Off-Season Ideas...

Sign Chone Figgins at Any Cost. (High Payment, High Reward for Pedro Feliz’s Replacement)

Figgins could bump Jimmy Rollins out of the lead-off spot. The speedster is a solid hitter who consistently gets on base, hence, all the necessary ingredients to lead-off such a potent line-up. Rollins then would become a 6 or 7 hole hitter, with his “pop” this is a role in which he could thrive. Imagine the difficulty of having to fill out this line-up card:
1. Figgins
2. Victorino
3. Utley
4. Howard
5. Werth
6. Ibanez
7. Rollins
8. Ruiz

Shore Up the ‘Pen (Keep Park and Sign a Situational Left-Hander.)

Chan Ho Park was one of the top relievers in all of baseball once he found his niche. As a reliever, Park posted a 2-2 record with a 2.52 ERA in 50 innings of work. Remember to credit J.A. Happ’s emergence for Park’s return to the bullpen. He drop-kicked a man in a baseball game before, how can’t you keep this guy!?
Adding a situational left-handed arm is a MUST this off-season. With Will Ohman, Josh Grabow, and Joe Beimel on the market, expect the Phillies to land one of them. This move could be huge for a team not knowing Scott Eyre’s situation or how J.C. Romero will be when he returns.

Back-up Catcher. (“Torre”)

Yorvit Torrealba would work in ideally as a back-up to Carlos Ruiz. He’s an average defender with a big bat that could help out an already strong line-up. He’d be highly welcomed in another hitter’s park.

Restore the bench. (Jerry Hairston Jr., utility infielder)

Add a flexible utility infielder to replace Eric Bruntlett and Miguel Cairo. Let Greg Dobbs work back into becoming the game’s top pinch-hitter. And make the biggest move in your attempt to mend the bench by bringing in Jerry Hairston Jr. from the Yankees.

DO NOT Trade Cole Hamels

Keep Cole Hamels no matter what! Nothing/no one can replace Hamels, he’s still the “Real Deal.” With NLCS and World Series MVPs to show for at the cool age of 25, Hamels is still the key to this nucleus. Remember the remarkable run he had in ’08, well he really is that good. Hamels and Cliff Lee will be the best 1-2 punch in baseball next season.

Don’t Sell the Farm for Roy Halladay.

Hold on to the “untouchables,” Dominic Brown, Kyle Drabek and Michael Taylor, they are worth more than “Doc.” I would expect a team who received Cliff Lee & “The Ben Francisco Treat” for a box of baseballs to maintain its top talent.

Michael Taylor

Bring the 6’8 Taylor up to “the show” now. He’s proven to be one of the top 3 prospects in the organization, let him showcase his prowess. Expect Taylor to occupy the corner outfield for years to come, especially with Ibanez aging in left field. Taylor’s 5-tool status reminds me of another Phillie prospect, Marlon Byrd.

Bring in a #5 Starter for Competition.

Go into Spring Training with a competition for Jamie Moyer’s coveted 5th starter slot. Competition tends to bring out the best in everybody.