[Phils20]

Phillies head south, standing pat for now

They still seek a righthanded hitter. The payroll may be upwards of $130 million, pending Howard's arbitration.

By Kevin Roberts
For The Inquirer
The Phillies are set to arrive in spring training next week without making another addition after an off-season in which their payroll is expected to rise more than $30 million - a bigger jump than any other team in baseball, according to figures compiled by ESPN. The Phillies' payroll came in around $98 million in 2008, and looks to open 2009 "north of $130 million," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. Most of that was spent keeping the World Series champions together - with the notable exception of Raul Ibanez taking the place of Pat Burrell. And with Ryan Howard's salary still unsettled, that number could keep rising.
The Phillies have inquired about almost every righthanded bat on the market, including Rich Aurilia, Mark Grudzielanek, and Moises Alou (they offered a contract to Ty Wigginton, who instead signed earlier this week with Baltimore). Even Andruw Jones has merited a tepid look.
Their primary interest continues to be Nomar Garciaparra, but his status may not be resolved for several weeks. Because the Phillies are eyeing a veteran in this role who might not need a ton of spring training time to be ready, Amaro said, it's possible for this to be a late addition.
"When you talk about a team's off-season, you can't really judge it until you go north," Amaro said. "We're on a constant mission to try to improve."
The Phillies have also looked at several names for bullpen help, given that J.C. Romero will start the season on a 50-game suspension for violating baseball's substance-abuse policy. But Amaro said the team isn't in position to offer big years and money, and seeking a player willing to accept a limited role for what Amaro termed a "modest" contract could limit their options.
"It's very likely we'll go into spring training with the club we have now," Amaro said.
While Amaro said he is still casting around for more depth, Howard's imminent arbitration hearing is plainly issue number one.
"The elephant in the middle of the room is the Ryan Howard situation," Amaro said. "We'll continue to work to get something done with him. We're always optimistic that we can get things done. Both sides are open-minded, and both sides are working at it."
Howard and his agent, Casey Close, have asked for $18 million. The Phillies have countered with $14 million. Amaro said Howard's salary wouldn't prevent a move the team wanted to make, but it may be an issue the Phillies would need to settle before moving on to other additions.
"Look, $4 million is $4 million," Amaro said. "That's not to say it would preclude us from adding on at the right time. We've always had the flexibility to add some things. But it doesn't take an economics major to see that $4 million makes a difference."
Talks may be heating up in an effort to avoid the arbitration hearing. Asked when was the last time he talked with Howard, Amaro laughed and said: "Um . . . I'm going to keep that confidential." Close did not return a phone call placed to his office yesterday.
Howard, at least, looks to arrive in spring training in better shape this year. He's been working out regularly this off-season, including more work with Phillies coach Sam Perlozzo on defensive drills. Howard made 19 errors last season.
While Howard hit 48 homers and drove in 146 runs last season, he got off to a horrible start - batting .168 in April.

[Phils20]

I'd like to know where this ranks the team in payroll once the year starts.

The ownership for years cried "Small Market".

Now, this is still well below the Yankees payroll, who isn't?

But, I bet this ranks them pretty high in payroll, and I think it sets a new standard for what we can expect, as fans.

I don't want to hear anymore from the owners about small market. I don't expect this team to win the title every year, but I also don't expect to see many sub-500 years either.

The fans here support this team, and we deserve what they are doing now!

As to Howard, I hope they just find a way to get this done. I still think that avoiding arbitration this year would be a good thing.

[Full Cougar]

I think they should deffenitly spend that money. Possibly on a good pitcher. However, even if they didn't, I would still rank them in the top 5 teams in the league.

[njpsufan]

I think they are willing to spend money... they just want to spend it wisely. Signing guys like Utley, Rollins, Hamels to multi year deals shows they will pay. Think the goal is similar to Yanks in mid 90's... identify good young players in your farm system. Build around them by adding quality FA (think Paul O'Neill, John Wetteland, David Cone) not super pricey guys. Help Yanks win 4 titles in 5 years. Once they got away from that and started signing big FA things changed. Chowder boys have doen something similar. We have a fairly good core group. We need to keep looking at what is in the farm system and how to make it grow. The Phils have 2 young stud OF who are highly rated but at least 2 years away. Can one of them replace Ibanez in a few... perhaps. What about Donald?? Do we try and move him to 3B?? Or do we move Utley to 1B and trade Howard now that he has a fixed salary which will make him more attractive? This year will give us some answers... who is the real Brett Myers (1st half or 2nd half)? Who takes the #5 spot in the rotation? If he is given a chance, can Donald play? Do we see Marson at C? Or does the signing of Paulino tell us he is not ready?

[Phils20]

Lots of good questions, esp around the young players and the pitching staff.

I think this year will show a lot. Myers has to keep his head right for a season, and the Moyer needs to pick up at least 10 wins, even if he's 10-8.

I think Marsen will be here full time in 2010, and I also don't see Ibanez here past the two year deal he signed.

I do think they will keep Howard though, for the entire three.

But time will tell.

[njpsufan]

No, I agree on Ibanez. He is here to fill a gap until one the guys fromt he farm shows he has what it takes. Don't think we see anyone this year, but next year after Jenkins contract is gone perhaps. Marsen played well in the Olympics didn't he?? However they now have Ruiz, Coste and Paulino. That tells me perhaps they are not sold him him. We do need to see the SP sort itself out. Hamels, does he take the step up to become a CY-type candidate?? Myers we spoke of. Moyer most certainly needs 10+ wins. If teams start pounding him it will really hurt. Blanton needs to build on his success. And as far as our #5... somone needs to step up. Think Carrasco is going to AAA but think they want to see a lot of him in ST. Haap and Kendricks are front runners. Think Park has no chance and still think signing him was a bad move.