While the general managers meetings are going on in Boca Raton, Florida, Phillies president spoke on a few topics while at Lincoln Financial Field for a Rothman panel. First, the Phillies will not be looking to have a minor league affiliate in Camden, New Jersey. Second, the Phillies will lower their Major League payroll, but for good reason.
First, on Camden, via Dan Gelston of the Associated Press:
Phillies president Andy MacPhail says team has "shelved the idea" for now of putting a minor league affiliate in Camden.
— Dan Gelston (@APgelston) November 10, 2015
The team most rumored to relocate would be the Phillies affiliate in the short-season league, the Williamsport Crosscutters.
The Crosscutters, however, have renewed their lease in Williamsport. The "for now" is significant, as last year's lease was only for one season. The Phillies may have signed a similar one-year lease. There have been no reports about the lease, but when I asked the Crosscutters account on Twitter if they signed another lease, they responded that they did.
MacPhail then spoke on the Phillies payroll:
Phils prez Andy MacPhail says $$$ saved from veteran contracts is being invested into minor league system & analytics dept.
— Dan Gelston (@APgelston) November 10, 2015
Phillies prez Andy McPhail puts a premium on young talent and says "it's what we've been all about the last 6 months or so."
— Dan Gelston (@APgelston) November 10, 2015
Should the Phillies invest the resources then Phillies fans should be happy.
The Phillies finally began to bite in the International market in recent times. While the Phillies passed on signing now-Diamondbacks outfielder Yasmany Tomas, the team did spend money on young power-hitting outfielder Jhailyn Ortiz last season and pitcher Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez a couple offseasons ago. Even if only some of the signings work out, the money is well spent for those who do.
