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From the Windup: I'm Thankful For ...

Matt Snyder — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: AL Central, AL East, AL West, NL Central, NL East, NL West, MLB Media Watch

From the Windup is Matt Snyder's extended look at some aspect of America's pastime each Thursday.

Just because something is corny, doesn't mean it can't be done. Saying what you are thankful for on Thanksgiving is an American tradition. Sure, it may be a bit played out -- and some would even say lame -- to write a column about things we're thankful for in a given sport. But I'll be damned if I'm gonna spit in the face of all the great Americans before me who began the tradition and kept it alive for all these years. So, let's do it, baseball-style.

I'm Thankful For ...

... Will Carroll and Keith Law. These are the two voters who left Chris Carpenter off their respective Cy Young ballots. I'm thankful for them because they perfectly illustrated how there needs to be a balance between sabermetrics and reality. Look, I love stats, but sometimes less is more. You can throw innings pitched, FIP, ERA+, WAR or anything else you want at me. That's fine. I know what the numbers mean and I understand the concept behind them. I can also tell you real baseball isn't played on the computer. You tell me this: if you were a manager and had one game to win in 2009 to save your job, would you rather have had Carpenter, Dan Haren (on Carroll's ballot) or Javier Vazquez (on Law's) take the ball? Put down the calculator and simply answer that. Anyone would be hard-pressed to convince me Carpenter is not the choice. For the record, my ballot would have read: 1. Carpenter; 2. Tim Lincecum; 3. Adam Wainwright. Carpenter versus Lincecum was nearly neck-and-neck for me, and I'm good with Haren being fourth in line.

... Sammy Sosa's face.

... Baseball Reference. Hey, I told you I like numbers, too. This site can solve any argument concerning historical statistics. It has everything. It's not a new revelation, as it's been loved for years by many, but it never hurts to continually thank the heavens for its existence.

... The fact that I don't have to hear Chip Caray's voice until April.

... Jeremy Affeldt. He was a superb middle reliever/setup man for the Giants in 2009, but that's not why I'm thankful for him. He had a 1.73 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 62 1/3 innings (with zero saves!), but that's not why I'm thankful. I'm thankful because one writer thought he was the 10th most valuable player in the entire National League. That's right, Mr. Affeldt was able to garner his first career MVP vote this year.

... Fantasy baseball. It's not for everyone, but it's a fun hobby for die-hard baseball fans who like to sift through every box score and love stats.

... The Internet, because not only can I get any stat I want at any given time, but because an old newspaper or magazine would have never published fun, non-serious stuff like this, this or this. Also, if it's not your thing, you are free to ignore. It's all free, after all.

... MLB Extra Innings. Seriously, between the Internet and being able to watch up to 15 games a night, the middle of the summer is never, ever boring.

... The fact that every first place vote in the NL MVP went to Albert Pujols. Though, judging from some of the comments, a few Phillies fans are deluded enough to think Ryan Howard deserved it. Guys, go back to the start of 2009 and imagine if the Phillies had duped St. Louis into trading Pujols for Howard straight up. If you seriously think you would have been upset instead of excited about this fictional trade, it may be time to seek counseling.

... Curb Your Enthusiasm. Hey, they said Derek Jeter's name in one episode this season, so I can count it as baseball-related.

... Hot Stove season. Seriously, baseball never stops. In other sports there is a lull where everyone is waiting for free agency to begin, then the draft, then training camp to start (order is different in some sports). In baseball, there are trades immediately after the World Series ends, then free agency, then arbitration, then the Winter Meetings, personnel shifting until the middle of February and then pitchers and catchers report to camp. There isn't one day that goes by in the baseball calendar without anything of interest.

... The resurgence of speed and defense as an emphasis, while home runs remain at a premium. I'll take being well-rounded over one-dimensional any day.

... The fact that we don't always have to be talking about steroids anymore. Oh, wait. Nevermind. Hopefully I'll be able to actually use this submission someday with a straight face.

... Chase Utley. I'm so jealous of Phillies fans for getting to cheer for that guy. Carl Crawford isn't far behind, either.

... How many fans think there is some vast media conspiracy against their favorite teams and/or players. So, basically, the media hates: the Yankees, the Red Sox, the Phillies, the Cubs, all small-market teams, all Midwest teams, all West Coast teams, etc. But the media also loves: the Yankees, the Red Sox, the Phillies, the Cubs, the Cardinals, underdogs and feels sorry for all teams not on the East Coast. Now it all makes sense! It's the highest of high comedy. People, life is too short to go around with such paranoia. Enjoy your team(s) and the game.

... Wrigley Field

... The good guys in the game like Joe Girardi and Matt Kemp. There are loads and loads more, but we hear too much about the bad and not enough about the good.

... Every single waking day I live without hearing or seeing an update on Roger Clemens. Rocket-free is Pleasantville for me.

Finally, I'm thankful for Milton Bradley. Without him, people may be focusing on the shortcomings of the rest of the Cubs. Instead, the other members of my favorite team will get to rest easy this offseason, even though many of them had pretty miserable campaigns in 2009 as well.

And I'll be a helluva lot more thankful once Bradley's finally not on the Cubs anymore. Even if that doesn't happen until 2012. Thank you, Jim Hendry!

From the Windup: I'm Thankful For ... originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marlins Likely to Keep Jorge Cantu

Pat Lackey — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Marlins, NL East, MLB Hot Stove

Jorge Cantu is likely to stay in a Marlins uniform in 2010, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro is reporting. Cantu's coming off of a couple of decent seasons in Florida after being pulled off the scrap heap by the Fish in 2008, so this sort of news should be unsurprising. Of course, when talking about the Marlins and keeping people around, one can't take anything for granted.

This move is likely made possible by the Marlins' plan to trade Dan Uggla, who's looking at a substantial raise on his $5.35 million salary in arbitration this spring. Cantu, on the other hand, made $3.5 million last year and will probably be looking at a smaller raise in his second year of arbitration.

Still, I guess the parts don't all add up for me with this decision. That's probably because Uggla is a much better and more valuable player than Cantu. According to FanGraph's Wins Above Replacement, Uggla was worth almost three wins while Cantu was worth a little more than 1 1/2. That's because on top of being a better hitter (.813 OPS to .788 with a .353 OBP compared to Cantu's career high of .345), neither is a great fielder, but at least Uggla is a poor fielder at a tougher defensive position.

I know that the Marlins are planning on moving Chris Coghlan to second and giving some young players a chance in the outfield and that they'll save money and get a better trade return for Uggla, but isn't there something to be said for keeping a better playing around and trying to contend? The Marlins weren't that far back in the NL East or NL wild-card race. If they move Uggla to third (where his glove would theoretically improve a bit) and traded Cantu, wouldn't that be worth the $3 or $4 million extra in salary?

Ah, I guess in the end we're still talking about the Marlins. So of course the answer to that question is "no."

Marlins Likely to Keep Jorge Cantu originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stephen Strasburg's Knee Injury Will Not Require Surgery

Pat Lackey — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:14:00 EST

Filed under: Nationals, NL East, Prospects

The Nationals learned Friday that the knee injury suffered by Stephen Strasburg will not require surgery to repair. It's instead been diagnosed as a dislocated knee cap. As painful as that sounds, there's no ligament damage and the Nats' phenom will only require rest and some rehab to get the knee back up to full strength, though he'll still miss Saturday's Arizona Fall League championship game.

Considering those that witnessed the injury firsthand saw Strasburg crumple while playing long toss on Thursday and reported hearing a popping sound (often a telltale sign of ligament damage), this is obviously great news for the Nats. I can't even fathom following up a 103-loss season with a serious knee injury to the highest-paid draft pick in baseball history.

The injury ends Strasburg's debut in a professional uniform after 19 innings. In those innings, Strasburg was excellent, if not quite as dominant as some expected. He struck out 23 hitters and walked seven, but also allowed three homers and had a 4.26 ERA. The AFL is known to be a hitter's league, though, and given the layoff between Strasburg's last real game for San Diego State during the College World Series, there's not much for the Nats to be concerned about.

In fact, since he made it through the league in relative good health, despite Thursday's scare, they're probably pretty happy.

Stephen Strasburg's Knee Injury Will Not Require Surgery originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jason Marquis Wants to Pitch for Mets

Pat Lackey — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Mets, NL East, MLB Rumors

In the six weeks since the Mets' disastrous season has ended, lots of people have opined on how to fix the Mets. One person who'd like to chip in to the conversation is Jason Marquis. The Mets need to add a starter and, well, what do you know! Marquis is a free agent starter! After adding those two together, the Staten Island native has gone ahead and declared himself a "perfect fit" for the Mets.

Marquis had a nice enough year for the Rockies in 2009, notching 15 wins, a 4.04 ERA, and his first career All-Star nod. He's not a bad pitcher. He'd make a nice enough fit for a contender looking for a back-end starter to eat some innings and not embarrass himself. For a team like the Mets that trotted out Mike Pelfrey, John Maine, Oliver Perez, Tim Redding, and Livan Hernandez after Johan Santana, well, I dunno if I'd call him a "perfect fit."

As much as Marquis' wins, WHIP, and ERA make 2009 look like a career year for Marquis, his strikeout rate was lower than it's ever been since he left St. Louis (only 4.8 per nine innings) and his 1.44 K/BB ratio isn't particularly strong, either. In fact, a lot of his success in 2009 was predicated on a 2.03 GB/FB ratio (meaning two ground balls for every flyball), which is much higher than the ratio he has (around 1.5 in the past).

Cavernous Citi Field is a nice place for any pitcher to keep his stats down and if Marquis can keep getting ground balls, he might continue to find some success as he enters his 30s. Still, he'd better be the second- or third-best pitcher the Mets add this winter, or they're still going to have some concerns going in to 2010.

Jason Marquis Wants to Pitch for Mets originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Footprints in the Snow: Phillies

Knox Bardeen — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Phillies, NL East

Footprints in the Snow is FanHouse's look at the paths to be forged by MLB teams this winter as they look ahead to 2010.

Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro made it a point not to bring back the exact same lineup in 2009 after winning the World Series in 2008. He succeeded in that goal by replacing the departed Pat Burrell with Raul Ibanez in left field. The strategy worked as the Phillies won their division and made it all the way to the World Series, eventually losing to the New York Yankees.

During this offseason, expect the mantra to be very similar to last winter. The one position in the lineup that likely will roll over is third base. The team declined their $5.5 million option on Pedro Feliz and will try and find an upgrade in the free-agent pool. If they fail to do so, they can always bring Feliz back to the team.

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Who Might Leave

Brett Myers, RHP; Pedro Martinez, RHP; Scott Eyre, LHP; Chan Ho Park, RHP; Matt Stairs, OF; Miguel Cairo, INF; Paul Bako, C; Pedro Feliz, 3B; Eric Bruntlett, INF.

Shopping List

The Phillies have three targeted acquisitions this winter, two of which are necessary. The team must find a third baseman to upgrade over the departed Feliz and they would like to add a pitcher or two to the bullpen. If both of these needs are met, look for the Phillies to try to add a super-utility type player to back up the infield positions, especially up the middle.

At third base, the leading candidates look to be Adrian Beltre and Mark DeRosa. Chone Figgins was the first thought for a third base replacement, but Figgins figures to be too expensive. Beltre is the youngest of the free agent-options that Philadelphia is considering and he's the best fielder. But don't count out DeRosa just yet. The Phillies flirted with him in 2007 before he went elsewhere, and many believe that Philadelphia is the front-runner for DeRosa's services.

With the struggles Brad Lidge went through in 2009 and the fact that Ryan Madson didn't prove he could take over and close with ease, the Phillies will look for a candidate or two to provide late-inning assistance. There are two players available in Brandon Lyon and Fernando Rodney that could compliment the current bullpen very well. They both have experience in the setup role and as a closer. Having three or four relief pitchers with that kind of experience would be wonderful.

Money Matters

You can rest assured that the Phillies will be bringing Shane Victorino, Carlos Ruiz and Joe Blanton back to the ballclub, at whatever cost. Pedro Martinez, who had a very respectable run towards the end of the season, has also mentioned that he'd like to make a run at it during spring training in hopes of pitching the entire 2010 season. If he can strike a short-term deal that is incentive-laden, the Phillies may bring him back.

Scott Eyre, Chan Ho Park and Matt Stairs are all also of interest to the Phillies. Eyre is going to retire if the Phillies don't want to re-sign the lefty specialist in the bullpen and Chan Ho Park could also be brought back if he agrees to head to the bullpen and give up on entering the rotation.

Offseason Goals

Just like in 2008, the Phillies don't need to make any big changes to return and make a run at a championship. The team can hit a ton and their rotation looks solid headed into 2010. Their payroll may creep up into the upper echelon on the National League and compete with the New York Mets, but that may be worth it to make a third consecutive run at greatness. Keep an eye on two young pitchers this offseason as well. Cole Hamels is rumored to be included in trade talks with the Blue Jays for Roy Halladay. The Phillies downplay this rumor and I think it's unlikely to happen too. But watch for him to work toward figuring out how to make 2010 a bounce-back season. Kyle Drabek should also be on your radar. He's not quite ready to pitch in Philadelphia yet, but if he grows next season like he did in 2009, he'll make that splash in 2010.

Footprints in the Snow: Phillies originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Footprints in the Snow: Nationals

Andrew Johnson — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nationals, NL East

Footprints in the Snow is FanHouse's look at the paths to be forged by MLB teams this winter as they look ahead to 2010.

The Nationals bottomed out in 2009. Their season began with the ouster of general manager Jim Bowden in the beginning of March after he was implicated in a bonus-skimming scandal in the Dominican Republic that drew the attention of the FBI. And it ended with 103 losses, giving them 205 losses in the last two seasons.

In between, they fired manager Manny Acta and watched attendance fall by more than 6,000 fans a night in the second year of Nationals Park.

So no, it's not all sunshine and roses on the banks of the Anacostia River, but, then, it's not all doom and gloom either. After all, the Nats managed to lock up phenom Stephen Strasburg in August, and with a stable front office and a permanent manager now in place, they can get to the task of building around him.

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Who Might Leave

Austin Kearns, OF; Livan Hernandez, RHP; Josh Bard, C; Ron Villone, LHP; Dmitri Young, 1B

Shopping List

For a lousy team, the Nationals don't have a lot of needs heading into the offseason. The entire outfield and infield corners are set. With Cristian Guzman shifting to second base in 2010, rookie Ian Desmond is in line to take over as the starting shortstop. If general manager Mike Rizzo is looking to add to one area offensively, a more reliable option at short than Desmond could be high on his list.

Of course, Rizzo could look to add an outfielder or first baseman if he decides to move Josh Willingham or Adam Dunn, both of whom might have more value to a contender than to the Nationals. Even if he doesn't decide to move either player, a reserve outfielder besides Willie Harris might be useful considering the injury histories of Willingham and right fielder Elijah Dukes.

Those are minor tweaks next to the work that has to be done on the pitching staff. With Hernandez likely to sign elsewhere, Jordan Zimmermann not due back from Tommy John surgery until the final weeks of next season, Scott Olsen coming off of a shoulder injury and Strasburg still months away from the big leagues, the Nationals are short a starter or two, unless you think John Lannan, Craig Stammen, J.D. Martin, Ross Detwiler and Garrett Mock can each last an entire season in a major league rotation.

There are internal options -- Shairon Martis, who made 15 starts in the majors last year, and Strasburg eventually, to name two -- but the Nationals could sorely use a veteran presence at the front of their rotation to eat innings, if nothing else. Washington hasn't been afraid to think big lately, dabbling in the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes last winter and signaling its intentions to pursue free agent John Lackey this winter, but a lower-tier starter may be a more realistic option.

Like every other team in the known universe, the Nationals could use bullpen help, but there's no reason for them to scour anything but the bargain bin with contention still a few years away.

Money Matters

Other than Ryan Zimmerman, who the club locked up with a five-year extension during the season, the Nationals have no long-term financial commitments. That means Rizzo could have some money to play with, particularly as he looks to beef up the rotation. The beauty here is that Washington need only think in the long-term if they dip into the free-agent or trade market this winter. It will probably have the ability to take on salary, but will only need to do so if the target can help for years to come.

Dunn and Guzman will make a combined $20 million in 2010, swallowing up a significant portion of the club's payroll, but both will be free agents after the season, meaning they'll be attractive to contenders, but the team should feel little pressure to move either.

The Nats have a number of arbitration-eligible players on the roster, but Willingham, who had a terrific first season in Washington, is probably the only one who is in line for a long-term extension. On the flip side, a significant raise in arbitration could make the 30-year-old a trade candidate. Olsen, who like Willingham is in his second year of arbitration eligibility, could be in line for a more modest raise, but it's unlikely the club would want to go beyond year to year deals at this point.

Lannan has been the one reliable pitcher the Nationals have had over the last few seasons, so he could be a candidate to have his arbitration years bought out, but since he's still a year away from arbitration, there's no reason for the club to make it a priority.

Offseason Goals

Rizzo's job is simple: to keep building for the future. As bad as things have seemed in Washington, the Nationals have some very nice pieces, from Zimmerman, who broke out in 2009, to Strasburg, whose arrival is already being anticipated in the nation's capital. As they have almost since the moment they got to D.C., the Nationals need pitching help. Their rumored interest in Lackey, coming on the heels of their pursuit of Teixeira last winter, shows that, if nothing else, the team has grand plans when it comes to the pitching solution. The Nats need elite talent to compete, and they need to assemble it in any way they can, but they must do so with an eye toward 2011-12 and beyond.

Footprints in the Snow: Nationals originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Footprints in the Snow: Mets

Knox Bardeen — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Mets, NL East

Footprints in the Snow is FanHouse's look at the paths to be forged by MLB teams this winter as they look ahead to 2010.

At $149,373,987, the New York Mets had the National League's highest payroll in 2009. Their fourth place finish in the NL East, 23 games back in the standings, might suggest that the cash Omar Minaya dished out wasn't money well spent. A closer look reveals a team harassed all season by injuries and a group of hitters that could never find a long-term answer to produce runs.

In the outfield, Carlos Beltran had a potential All-Star season broken up, playing in only 81 games due to a knee injury. In fact, only Jeff Francoeur amassed more than 500 at-bats among Mets outfielders, and he was a mid-season import from the Atlanta Braves.

The infield wasn't spared either as mainstays Carlos Delgado and Jose Reyes had their seasons cut extremely short due to injuries. Even staff ace Johan Santana ended his season early with elbow issues.

The good news is that most of these players are expected to be healthy and ready to go for spring training.

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Who Might Leave

Brian Schneider, C; Carlos Delgado, 1B; Fernando Tatis, 1B/OF; Alex Cora, INF; Gary Sheffield, OF; Ramon Martinez, INF; Elmer Dessens, RHP; Ken Takahashi, LHP (released).

Shopping List

After Santana, the Mets have a huge need for starting pitchers to fill out the rest of the rotation. John Maine, Mike Pelfrey and Oliver Perez combined for only 60 starts and a 5.24 ERA last. The Mets are said to be looking at Joel Pineiro, John Lackey and Jason Marquis as possible rotation additions. Any of the three would be welcomed with open arms.

As position players go, someone will need to be brought in to catch, a first baseman may be needed if Delgado does not return, and a power-hitting outfielder, someone to man left field, would also be considered good news. Any of the players brought in to fill these needs will need to bring some power with them. The Mets were last in the National League with 95 home runs last season, and only a portion of that can be blamed on their new cavernous ballpark.

Matt Holliday and Jason Bay are both being considered for the left field vacancy and rumors have been surfacing about an Adrian Gonzalez trade from San Diego to the Mets, but the Padres may be asking for too much in return. Bengie Molina has also been spoken about in Mets' circles. It's believed the Giants catcher is highly sought after by Mets brass.

Money Matters

The Mets have quite a few arbitration-eligible candidates, led by Francoeur and John Maine, who are both expected to be brought back. Tim Redding is also available to return, an idea that wouldn't even be considered if the rotation wasn't a nightmare. Still, Redding will have to sign for a discounted rate, even though he did pitch well down the stretch. On the free-agent front, Delgado would like to return to the Mets, but will have to prove he's healthy by playing winter ball. Gary Sheffield has also expressed interest in returning, but the Mets will test the free-agent and trade markets prior to considering that option.

You already know the Mets spend gobs of money -- don't expect that to change in 2010. The Mets should continue to have one of the highest payrolls in the National League and they'll probably spend between $20 and $30 million this offseason.

Offseason Goals

With the injury issues this past season, you would have to expect the Mets to put a training regimen in place to try and prevent a similar fate in the 2010 season. Look for the Mets to try a number of options to ensure good health this offseason. It would also be nice for the Mets to add some power to their lineup. They were the only National League team to fail to hit 100 home runs as a team, and Daniel Murphy led the team with 12 home runs.

Footprints in the Snow: Mets originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Footprints in the Snow: Marlins

Knox Bardeen — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Marlins, NL East

Footprints in the Snow is FanHouse's look at the paths to be forged by MLB teams this winter as they look ahead to 2010.

The Florida Marlins finished second in the NL East, six games behind the Philadelphia Phillies and were in the thick of the wild-card race up until the final weeks of the season. When you think of the bright, young pitching staff in Florida anchored by Josh Johnson and featuring Ricky Nolasco and Chris Volstad, you reason that the Marlins finished well in 2009 because of their hurlers. That notion is actually a fallacy -- only Johnson finished with an ERA under 4.00 among the starters who compiled at least 25 starts. The Marlins stayed in the race because of their hitting, plain and simple. Three hitters -- Dan Uggla, Hanley Ramirez and Cody Ross -- bopped 24 or more home runs, and as a team the Marlins finished fifth in the National League in runs scored.

The landscape in Miami might change a lot this offseason. Florida has already shipped under-performing Jeremy Hermida to Boston and many expect Uggla to be exchanged soon for a multitude of cheap, young players.

Who Might Leave

Nick Johnson, 1B; Brendan Donnelly, RHP; Kiko Calero, RHP; Ross Gload, INF.

Shopping List

Just about every arbitration-eligible player that the Marlins have is on the trading block, save one -- Josh Johnson. Uggla, Jorge Cantu, Ricky Nolasco and Cody Ross will all be shopped around, creating some uncertainty about what position players like Chris Coghlan and Emilio Bonifacio will play in 2010.

The positions that Florida will likely try to fill when they ship these players out will depend on who actually gets shipped. Uggla is the most likely to be in a different uniform before the new year, so they'll look for a less expensive option at second base, unless Bonifacio moves over or Coghlan leaves the outfield. The Marlins will also look for a first base option, should Johnson leave.

The Marlins also may look to shore up the middle of their rotation and they have a definite need for bullpen help, maybe even a new closer. Florida is unlikely to be able to afford to keep both Matt Lindstrom and Leo Nunez. Lindstrom is most likely to be dealt, which would leave Nunez in place to close out games. But if Nunez departs, and most feel that won't happen as the Marlins feel he's the better suited to be the team's closer, Florida may look for a new shut-down relief pitcher to pitch the ninth inning.

Money Matters

When it comes to matters of the pocketbook, the Marlins' first rule is to spend less unless it's time to pay for a World Series title. The Marlins have successfully bought the championship twice, but 2010 won't be a year they'll make a run for No. 3. Expect the team to work from a shoestring budget and to offer up many of the arbitration-eligible candidates.

The Marlins entered 2009 with a payroll of just under $37 million. They'll be hard-pressed to come in under that number in 2010, but you had better believe that they will try. This is where Uggla, Cantu and Ross come into play. If the Marlins want to make sure they come in under the $40 million mark, at least two of these, if not all three players must be dealt for as many prospects as the team can manage in return, especially since Florida has made it known that they would like to re-sign first baseman Nick Johnson.

Offseason Goals

The cost-cutting measures the Marlins would like to put into place isn't the only area of instability for Florida. There is some shaky news on the injury front as well. Both Hanley Ramirez and Jorge Cantu ended the season hurt, but are expected to be ready to begin spring training on time. Marlins center field prospect Cameron Maybin also had shoulder surgery in November. Florida was counting on him to start the season in center. If he's unable to make that happen the Marlins will have to retool the outfield, which could have a trickle-down effect on the entire roster. Expect the Marlins to be a little younger in 2010, but that's not necessarily a bad decision. They won't go overboard with the youth movement, at least not enough to endanger their hopes for another deep run of contention. They won't be good enough to threaten Philadelphia, but the 2010 Marlins could press for the wild card with a few good transactions this winter.

Footprints in the Snow: Marlins originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Footprints in the Snow: Braves

Knox Bardeen — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Braves, NL East

Footprints in the Snow is FanHouse's look at the paths to be forged by MLB teams this winter as they look ahead to 2010.

The Atlanta Braves were alive in the wild-card race late in the season due to a powerful pitching rotation that featured six viable starting candidates (at least there were six at the end of the season). The Braves ranked third in the National League in team ERA with a 3.57 mark and had two 15-game winners in Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez. They also ranked fourth in team batting average and sixth in runs scored even without a true cleanup hitter in the lineup.

If you examine their bullpen you'll also find two relievers who were in the top five in strikeouts among relief pitchers -- Mike Gonzalez with 90 and Rafael Soriano with 102. These relievers shared the closing duties for most of the season and each had ERA's below three to finish the year.

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Who Might Leave

Garret Anderson, LF; Mike Gonzalez, LHP; Adam LaRoche, 1B; Greg Norton, INF/OF; Rafael Soriano, RHP; Jorge Campillo, RHP (released); Buddy Carlyle, RHP (released); Vladimir Nunez, RHP (released).

Shopping List

The biggest need in Atlanta heading into 2010 is a big bat to in the middle of the lineup. That person can play first base of one of the corner outfield spots as both are positional needs f the Braves right now.

The Braves have expressed interest in Josh Willingham, who hit 24 home runs for the Washington Nationals in 2009. Willingham would fit in nicely in the Atlanta outfield, but he's still not the true power hitter of which the Braves are in dire need. Also rumored to be on the radar for Atlanta are Jason Bay and Matt Holliday, but neither are likely candidates as they would require a huge outlay of money the Braves aren't willing to dish out.

Atlanta may also be searching for a closer, a first baseman and a setup man for the bullpen, but those moves are reactionary more than a glaring need. Both Gonzalez and Soriano are up for free agency, as is first baseman Adam LaRoche. The Braves would like to re-sign both relief pitchers, but the asking price may be too high for the pair, leaving the team to keep one of the two and then fill the role of the departed via free agency. Billy Wagner has been mentioned on multiple occasions.

LaRoche fits into the Braves clubhouse very well and he's also a viable place-holder at first base, but the Braves are unwilling to sign him to a long-term contract since they have a first base prospect Freddie Freeman almost ready for big-league action.

Money Matters

The Braves have already made big news by signing Tim Hudson to a new contract. This gives the Braves six starting pitchers and makes Derek Lowe or Javier Vazquez very viable trade candidates. Vazquez would surely bring a much better package back in return, but the Braves would love to shed Lowe's contract. He is still owed $45 million over the next three years.

Atlanta has close to $81 million in commitments prior to the arbitration hearings of Ryan Church, Matt Diaz, Kelly Johnson, Boone Logan and Peter Moylan. The Braves likely won't bring back Johnson or Logan, but the other three are looking at raises that the Braves may pay. Moylan, a very effective groundball specialist, appeared in 87 games for Atlanta last year, the most of any pitcher. Diaz had a career year for the Braves ,and if he truly has solved his inability to hit right-handed pitching, would surely be a valuable asset for the Braves bench.

Offseason Goals

The Braves have a lot to look forward to in 2010. Tommy Hanson only made 21 starts in Atlanta and finished third in Rookie of the Year voting. If he can provide 30-plus starts next year, the Braves will be a much better team. The same can be said for Hudson as he missed most of 2009 recovering from Tommy John surgery. Even with those two pitchers making the Braves better, if the lineup isn't enhanced with a power hitter or two, it's going to be very tough for them to wrestle control of the NL East away from the Phillies.

Footprints in the Snow: Braves originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pedro Martinez Plans to Pitch the Entire 2010 Season

Knox Bardeen — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Phillies, NL East

Pedro Martinez couldn't find a suitable employment opportunity prior to the 2009 Major League Baseball season, so he sat out until the Phillies came knocking in July. The 38-year-old pitcher started nine games, posting a record of 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA and helped the Phillies make a championship run that fell just a little short.

Through his agent, Fern Cuza, who spoke to FOXSports.com, the three-time Cy Young Award-winner has made it clear that he would like to pitch in 2010. And Martinez wants to pitch the entire season this time.

His track record over the past four seasons hasn't been one of durability. In the three years prior to 2009, he averaged just 16 starts and had an ERA of 4.74. And even though he pitched well this season, his nine regular season and three postseason starts don't do a lot to prove Martinez can handle the rigors of 30 or more major league starts. Especially since he didn't make his first start until the middle of August.

That said, his 2009 winning record and sub-4.00 ERA combined with the fact that Martinez greatly reduced the number of batters he walked while increasing his strikeout totals should mean that some team will take a chance on him. It likely won't be a long-term contract though. A team could put together an incentive-laden one-year deal with a club option for a second year and take a low-risk, high-reward gamble on a pitcher who knows how to win, when healthy.

It's still too early to tell where Martinez will end up. It wouldn't be shocking to see him back in Philadelphia. Or he may retest the waters with the Dodgers or the Cubs, teams he spoke with prior to signing with the Phillies. Smart money keeps the hurler in the National League, and it's safe to imagine that he'll want to pitch for a contender. That narrows the list quite a bit.

Pedro Martinez Plans to Pitch the Entire 2010 Season originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reports: Nationals Retain Jim Riggleman

Matt Snyder — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nationals, NL East

After an abysmal 26-61 start, the Nationals fired manager Manny Acta in the middle of 2009. Bench coach Jim Riggleman was promoted to interim manager for the club and served in that post for the remainder of the season. It appears the much-improved 33-42 record under his watch was enough to impress team officials, because reports are surfacing that Riggleman will officially have the word "interim" dropped from his job title.

After Don Mattingly pulled himself from the job hunt, it appeared Riggleman's main competition was former Mets skipper and current ESPN analyst Bobby Valentine. What set Riggleman apart was what he had already shown general manager Mike Rizzo on the job.

Looking at the current Nationals' roster, there is hope of getting things turned around for Riggleman. There is a young nucleus in place in terms of both pitching and position players. Young veterans Ryan Zimmerman, Nyjer Morgan and Adam Dunn anchor the offense, with a good foundation of youth surrounding them -- both at the minor league and major league level. The pitching staff is still a work in progress, but with John Lannan, Jordan Zimmermann and promising 2009 first-round picks Stephen Strasburg and Drew Storen, there is hope on the horizon. Riggleman's job will be to blend the youth with the veterans and bring everyone along together.

Riggleman has previously managed the Padres, Cubs and Mariners (which was only an interim gig like this past season with the Nats). He has made the playoffs one time in eight full seasons as a manger -- with the Cubs in 1998, when they beat the Giants in a one-game playoff to take the NL wild card. His Cubs were swept by the Braves in the NLDS, though. His career record as a manager is 555-694.

Reports: Nationals Retain Jim Riggleman originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phillies Decline Pedro Feliz's Option

Tom Fornelli — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:04:00 EST

Filed under: Phillies, NL East, MLB Transactions

Considering that the Phillies made a few changes to their lineup in 2009 after winning a World Series, it shouldn't really come as a surprise that the 2010 version of the team will look a bit different as well. It was announced by the team on Sunday that they would not be picking up the option on third baseman Pedro Feliz, who will now become a free agent.

This does not mean that Feliz won't be back with the Phillies next season, it just means that he won't be back at the price of $5.5 million. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. did say that he wouldn't rule out re-signing Feliz this winter in the team's official statement regarding the Feliz option.

FanHouse's World Series Coverage

"This doesn't preclude us from bringing Pedro back next season," Amaro said in a statement. "While this allows us to explore other opportunities, we will continue to keep the lines of communication open with Pedro and his representative."

There is no shortage of those other opportunities this winter either, as Chone Figgins, Adrian Beltre, Mark DeRosa and other third baseman will all be available on the free agent market. While it's unknown whether or not the Phillies will get involved in the Figgins sweepstakes, it's likely they'll take a look at Beltre.

He's a very similar player to Feliz offensively, and also plays outstanding defense at the hot corner like Feliz. The difference is that Beltre is four years younger than the 34-year-old Feliz, who will turn 35 in April.

Phillies Decline Pedro Feliz's Option originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:04:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brett Myers, Phillies to Part Ways

Matt Snyder — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:35:00 EST

Filed under: Phillies, NL East, MLB Rumors

After eight seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, 29-year-old pitcher Brett Myers will reportedly be playing for a new team in 2010. According to Jim Salisbury of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Myers has been told by Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., that he will definitely not be a Phillie next season. The report also states that Myers wasn't given a specific reason that he won't return.

Myers has spent his entire professional career in the Philadelphia organization after being selected in the first round in the 1999 draft. He went 73-63 with a 4.40 ERA and added 21 saves during his time in Philly.

Myers' time with the Phillies was marked by vast peaks and valleys. At times he looked like an All-Star-caliber pitcher and at others he was flat-out awful. He made three Opening Day starts, but also went through several demotions to the minors and to the bullpen. There were also some off-field issues, including an alleged incident of battery against his wife.

Considering Myers was a first-round pick and has had eight years to fulfill his potential, it appears he's not too shocked they Phillies decided a change was in order.

"I was just like, 'OK, thanks for putting up with my [stuff],' " Myers said. "He thanked me and wished me and my family well. "I'll miss the guys on the team and the fans who have supported me. Hopefully I'll be playing against the Phillies and when I do, I want the roughest treatment the fans can give me -- when I'm pitching. I'm an opposing player -- you have to give it to me."

Awesome. Phillies fans don't really need to be cued up to take proper care of their opposition, but it's nice to see Myers goading them anyway. Hopefully he'll catch on with another team in the NL East and they'll have ample chance to fulfill his wishes. Something tells me his 4.40 career ERA after being a first-round pick will be enough for the Philly fans to oblige.

Speaking of which, there should be a pretty good market for Myers. It's entirely possible a change of scenery would do him some good, and everyone's seen his ability (when he's on). He's still under 30, so it's not like he's past his prime. It's good to see accountability for his "[stuff]," whatever that may be. Plus, he's willing to work from the bullpen, enter a rotation or fight for a rotation spot. The guess is he won't be without a team for long.

Brett Myers, Phillies to Part Ways originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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J.J. Putz Likely to Depart New York

Matt Snyder — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:35:00 EST

Filed under: Mets, NL East, MLB Rumors

Last offseason, in an effort to bolster their ineffective late-inning relief, the Mets made a three-team, 12-player trade of which J.J. Putz was the centerpiece. Putz had previously been a very effective closer for the Mariners, but he would get eighth-inning duty for the Mets, considering they paid a hefty sum to bring in Francisco Rodriguez to close.

Less than one year later, it appears Putz and the Mets will go their separate ways. According to Ben Shpigel of the New York Times, the Mets will decline Putz's $9.1 million player option for 2010 and instead buy his contract out for a cool million -- making him a free agent.

Technically, the Mets could still bring Putz back with a different contract, but it's unlikely, considering Putz has always expressed his belief that he is a closer. With more than a handful of teams in the market for a closer, Putz won't have any trouble finding work.

The 32-year-old right-hander missed much of last season due to injury issues in his throwing elbow. In 2006-2007, his last two full seasons as a closer, Putz saved 76 games and rocked a solid 1.86 ERA and 0.81 WHIP. If he can battle back from the injuries of the past two seasons, he can be one of the better closers in the game, but he'll likely have to prove his health with a one-year contract in light of the past two seasons.

J.J. Putz Likely to Depart New York originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tim Hudson Inks Extension -- Pending MRI -- Gives Braves Hometown Discount

Knox Bardeen — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:36:00 EST

Filed under: Braves, NL East, MLB Transactions

You probably want to be spared the cheesy "home is where the heart is" stuff, but to Tim Hudson that sentiment apparently carries a lot of weight. Hudson, who grew up about 100 miles away from Atlanta in Phenix City, Ala. has once again given the Atlanta Braves a hometown discount. It all comes down to two parties wanting to continue a mutually beneficial relationship.

"I wanted to be back and they (Braves) wanted me back", Hudson told local sports-talk radio station 680 the Fan this morning. "Sometimes you have to tell your agent that I'm happy here and you work for me."

The three-year deal is said to be worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $27 million. Terms were finalized this week and Hudson passed his physical yesterday. The only roadblock still in place, according to Dave O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, is an MRI on Hudson's surgically repaired elbow.

With Hudson healthy and back in the Braves rotation, Atlanta has an extra starting pitcher and a glaring need for a power hitter in the middle of the lineup. To get that needed bat, the team is facing a decision on whether to deal someone from this impressive list of pitchers: Jair Jurrjens, Derek Lowe, Kenshin Kawakami, Javier Vazquez, or Tommy Hanson.

Jurrjens and Hanson are safely entrenched in Atlanta. They are excellent pitchers and cheap options as they are both young. And if the team really wants to bring back a middle-of-the-lineup type slugger, Kawakami isn't going to be valuable enough in trade. That leaves either Vazquez or Lowe to dangle in front of general mangers this winter.

Two reasons lead me to believe that Vazquez will be the pitcher given his walking papers. When it comes to return value, the Braves will get a better hitter in return for Vazquez, who is the stronger and younger pitcher. He's also got a much more favorable contract then Lowe, who is still owed $45 million over the next three years.

Tim Hudson Inks Extension -- Pending MRI -- Gives Braves Hometown Discount originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some Chin Music for Chase Utley?

Matt Snyder — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:10:00 EST

Filed under: Phillies, Yankees, AL East, NL East, World Series

Phillies second baseman Chase Utley is having quite the World Series. The perennial All-Star is hitting .333 with five home runs, eight RBI and a disgusting 1.651 OPS. Needless to say, he's as locked in as anyone in the series. Four of those round-trippers came in the two Phillies victories (two in each), which illustrates the point that it is paramount for the Yankees to stop him in order to win Game 6.

Doing so is easier said than done, but former Yankees pitcher and World Series Champion David Wells has an idea: a little old fashioned "chin music."

Chase Utley needs to kiss the Yankee Stadium dirt tonight.

Enough is enough, already. I would never advocate throwing at somebody's head, but there comes a time when you've got to make an insanely hot hitter like Utley squirm.

This was written by Wells himself in a column for the New York Post. He also uses the statement, "Show some guts and knock him on his butt," and discusses the fact that five Yankees hitters have been hit with a pitch while only one Phillies hitter has suffered the same fate.

Wells does point out that, once brushing Utley back, he needs to be pitched outside, "like he's Babe Ruth."

I don't want to completely argue with Wells, as he's an accomplished former major league pitcher with some rings (plus, he threw a perfect game half-drunk!), because I can see the value of brushing someone back off the plate and messing with their comfort zone.

But, instead of chancing automatically putting Utley on base in the first inning of a pivotal Game 6, shouldn't they at least broach the philosophy of not feeding him fastballs in the strike zone? Or at least not directly down the middle of the plate? I understand the menacing presence of Ryan Howard is in the on-deck circle protecting Utley, but Howard's doing his best impersonation of a real-life Pedro Cerrano right now (.158 average, World Series record-tying 12 strikeouts, looks overmatched against breaking pitches).

I'd rather walk Utley with four breaking pitches out of the strike zone -- in hopes he goes fishing and gets himself out -- than take the chance of hitting him with a pitch in order to prove some sort of point. Boomer obviously disagrees. We'll find out the Yankees' decision Wednesday evening.

Some Chin Music for Chase Utley? originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tim Hudson, Braves Close to Extension

Matt Snyder — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:41:00 EST

Filed under: Braves, NL East, MLB Rumors

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Atlanta Braves are near a deal that would extend the contract of 34-year-old Tim Hudson by another three years. Rosenthal cites major league sources, and one source told him it would be shocking if the extension wasn't complete within the next four days.

Hudson was once a Cy Young-type pitcher -- he finished in the top-6 three times in a four year span -- but those days are long gone. He can be a valuable part of a pitching staff, though, as he went 16-10 with a 3.33 ERA in his last full season (2007). Since then he's made just 29 starts in two seasons, due to having to undergo and come back from Tommy John surgery.

Despite the arm woes, Hudson was still productive, compiling a 3.61 ERA in 42 1/3 innings last season for the Braves.

The extension is most interesting from the standpoint of what it does to the Braves' starting rotation. We've discussed it before, but, with Hudson, the Braves would have six guys worth a spot in the rotation for 2010: Hudson, Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez, Tommy Hanson, Jair Jurrjens and Kenshin Kawakami. I previously speculated the Braves would look to deal either Vazquez or Kawakami. Rosenthal, in his report, mentions the possibility of trading Lowe or Vazquez for a bat.

It will be interesting to see what the Braves end up doing, because they do have great pitching and are in need of a bit more offensive firepower. They finished third in the National League with a 3.57 ERA, but were held back by a lack of power. They ranked 10th in the NL in slugging percentage and home runs.

Tim Hudson, Braves Close to Extension originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World Series Tickets in Big Demand

Jonathan Berr — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:06:00 EST

Filed under: Phillies, Yankees, AL East, NL East, World Series

Tickets for the World Series are as good as gold -- literally.

Worries about the economy have pushed up prices for the precious metal above $1,000 an ounce, a level many fans are willing to pay for good tickets to baseball's championship, which starts Wednesday in New York.

The ticket search engine FanSnap.com estimates that some ticket sellers are asking more than $1,600 for Game 3 of the showdown between the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, greater than the cost of a pair of pearl earrings ($660) round-trip airfare between the city of Brotherly Love and Tokyo ($778) or a half-pound of frozen gourmet white truffles ($1,300).

FanSnap said getting in the door of Citizens Bank Park will cost $650, enough for the standing room only area that are for sale. Since the Yankees became Philadelphia's World Series opponent, Phillies tickets are up 127 percent, according to RazorGator.com, an online ticket marketplace.

FanSnap also says the Yankees are a bargain compared to the Phillies with average ticket listings at $769 and a "get-in" price of $410, which will get a fan bleacher seats for Game 1 at Yankee Stadium. Ticket brokers say that the disparity between New York and Philadelphia prices are a result of an imbalance between supply and demand that will not last.

"We'll be watching prices in Philadelphia and New York very closely in the coming days to see what happens to ticket availability and prices." Christian Anderson, a FanSnap spokesman, said in an email.

The ticket market also fluctuates -- sometimes wildly -- making ticket prices hard to pin down. Moreover, just because someone asks for a high price does not mean they will get it. But demand remains high and some people will go to any lengths to cheer their team to victory in person. One woman was arrested in the suburbs of Philadelphia for allegedly trying to barter sex for World Series tickets.

Over 200 confused fans stormed Yankee Stadium's front doors Wednesday morning -- some waiting some 30 hours in the rain -- when they realized the team was not selling any World Series tickets, according to the New York Post. One Yankee fan told the paper that he was so disgusted that he was rooting for the Phillies.

The New York Daily News reported that the Yankees handed out free baseball caps to the die-hard fans who braved the elements including Nancy Wandell, 38, who waited at Yankee Stadium despite battling a flu bug through the night.

StubHub, the secondary ticket market endorsed by Major League Baseball, continues to see a brisk trade in World Series tickets. Its figures are different than FanSnap because they only include completed or pending sales. FanSnap includes listings from many sites.

StubHub estimates that the average selling price for New York World Series tickets is $698, up $464 from when the Yankees and Marlins squared off in the 2003 Fall Classic. Philadelphia tickets are averaging $977, up from the $903 tickets sold for last year when the Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays.

Prices start to climb higher as the drama builds: Game 2 tickets have fetched $701. Game 3 and Game 4 tickets have sold for more than $1,000 each. Prices plunge again for Game 5 ($875), Game 6 ($658) and Game 7 ($668), which are only played if necessary.

There are other challenges people face going to the game, including a possible transit strike in Philadelphia. Traveling to New York will be no picnic, either, especially during rush hour. Visitors to Philadelphia may also run into difficulty finding a hotel room because thousands of infectious disease scientists are holding their annual meeting while the Series is in town.

"That, combined with visitors for Game Three of the World Series in addition to the fact that Saturday is generally the busiest night of the week, has pretty much filled most of Center City hotel rooms for Saturday, Oct. 31, " said Caroline Beam, a spokeswoman for the Greater Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

World Series Tickets in Big Demand originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So Far, So Good for Ruben Amaro, Jr.

Matt Snyder — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: Phillies, NL East

After the Philadelphia Phillies won the 2008 World Series championship, highly respected general manager Pat Gillick decided to step down. A few days later, the reins of the franchise were handed to rookie general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., who had been serving as Gillick's right-hand man for the past three seasons.

Needless to say, Amaro wasn't exactly heading into an easy gig. He was taking over a team that had nowhere to go but down, he was succeeding someone considered one of the best in the business and he was doing it in the unforgiving city of Philadelphia. The deck was already stacked against him, but Amaro appeared to make matters worse when his first big move drew the skepticism of many: he signed Raul Ibanez instead of retaining the services of Pat Burrell.

Not only was Burrell about four years younger than Ibanez, but he was also right-handed. The Phillies already had two left-handed hitters in the middle of their order -- Ryan Howard and Chase Utley -- so adding another lefty would appear to make it easier on the late-inning relievers, cried the masses. And, while they were at it, questions were asked about why the Phillies would give a three-year contract to a guy who would be 39 when the contract expired.

The move has proved to be a brilliant one so far, as Ibanez benefited greatly from the league change and a stronger supporting cast. He stormed out of the gates and made his first All-Star team. Even after injuries and a slump caused a huge dip in production in the second half, Ibanez finished with career highs in home runs, slugging percentage and OPS. Meanwhile, Burrell was a complete disaster in Tampa Bay to the point that the Rays seem desperate to unload him this offseason, despite only having him signed for one more season.

Next, the Phillies were rumored to be without Utley for the early part of the season, and many speculated they would swing a deal for a temporary replacement like Mark DeRosa. Instead, Amaro was patient and ended up with prospects to spare for the trade deadline. Utley was ready to go for Opening Day.

A few months into the season, the Phillies found themselves in need of starting pitching help, and those leftover prospects came in handy -- but not for the man most people were targeting. Roy Halladay was available for a very steep price. Instead of entering an all-out bidding war and sending the farm to Toronto for Halladay, Amaro decided to swing a much cheaper deal with the Cleveland Indians for the 2008 Cy Young Award winner, Cliff Lee (also landing valuable bench player Ben Francisco in the same deal).

To say Lee has been a difference-maker for the Phillies this year would be an incredible understatement. He provided a shot in the arm immediately upon coming over, winning his first five starts and compiling a 0.68 ERA in those outings. He faltered a bit down the stretch, but the division title was never in doubt an he's been the ace they traded for in the playoffs.

In three starts, Lee has worked 24 1/3 innings, allowing just 14 hits, two earned runs (0.74 ERA) and three walks. He's struck out a whopping 20 batters. In large part due to his work, the Phillies are two wins away from heading back to the World Series. It's hard to say how Halladay would have worked out for the Phillies, but he certainly couldn't have been better in the postseason than Lee has been.

Another gem for Amaro was the Pedro Martinez signing. No one wanted Pedro for several months as he pursued work following a bad 2008 campaign where he posted a 5.61 ERA and 1.57 WHIP (both by far the worst of his career). Needing the starting depth, though, Amaro gave him a shot.

Martinez took the ball nine times for the Phillies, working 44 2/3 innings, striking out 37 and walking just eight. He compiled a 5-1 record and 3.63 ERA. Better yet, the 37-year-old future Hall of Famer stymied the Dodgers in Game 2 of the NLCS, hurling seven innings of shutout baseball. He allowed just two hits and walked no one.

Signing Ibanez instead of Burrell, not pursuing temporary help at second base, trading for Lee instead of Halladay and signing Martinez were four moves that greatly contributed to the Phillies being the position they are. To a certain extent, each of these decisions was questioned or doubted at the time. As a rookie GM Amaro made these tough decisions, and we can't be sure his predecessor would have done the same.

It hasn't even been one full calendar year since he took the job, but it's pretty easy to say that Amaro is definitely the right man for the job in Philly, even if his Phillies don't repeat as world champions.

So Far, So Good for Ruben Amaro, Jr. originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 MLB Postseason Schedule

Pat Lackey — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Cardinals, Dodgers, Phillies, Red Sox, Rockies, Twins, Yankees, AL Central, AL East, AL West, NL Central, NL East, NL West, MLB Playoffs, American League Division Series, National League Division Series

With two series over, Major League Baseball has updated the schedule for the rest of the Division Series.

The Rockies and Phillies will play their Game 4 at 4 PM ET if the Yankees-Twins series is still going on. Should the Yankees finish off a sweep Sunday night, the NL Game would move to 6 PM ET.

Series-by-series times are after the jump (all times Eastern).

Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees:

Game 1- Twins at Yankees, 10/7, 6:07 PM, TBS
Game 2- Twins at Yankees, 10/9, 6:07 PM, TBS
Game 3- Yankees at Twins, 10/11, 7:07 PM, TBS
Game 4- Yankees at Twins, 10/12, 7:37 PM, if necessary, TBS
Game 5- Twins at Yankees, 10/14, 8:07 PM, if necessary, TBS

Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Game 1- Red Sox at Angels, 10/8, 9:37 PM, TBS
Game 2- Red Sox at Angels, 10/9, 9:37 PM, TBS
Game 3- Angels at Red Sox, 10/11, 12:07 PM, TBS

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Game 1- Cardinals at Dodgers, 10/7, 9:37 PM, TBS
Game 2- Cardinals at Dodgers, 10/8, 6:07 PM, TBS
Game 3- Dodgers at Cardinals, 10/10, 6:07 PM,TBS

Colorado Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Game 1- Rockies at Phillies, 10/7, 2:37 PM, TBS
Game 2- Rockies at Phillies, 10/8, 2:37 PM, TBS
Game 3- Phillies at Rockies, 10/11, 10:07 PM,TBS
Game 4- Phillies at Rockies, 10/12, 6:07 PM (7:37 PM if AL still going), TBS
Game 5- Rockies at Phillies, 10/13, 8:07 PM, if necessary TBS

AL Championship Series

Game 1-Angels at Yankees or Twins at Angels, 10/16, Fox
Game 2-Angels at Yankees or Twins at Angels, 10/17, Fox
Game 3-Yankees at Angels or Angels at Twins, 10/19, Fox
Game 4-Yankees at Angels or Angels at Twins, 10/20, Fox
Game 5-Yankees at Angels or Angels at Twins, 10/22, if necessary, Fox
Game 6-Angels at Yankees or Twins at Angels, 10/24, if necessary, Fox
Game 7-Angels at Yankees or Twins at Angels, 10/25, if necessary, Fox

NL Championship Series

Game 1-Rockies or Phillies at Dodgers, 10/15, TBS
Game 2-Rockies or Phillies at Dodgers, 10/16, TBS
Game 3-Dodgers at Rockies or Philliies, 10/18, TBS
Game 4-Dodgers at Rockies or Philliies, 10/19, TBS
Game 5-Dodgers at Rockies or Philliies, 10/21, if necessary, TBS
Game 6-Rockies or Phillies at Dodgers, 10/23, if necessary, TBS
Game 7-Rockies or Phillies at Dodgers, 10/24, if necessary, TBS

2009 MLB Postseason Schedule originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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