Open Casting Call
Posted by BMT on November 11th, 2009
When you hit .266 in the bottom of the order and play an excellent defensive third base (and jack a huge World Series home run) you force management to look for your replacement. Leading the team in average with runners in scoring position isn’t worth much either. Nope. If you’re Pedro Feliz, you’re wondering why solid production at the back end of the best offense in the N.L. isn’t enough to keep you employed. Ditto for your defensive prowess.
Other than Alex Rodriguez and David Wright, just about every third baseman in baseball has been rumored to be Feliz’s replacement. From Chone Figgins to Kevin Kouzmanoff to Garrett Atkins to Adrian Beltre. Now Mike Lowell’s name is in the mix.
The Phillies have officially become the National League’s version of the Yankees. This is the kind of thing rich people do because they’re bored. Sick of your BMW? Go get a Bentley. Your 96-inch HD Plasma is boring you? Install an IMAX in your basement. There is no need to replace Pedro Feliz, but Amaro has to keep the Phils relevant during the off season. That’s what this move is, I just hope they don’t get bitten by the if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it bug.
November 12th, 2009 at 11:23 am
I disagree. It’s the one position he has flexibility with so why not make a change? It’s similar to last year with Pat the Bat. They could have kept him but decided change is good and look how that worked out. I think you’re criticizing just to fill space on this otherwise excellent site.
November 12th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
I said it once and I’ll say it again. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
November 12th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
I think the point BMT is making is that they shouldn’t change just for the sake of change. I’ll be honest, I am nervous about this move too. Pedro has shown what he can give you. Excellent defense and 82 RBIs in the 7 spot. People complain that he goes into slumps, well most NL hitters in the 7 spot go through season-long slumps. Another thing I love about Pedro: even when his offense slips his defense never does. And you don’t need a lot of power at 3rd since you have it at 2nd. If they can land Chone Figgins, then by all means let’s upgrade. But if they land Mark DeRosa as their full time 3rd baseman, who has only twice played 3B more than 40 games in a season, it will be a disaster.
November 12th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” They did not win the world series this year so it’s broke.
Ricky Bo had a good idea this morning (rare, I know). Sign DeRosa for his bat and keep Feliz for his glove. I’m not sure if it’s realistic but it sounds good to me.
I’m also nervous but Amaro has proven he can make the right deal for this ball club. I’ll continue to support him until he proves me wrong.