[Phils20]

Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Odds and Ends
Hola, amigos.
Nothing major to report, but a couple things to report nonetheless ...
The Phillies have contacted Pat Burrell's agents to express their interest in bringing him back, although those discussions didn't get specific. In other words, I don't think they talked money or years. I think this was just the Phillies' way of saying, "Hey, Pat, we appreciate the years you've given to the organization and we'd like you back, but we'll talk later." I have said a few times that I think it is less likely than likely that Burrell returns, and I still believe that is the case because I think Burrell would have to take a contract that favors the Phillies to return. In other words, I could see the Phillies offering Burrell a one- or two-year contract. If another team, perhaps an American League team, offers Burrell a three- or four-year contract, is Burrell going to say no and take a lesser deal to stay in Philadelphia?
The Phillies continue to talk seriously with Jamie Moyer's agent about a contract extension. I expect something to happen, but maybe not before the weekend.
The Phillies can negotiate exclusively with Burrell and Moyer until Friday, when they hit the open market.
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John Gonzalez, Bob Ford and Phil Sheridan talk about the left field situation.
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The Phillies need a new bench coach, since Jimy Williams has quit, and a new third-base coach because Steve Smith was fired. They also may need a new bullpen coach. Ramon Henderson had the job but left in midseason for personal reasons. It is unclear if he will be back.

Sam Perlozzo, who managed Baltimore from 2005 to '07, is expected to interview for a coaching job later this week. Perlozzo has been a third-base coach, so he could fit as Smith's replacement. The Phillies also have interest in Jim Tracy, Terry Collins, Tim Bogar, Rich Donnelly, Pete Mackanin and Matt Galante. I would say either Tracy and Collins could get the bench job because both have previous managerial experience.

[Full Cougar]

It will most likely be a 1 or 2 year contract, like you said, if he were to re-sign with them. I think he could handle another year or two. The only thing is, he may be happy with endind his career on a high note after winning the world series. We will see though. I wonder if they will get Moyer back also.

[njpsufan]

I think Moyer is back.. that's a given. He just moved his family to Florida, outside Clearwater where, oh yeah, the Phils have their spring training complex. So no way he goes anywhere west of the Mississippi. Phils will offer him either a 1 or 2 year deal, whatever he wants. Been obvious that they have offerred him a coaching position within the organization when he retires, probably with Gulf Coast team or Single A. Never really worried about him not coming back. I think the Phils know Burrell may not get the offers he is hoping for on the FA market. While he has good power, his average is low and he does not want to be a DH, he has said that repeatedly, he wants to play the field. So unless some AL team offers him $15 a year, which I think is tough because most teams are talking about scaling payroll in this economy. The CC's and Manny's will get the big bucks and the rest of the guys are going to be taking scraps, i.e Kyle Lohse last year. Burrell likes Philly, and for the first time, Philly likes him. Still think we see a 2 year deal for $10-12 and then perhaps 2 option years.

[Full Cougar]

That would be good for the Phillies to have him coach aswell. Keep him in the franchise even longer.

[Captain_Manuel]

i would imagine they'll request he stay for a year or two but defintely lowball him on the offer. it never hurts to ask.

[njpsufan]

I would love to see them make him an offer along these lines
2 years $20-25M
3rd year option that kicks in if he averages 25HR, 90RBI and hits .270 over the previous 2 years.
4th year option that kicks in along similar lines.
This way if he is still playing well he will get paid. If however he starts to decline then at the most we have him for 2 years. The HR and RBI are well within his career averages, they key will be for him to bring up his batting average. It is not that hard to go from hitting .250 to .270. For a guy like Burrell, who get 500 AB it comes down to 10 hits.. thats it. 10 hits over a 6 month period. 1 extra hit every 16 games. Yes I could probably not do it, but I think Burrell can. For $12M I will take a Burrell putting up those numbers and being a clubhouse leader as opposed to a Manny putting up higher numbers but being a clubhouse distraction. Besides, if you are batting behind Howard and he is getting 130+ RBI's... how many do you think should a reasonable guy should get??