If you're a hardcore baseball junkie like I am, you feast on every baseball rumor you can almost immediately after the World Series ends. MLB Trade Rumors basically becomes my home page for the winter. My favorite post is the one that tries to place where the top 50 free agents go. It usually makes sense. Last season they had B.J. Upton, Kevin Youkilis, and Mike Adams going to the Phillies. Fortunately only one of those three happened. This year I think the Phillies do a bit better should MLBTR have their way.
They have Carlos Ruiz returning to the fold as well as Nelson Cruz, Ricky Nolasco, and Edward Mujica. We all know what Ruiz brings to the table so I won't write to extensively about him except that he's been a master at handling the pitching staff and a decent stick as well. Though it appears he has plenty suitors so he may prove more expensive than originally thought which might send the Phillies looking for a cheaper option while Cameron Rupp and Tommy Joseph continue their development.
Nelson Cruz is a name that's been floated around by Jon Heyman lately as an area of interest for the Phillies. Right handed power is in need but the interesting thing is his power comes against right handed pitching and it's not even close. He's a liability defensively and hasn't really had a season to write home about since 2010. He's good for about 20+ homers and while there's nothing wrong with that, I see him as more of a DH candidate than someone I'd want in the outfield every day. It wouldn't be a bad pick up but it reeks of one that would blow up in Amaro's face and he's had too many of those lately. Jacoby Ellsbury would cost more but he's a significant upgrade and a move I think suits their needs in the outfield better. Maybe not so much in the power category but in the overall player category.
Ricky Nolasco, who I think would be one of the better fits for the middle of the starting rotation, is a durable innings eater. Last season saw the likes of Joe Blanton and Edwin Jackson get pretty nice deals but what works in Nolasco's favor both for him and whoever signs him is that he's a better pitcher. He has a ton of experience in the NL East having spent most of his career with Miami. He also has been quoted expressing fondness for pitching in Philadelphia and has great numbers in Citizens Bank Park. He'd be a great fit for the middle of the rotation.
Edward Mujica is the last name on the list going to the Phillies, who spent much of 2013 closing for the National League Champion St. Louis Cardinals before losing the gig at the end of the season and being avoided completely in a World Series where bullpen depth was in demand for the club. Does it hurt his stock? Or does 37 saves drive it up? Depends who's hurting for late inning relief. It'll be interesting to see if he winds up in Philadelphia in a set up role. He's certainly worth inquiring about.
Finally they predict Roy Halladay goes to the Mets. A smart prediction as they could use a starter having cast away Johan Sanatana's option year and also having Matt Harvey on the shelf. Work ethic alone would serve as good influence to the younger arms on the team and it's certainly something I thought about as Doc left the mound for the last time in red pinstripes. I'm just not sure I'm ready for that one.
So some interesting names there as hot stove season heats up. There's plenty of other directions they could go and you could argue that Philly's a good possibility for almost everyone on their top 50. Guessing where the chips fall is part of the fun.
