clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Phillies haven't addressed top offseason need

New, 1 comment

CSN Philly's Jim Salisbury notes that the Phillies still have the payroll flexibility to address their top offseason need -- adding a run-producing bat.

Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Major League Baseball's Winter Meetings have come and gone -- and the Philadelphia Phillies haven't acquired a big, run producing bat like they set out to do.

CSN Philly's Jim Salisbury notes that though the Phillies haven't picked up a run-producing bat yet, the acquisition of Ben Revere and potential acquisition of Michael Young boosts Philadelphia's lineup -- and allows the club payroll flexibility headed into next year.

One thing to like about the acquisition of Revere and the potential acquisition of Young is that the Phillies will fill two holes for a little over $6 million. The Rangers are expected to pay more than $10 million of Young's $16 million, if the deal goes through. The Phils were ready to pay Upton at least $11 million a year so they should have the financial flexibility to continue to add production to their outfield. This production - and any reliever the Phillies add - may have come through free agency because the Phils pitching' depth has taken a hit in the Revere trade and could take more of hit if the Young deal goes through.

Revere hit .294/.333/.342 in 553 plate appearances for the Minnesota Twins in 2012, and stole 40 bases. Salisbury notes that the Phillies tried to acquire Josh Willingham in the same deal, but even though they dealt both Vance Worley and Trevor May, the Twins were unwilling to include Willingham. Revere's 2012 ended with an fWAR of 3.4 -- which is very solid production from a young centerfielder.

Young, on the other hand, is coming off the worst season of his career. Young hit just .277/.312/.370, and had an fWAR of -1.4.

Still, Salisbury's point that the Phillies have payroll flexibility going forward is true -- and he has a few ideas on who the Phillies could spend money on to help add offense prior to spring training.