Serious question: Marlon Byrd, Really?

No, seriously. I don't get it, I'm really asking here. I've been trying to get a grasp of this signing since it has happened to figure out the plan here but I still just can't wrap my head around it. Obviously we all know that the Phillies need a right-handed power bat, some outfield and pitching help but I don't see this filling any of those needs. 

Ok I know he bags from the right side but the power just isn't there. 24 home runs is his career high for a season, which happened last season after a PED suspension the year prior. Jimmy Rollins has 2 seasons with more than 24 homers, yea "Jimmy Hustle" has more power than Byrd. And at the age of 36 I can't envision his power numbers jumping up for the next two years. 

Speaking of 2 years, it seems like Ruben doesn't have any plans of getting any younger any time soon. With the aging core, why wouldn't you add an aging vet to a squad on the downside of their careers? Of course that doesn't even include the option for the third year that could keep Byrd here til the age of 39. Of course the price doesn't help either, 8 mill per does not sound like the type of money you give to a bench player either.  That's the type of money that you are going to give to a someone who is going to be starting. Unfortunately, Marlon Byrd is not a player that is going to be starting on most playoff teams (yea, I know he did last year but he wasn't completely relied on to be a productive bat and came to the pirates towards the end of the season).

Honestly I would have been ok signing Byrd later in the winter as a bench player after exhausting the rest of your options. Instead as it stands we have a starting outfield with the killer B's (Brown, Ben and Byrd) who doesn't inspire much confidence. Maybe I am missing something with this signing or I am not looking at the whole picture somehow, but I don't get it. If anyone at all knows something about this that I don't please enlighten me because Ruben has lost me with this one. 

Quick side note: If these are the types of signings Ruben has planned for the winter, I don't think he is planning to be the GM much longer. 

Goins

My name is a Chooch.

Free agency has started for MLB and the Rockies and Red Sox are wasting no time in trying to get the signature of Carlos Ruiz from the Phillies. Colorado better be careful with Chooch, he has been known to dabble with prescription drugs and consult his own doctor instead of the teams. He may wind up with a medical marijuana card and suspended from the league again.

There are some big name free agent catchers on the list this year and if Chooch parts ways with Philadelphia, look for the Phillies to pursue them. Topping the list we have Brian McCann, but he may be a tough option to sign. He has played his entire career with the Atlanta Braves and may not want to sign with a divisional rival, plus he has been know to express his interest in the American League. Jarrod Saltalamacchia is another good option for the Phils. He is just coming off a World Series victory with the Boston Red Sox and they may look to keep him on their roster, but with interest shown in Ruiz, this may not be the case. Another name on the list is A.J. Pierzynski. Though he is older than Carlos Ruiz and of the others, he provides a much needed bat in this Phillies lineup and could be cheaper than keeping Carlos. He is a 2x All-Star and a World Series Champion.

All in all, Roob the Boob, needs to make something happen during this off-season and during the free agent period, if he wants this team to succeed next year. My guess, he will f*ck this up for the team and city again.


Crojack

Dominic Brown everyone.

 

This past Sunday evening marked another loss at home for the Philadelphia Eagles, which now totals to nine straight at home. But, it was also time for Dominic Brown, outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies, to support the Dallas Cowboys in his Michael Irving or Dez Bryant jersey.

Not only has this pissed off a lot of people on Twitter and on other social media outlets, but it shows that he could care less about what his "fans" think about him. Now, I know what you are thinking, who cares who he roots for? He has the right to cheer for anybody. You are right in saying that, but when you are born and raised in Florida, not Texas, and openly cheer and plaster on Twitter "Go Boys", in front the of the city you represent, there will be some backlash. Most of the reactions were very harsh and in some ways they are right, but some people went way overboard. Some reactions were, "Leave. Philly. Now." "You are a asshole." " I'm starting a #TradeBrown page you got to go!" All comments were from different users on Twitter. Side note, Mike Adams, the Phillies reliever is also in this picture, but he is actually from Texas.

Brown had an answer to all the negativity he has been getting, he tweeted, "Philly doesn't love me. I get boo's almost every night. No big deal use to it." That is mainly because you were a ghost after the all-star break and rarely played a good game, before and after the injury. It seems as though Brown has had it with Philly and the fans and maybe he does not care to be a part of this city anymore. This is not to say he deserves to go because he is a Cowboys fan, but it would be nice for someone who represents Philadelphia to be somewhat quiet of who they cheer for and not be ignorant of his situation in Philadelphia. What happened yesterday just puts a big target on his back for the fans of the Phillies.


CroJack

One Last Hurrah

2014 seems to be gearing up to be the last hurrah for this Phillies team that has brought a lot of excitement to the great city of Philadelphia.  The core group that won this franchise a world series and a trip back in 2009 is still intact but is getting old and aren't at the top of their games like 2008.  Howard, Rollins, and Utley are still all under contract and will be back next year to give it another shot.  If these core three can stay healthy for a full year it can mean good things, but that doesn't seem to be the trend for the past 3 or so years.  Another welcome addition that has finally come into his own skin is Dominic Brown.  Brown had a superb breakout year in 2013 hitting 27 homers and was leading the league at one point.  The Phillies have some gaps in outfield and are still wondering who to put at third, but they could definitely make a run if some key players are put in those spots and perform.

One key acquisition that would take this team from good to great is Giancarlo Stanton.  The Marlins already blew up their team last year and moved most of their good players and Stanton has been looking for a way out.  If Phillies are able to dig deep and trade some prospects (if there are any left after making moves the last couple years) and grab Stanton that would fill the huge gap in outfield and give a much welcomed boost to the bats, with 23 HRs and a .365 OBP in 2013.  Stanton will most likely be looking for the big bucks come his contract year but he could be a franchise player and help a team out for many years to come.


What do you guys think?  Will the Phillies make the moves this off season to try and make a run or will they be stuck in mediocrity and have to blow up the team after 2014?


ski

Photo: Philly.com