Just as an FYI, I thought you should know I just popped two liquid gel pills of Nyquil. So, in a last minute attempt to post my thoughts on a semi up-to-date topic in baseball news, if I pass out please ignore theeeeeeeeeee repeaaaaaaaaatedddddddd leeeetrrrrrsssssssssssssssss. Kidding. But I really did take two Nyquil pills.
ESPN has reported that the Philadelphia Phillies have signed a fundamentally solid veteran and great all round third baseman Pedro Feliz. Feliz, who first signed as an amateur free agent in 1994 with the San Francisco Giants, will be making $8.5 million for the next two years with a club option for 2010. When all is said and done Feliz's contract could potentially be worth around 15 million with bonuses.
Feliz is more than just an upgrade from the trio of Nunez, Dobbs, and Helms. He's a solid potential everyday starter. O.K, sure, he's been in the league for 8 long and grueling seasons but his numbers have grown over the years and he seems to be at a certain consistency with his play in the batters box and at the hot corner. Sure, we'll have Dobbs and even Helms if needed (hopefully not. GEW!).
Feliz solidifies an already stellar infield. Feliz is bringing a lifetime bating average of .252, average RBI's of 84, and average HR's of 21 a season. Not only that but last season, Feliz showcased a snappy glove with a fielding percentage of .973. All of Feliz's statistics compared to that of the original trio we had in Philadelphia for the 2007 season are significantly more improved.
With this new acquisition by GM Pat Gillick, one is left to wonder, what's next?
We have made a lot of progress and are now, to me anyway, statistically better on paper as a team than we were last season (Yes, that includes Aaron Rowand. We are now better without him.) Do we wait for injuries to occur (hopefully not to us but, rather, to other teams) before we decide what to do with Helms, or better yet, Dobbs? Do we have the possibility of picking up at least one more solid reliever to help out our always struggling bullpen? Could Helms or Dobbs be packaged with a minor leaguer or two for a quality arm?
These are all questions that will be answered in time but, for right now, I'm glad to say I'm satisfied with where the Phillies stand in they're off season.
Bring on Clearwater and Spring Training! God, I love it.
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