While sitting at a banquet for the high school Wall of Fame, I had the opportunity to speak with both former and current principals and avid Phillies' fans, Ken Woodward and Dave Madden. During the conversation the topic of the Phillies' search for a new general manager came up. Madden posed the question to Woodward, "If you were the next Phillies G.M., and money wasn't an issue, what would your first three moves be?" Well, that question and ensuing conversation got me thinking. What would I do if I were in that position?
The Phillies major problem for years has been the lack of a true number one pitcher, an ace, and that would be my top priority in the off-season. I would stop at nothing to acquire a top-notch starter. I don't mean someone who could blossom into a number one, I mean a proven veteran, who can step in and lead a pitching staff. First, I would scour the free-agent market for one and if that doesn't work, I would trade anyone, except for Ryan Howard and Chase Utley to acquire one.
Who would bring the best pitching to the club? Most likely Bobby Abreu. Yes, Abreu is a good hitter and nice fielder, but he is not as great as many people think. The word clutch is not in Abreu's vocabulary. The same could be said about hustle. Those two attributes, or should I say lack thereof, make him expendable. Chances are you could land a top pitcher and possibly a few prospects for Abreu. If I weren't able to get a pitcher for Abreu, I would look for a catcher or third baseman for him, or possibly both.
That leads me to my next series of moves.
The catcher has to go, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Mike Leiberthal can't manage a pitching staff and he certainly can't hit. Granted, he has a huge contract for next year. Eat it. Buy out Leiberthal and send him packing. Find someone with the skills of a Jason Varitek or Bengie Molina. Anyone has to be better than Leiby.
After catcher comes the problem at first base and third base. Now I have heard rumblings that the Mariners are willing to deal Adrian Beltre for Jim Thome and David Bell. If that is the case, jump on it. Taking that deal eliminates the problem brewing at first base between Thome and Howard, and it rids you of two contracts you don't want.
Now if that deal is not on the table, I have another solution.
Send Bell packing, eating his contract as well. Move Pat Burrell back to his old position at third base, put Ryan Howard in left field and let Thome play first. The problems with that are Thome's health, Howard's ability to play left field, and Burrell's ability to play third again.
Next comes the bullpen. Pay Billy Wagner the money he wants. Granted the Phillies have offered him a three-year, $30-million contract, which he is using to go out on the market and test his value. Do whatever it takes to bring Wagner back to the club. Find some quality long and middle relievers. Waive bye-bye to Rheal Cormier. Keep Ugueth Urbina and Ryan Madson and you should be good to go..
Now as for what Woodward and Madden suggested. Each says to trade Abreu and get what you can for him. Ship Thome and Bell out and get rid of Leiberthal. Honestly it seems as though everyone who knows the game of baseball knows what the Phillies need to do. Let's just hope the next Phillies G.M. does too.