Phillies Silently Making Key Moves

  The Phillies made a major-league splash late in 2009 when they sold part of the farm and Cliff Lee for Roy Halladay.  This move proved to be the start of a rather productive off-season for the red-pinstriped gang.  Ruben Amaro Jr.’s prying Halladay out of Toronto was his biggest move yet all in hopes of another stroll down Broad St. amidst a sea of red.

  They upgraded at 3^rd base by adding one of the game’s smartest hitters.  Placido Polanco, who will replace Pedro Feliz, should prove to add even more potency to this line-up.   Polanco returns to Philly a bit older, yet still remains a productive force, always putting the ball in play and flashing some leather at the hot corner.  Not to mention that Polanco can occupy just about any position on the diamond.         

  The low-key addition of utility infielder Juan Castro ensures Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins some much deserved time off.  This could be monumental down the stretch, possibly supplying a healthy middle infield come playoff time.

  Amaro Jr. solved in-house issues by signing 3^rd starter Joe Blanton and also maintaining All-Star Centerfielder Shane Victorino and playoff phenomenon Carlos Ruiz.

  Blanton, the team’s best pitcher at times in ’09, needs to consistently pitch 6-7 innings out of the 3-spot to compliment Halladay and Cole Hamels.  Blanton must avoid the early “BIG” inning and be exceptionally effective.           

  Victorino and “Chooch” tend to go hand in hand because of Polanco. “Chooch” will be hitting behind Victorino, which ought to raise his offensive production significantly.  Ruiz should get up to the plate with runners on quite often with such a strong line-up in front of him.