Reuben Time! GM is BUSY (PHILLIES Dec 3)

December 3, 2009   ·   philliesmania   ·   Jump to comments

The Phillies biggest needs are still being addressed but Reuben Amaro has been busy nonetheless. For one the suspense is over. Will Paul Bako be back? Probably not now that the Phillies brought in Brian Schnieder for 2 years to back up Ruiz.

“It’s kind of like a backup quarterback,” Amaro said. “It’s a specialty position. We want to try to give ourselves some depth as this position, and I think we did that with a guy who has been an everyday catcher in the past. He was willing to come to a team with a chance to win.”

Schnieder grew up in Northhampton ironically as a Phillies fan. “I grew up a fan,” Schneider said. “All my friends and family are still die hard Phillies fans, so it’s good to be on that side again. It’s a good place to be the next two years.”

Overall the 33 yr old should fit right in and be helpful to Ruiz and his new team.

In other news the Placido Polanco talks just got hotter. Detroit did not offer arbitration to Polanco so signing him will not cost the draft pick everyone assumed would factor in the equation. IS he okay with 3rd base is a question of course but I think he wants to win and he liked it in Philly. The Red Sox and Astros are in the mix though also.

Reports say that DeRosa, Beltre, and Tejada are not out of the equation though. So 3rd base is still not nailed down yet.

Here is the over view at this point according to Phillies.com.  Amaro is looking to keep financial flexibility. Schneider signed a two-year, $2.75 million contract Tuesday, according to a source. He will make $1.25 million in 2010 and $1.5 million in 2011. That leaves the Phillies’ 2010 payroll at $108 million for 13 players. That does include significant raises for Joe Blanton, Shane Victorino and Carlos Ruiz, plus the money it will take to find a third baseman and bullpen help.

SO there are things that can and will be done. The Jaun Castro deal is still pending so there may be 1 or 2 more bench spots to fill. Pitching is also still on the shopping list. The Jamie Moyer injury and surgery situation is still up in the air. He has had procedures and only time will tell where he stands. So with Lee, Hamels, Blanton, and Happ penciled in that leaves only Kendrick as a clear option if Moyer is out.

In the bullpen it is unclear what the deal is with Chan Ho Park and Scott Eyre. Both were not offered arbitration. SO relief pitchers will also be sought after. WHO?