The Phillies passed on free agent outfielder Yasmany Tomas because they were concerned with his defensive ability, right? Not if you ask Jay Alou, representative for Tomas. Tomas agreed to a $68.5 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks after the Phillies supposedly pursued Tomas along the way. Alou also made some allegations that surely would upset Phillies fans.
Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that it was a salary issue that kept the Phillies from making an offer to Tomas:
Jay Alou said Monday the Phillies showed constant interest but never submitted a formal contract offer. Alou believed Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. had to "clear salary" before making a substantial commitment to Tomas.
"His hands were tied," Alou said.
Amaro declined to comment to Gelb for this story, saying that they do not discuss negotiations. Phillies fans should be outraged.
First, the Phillies have money. They do have less money than other years as attendance declined. Attendance declined because the Phillies leadership had an unhealthy obsession with a particular core that is now well beyond their years and well-paid. Do they think that fans are actually going to make a decision to spend their hard-earned money to see the same players with no additions like the young and powerful Tomas?
Second, the Phillies have made no moves, but the offseason is still young. The deal with the Diamondbacks for $68.5 million was well less than the $80-100 million contract some executives were expecting. The average annual value of this deal would be under $11.5 million. A.J. Burnett gave the Phillies $12.75 million back that they were supposed to spend on him. But, if that was not enough, the Phillies could clear more salary down the line. Unless, of course, they plan to keep all the players that they have for even longer.
Gelb notes that the Comcast money does not kick in until 2016, but they had the chance to clear money. The Phillies could have let the Yankees have Jimmy Rollins and his $11 million salary, but they wanted something in return. (Note: Rollins has a no-trade clause, but he was never asked about the Yankees). Rollins will be off of the books after this season. Second baseman Chase Utley as well as Jonathan Papelbon and Marlon Byrd could all be free agents if their options do not vest. So, there will be more money coming off the books, but the Phillies simply do not feel the need to invest in the future.
If what Alou says is true, they should be ashamed.
