Madson return? It's on Andrew's Wish List
As you have
probably noticed, the Phillies struggled in a couple different categories this
season, struggles they hadn't faced in some time (bullpen, defense, intense
NATITUDE). This year's free agency class is not exactly what fans want to see,
but a closer look reveals a plethora of useful players that could be available
for a pretty cheap price. In order for the team to return to a winning and
successful season, I feel the team needs to address their bullpen needs, as
well as third base and the outfield. So here is my 2012-2013 free agency wish
list:
1) Ryan
Madson, RHP
When he was
with the team, Madson was as close to clutch as you could be without truly
being clutch (figure that one out). His ERA was well under 2.50. His K to IP
ratio was over one. And he was giving up between 2 and 3 walks per 9 IP. He
also had 32 saves, only blowing his first late in the year. The guy is good. I
understand Tommy John surgery is tough to come back from, but look at our
southern neighbor's rising prodigy, Stephen Strasburg (no, I'm not comparing
them, just their recovery). He came back looking stronger than ever, and it's a
very real possibility for MadDog. Plus, he'll be looking to make a new name for
himself, and him declining his option with the Reds give me all the more reason
to believe he wants to come back. Not to mention, he'll be cheap.
2) Torii
Hunter, OF
Past his
prime, aging outfielder coming to Philly. Stop me if you've heard this before.
However, this is a bit different. Torii Hunter has not been falling off
recently. In fact, he seems to be getting better with age. He's maintained an
average of 89 RBIs, over 20 HRs, and a fair share of XBH his last four years in
an offense he had to carry much of alone (that is, until the son of sunny South
Jersey arrived). A few may be discouraged by his OBP, but it can only improve
in Philly's Tin Can Bank Park (jokes!). With him being 37 years old, a 2 year
deal with an option for 2015 isn't out of the question.
3) Kevin
Youkilis, 3B
THE
YOUUUUKKKKK!!! Sorry. But could you imagine the Philly fans chanting this and
CHOOCH in consecutive at bats? The media would have a field day comparing the
booing to batteries and Santa Clause. Anyway, back to the point. It's no secret
the Phillies have gone years without an All-Star caliber third baseman. It's
also no secret that Youk isn't the same guy we saw in Boston from '07 to '10.
But if you look at the league from a wider view, there aren't very many
options. It's quite reminiscent of the J-Roll™ situation last year: a depleted
market and hands tied. Seeing as the White Sox declined his $13M option for
next season, most teams probably won't be willing to play a bidding war with
him. A 1 year deal with an option is not unbelievable, something I could
certainly see a player seeking to redeem himself accepting. RAUUUULLLLL (I miss
that) did it with the Yankees, so why can't Youk?
4) Cody
Ross, OF
I
understand Babe Ruf is tearing it up right now in some far off land, and
Domonic Brown showed some promise last season, but we need outfielders. Bad. I
can't take another Schierholtz, Mayberry 1-2 punch. Cody was a Philly killer
when he was with Florida. Cody was a Philly killer with San Fran. Cody was a
Philly killer with the Bo Sox. Why not try to entice his bat into a stadium he
has always rocked? His numbers are great. His attitude would go over well with
this team. His height would make J-Roll™ smile (kidding). There is only one
issue I can see with the 31 year old is his contract demands. Boston loves him
and are pushing hard. The problem is he is demanding a bunch of money he
doesn't deserve. If he can be talked down, a 3 year, $18M deal sounds pretty
good.
5) Brett
Myers, RHP
Please.
Just hear me out. I can hear half of you cheering for a return of the
controversially love able guy, while the other half wants me shipped to
Houston, where all Phillies children come from. It's also where Brett took his
depressingly epic beard in 2010. Look, I realize his numbers aren't the
greatest. But, by comparison, they're pretty impressive, especially considering
the teams he's gone to. A consistent 3.00-3.50 ERA would be accepted in Philly,
and a return to his first team may boost Myers. We need a guy that can fill
several roles, and Myers has done it all. A fill-in closer when Ocho Cinco needs
some rest. A long reliever in those blowout games. A spot-starter when Kyle
Kendrick inevitably blows his 347th chance. Think about it. Give the guy a 2
year deal and let him embrace his Philly family once again.
So that's
my list. There are a few names I left off, and let me explain (quickly) why:
1) Josh
Hamilton, OF
Too much
off the field drama. He seems too self-satisfying and not a team player. Not
worth the money or distraction.
2) B.J.
Upton, OF
Doesn't
impress me. His power numbers are there, but he's much too inconsistent.
Probably demands too much money and not enough payback.
3) Melky
Cabrera, OF
Before
using PEDs, Melky was not very impressive. It seems to be forgotten how many
teams he bounced around. Who's to say we won't see a 100 game suspension this
season? No thanks.
4) Alex
Rodriguez, 3B (not a FA)
I initially
believed a cheap A-Rod would be worth it, but my interest dwindled. Any team
that brings him in would have 10+ years worth of drama on their hands, as well
as his phone number escapades with the ladies. Unless he's free, don't bring
him here.
There it
is. My Phillies wish list. Here's hoping for a return to the postseason in
2013! *Here! Here!*
Andrew Gillen has followed Baseball Talk: Philadelphia since 2011.
