GaryMrMets
07-04-2003, 04:31 PM
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/phi/news/phi_news.jsp?ymd=20030630&content_id=402945&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi
06/30/2003 7:25 PM ET
Phillies will be buyers, not sellers
If team makes a move, it will be to add talent
By Ken Mandel / MLB.com
PHILADELPHIA -- A bat off the bench or for the everyday lineup? Bullpen help? A veteran starter?
Just what do the Phillies need to enhance their chances of playing meaningful games in October? Phillies general manager Ed Wade has had plenty of conversations to try and answer that question.
This is the time of year Wade's phone tends to ring most often. And it has been ringing. Wade said the Phillies are having conversations with other clubs to gauge what some might be interested in doing, though he added the best current course of action might be to stand pat.
"I think with the 25 players that we have right now, and with Tyler Houston expected back in mid-July, we've got a club that's capable of competing and being a championship-caliber team without going out and doing something," Wade said. "But you never close your eyes to the possibility of something that may make a lot of sense.
"Realistically at this point, I think we should assess our own club and hope we don't have a major breakdown some place, then decide whether there's something to do that's sensible before the trading deadline. We're not going to fall into the trap of doing something because the trading deadline is fast approaching."
No need to right now. The team Wade assembled this winter is in the midst of its best stretch of the season -- a five-game winning streak and victories in 10 of their past 12 games through Monday. At 44-34, the Phillies have to be content with how their season is going, trailing the Braves by 6 1/2 games in the NL East, and tied with the Dodgers in the Wild-Card race.
The 2003 Phillies are predicated on a pitching staff that's second in the NL in ERA and a defense that has made the NL's fewest errors. One area that would seemingly scream for improvement is the inconsistent offense, which has labored all year near the bottom in batting average. Entering Monday, Philadelphia was 13th in batting average, but fifth in on-base percentage.
Jim Thome, Bobby Abreu and Mike Lieberthal are fine, but what of the rest?
Pat Burrell and David Bell are in season-long slumps and are locked into long-term deals. Placido Polanco and Jimmy Rollins aren't perfect, but they set the tone at the top of the order and anchor one of the NL's best middle infields.
When Marlon Byrd was hitting below .200 into June, there was speculation that perhaps he needed more time in the minors and the team should upgrade. The name most often brought up was Kenny Lofton. Byrd responded by hitting .359 in June and appears to be figuring things out at the Major League level.
So what's a club to do?
"You have to be a realist and understand that things can change in a matter of hours where what we perceived to be a strength becomes a weakness because something's happened from a health standpoint," said Wade. "I don't get overly excited about where we are at any point in time because things can change pretty quickly."
Wade said salary won't be an issue, despite the team's payroll of about $71 million. If a deal made sense, the Phillies could take on a salary. One issue still hanging is the fate of ace Kevin Millwood.
A free agent at the end of the season, Wade said he is ready to talk with Millwood and agent Scott Boras whenever it's convenient. Though Wade wouldn't confirm it, Millwood said such a meeting could take place over the All-Star break. The right-hander doesn't want his contract to be a distraction, so he's provided that as the only window.
"We're interested in keeping him and, if the opportunity to have a conversation occurs sooner rather than later, we're prepared to do that," said Wade.
Whether or not a deal can be worked out, Wade said the team has no plans to trade Millwood, or be sellers in general.
"We're not going to be sellers in the market. If anything, we'll be trying to add on. I think it's too early for us to clearly say this is an area that we should try and strengthen, and I hope it stays that way."
Wade also said he doesn't expect the Phillies to be too willing to part with some of their blue-chip prospects in a deal. This list likely includes Chase Utley, Gavin Floyd and Cole Hamels.
"I don't think you necessarily say a guy is untouchable, but the return you'd have to get to talk about some of the guys would have to be substantial," said Wade. "And we're going to continue to be pretty selfish about what we've got in our system, as active as we were this offseason. There's a veteran flavor that we added to this club, we still are big believers in developing through the system."
Ken Mandel is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
06/30/2003 7:25 PM ET
Phillies will be buyers, not sellers
If team makes a move, it will be to add talent
By Ken Mandel / MLB.com
PHILADELPHIA -- A bat off the bench or for the everyday lineup? Bullpen help? A veteran starter?
Just what do the Phillies need to enhance their chances of playing meaningful games in October? Phillies general manager Ed Wade has had plenty of conversations to try and answer that question.
This is the time of year Wade's phone tends to ring most often. And it has been ringing. Wade said the Phillies are having conversations with other clubs to gauge what some might be interested in doing, though he added the best current course of action might be to stand pat.
"I think with the 25 players that we have right now, and with Tyler Houston expected back in mid-July, we've got a club that's capable of competing and being a championship-caliber team without going out and doing something," Wade said. "But you never close your eyes to the possibility of something that may make a lot of sense.
"Realistically at this point, I think we should assess our own club and hope we don't have a major breakdown some place, then decide whether there's something to do that's sensible before the trading deadline. We're not going to fall into the trap of doing something because the trading deadline is fast approaching."
No need to right now. The team Wade assembled this winter is in the midst of its best stretch of the season -- a five-game winning streak and victories in 10 of their past 12 games through Monday. At 44-34, the Phillies have to be content with how their season is going, trailing the Braves by 6 1/2 games in the NL East, and tied with the Dodgers in the Wild-Card race.
The 2003 Phillies are predicated on a pitching staff that's second in the NL in ERA and a defense that has made the NL's fewest errors. One area that would seemingly scream for improvement is the inconsistent offense, which has labored all year near the bottom in batting average. Entering Monday, Philadelphia was 13th in batting average, but fifth in on-base percentage.
Jim Thome, Bobby Abreu and Mike Lieberthal are fine, but what of the rest?
Pat Burrell and David Bell are in season-long slumps and are locked into long-term deals. Placido Polanco and Jimmy Rollins aren't perfect, but they set the tone at the top of the order and anchor one of the NL's best middle infields.
When Marlon Byrd was hitting below .200 into June, there was speculation that perhaps he needed more time in the minors and the team should upgrade. The name most often brought up was Kenny Lofton. Byrd responded by hitting .359 in June and appears to be figuring things out at the Major League level.
So what's a club to do?
"You have to be a realist and understand that things can change in a matter of hours where what we perceived to be a strength becomes a weakness because something's happened from a health standpoint," said Wade. "I don't get overly excited about where we are at any point in time because things can change pretty quickly."
Wade said salary won't be an issue, despite the team's payroll of about $71 million. If a deal made sense, the Phillies could take on a salary. One issue still hanging is the fate of ace Kevin Millwood.
A free agent at the end of the season, Wade said he is ready to talk with Millwood and agent Scott Boras whenever it's convenient. Though Wade wouldn't confirm it, Millwood said such a meeting could take place over the All-Star break. The right-hander doesn't want his contract to be a distraction, so he's provided that as the only window.
"We're interested in keeping him and, if the opportunity to have a conversation occurs sooner rather than later, we're prepared to do that," said Wade.
Whether or not a deal can be worked out, Wade said the team has no plans to trade Millwood, or be sellers in general.
"We're not going to be sellers in the market. If anything, we'll be trying to add on. I think it's too early for us to clearly say this is an area that we should try and strengthen, and I hope it stays that way."
Wade also said he doesn't expect the Phillies to be too willing to part with some of their blue-chip prospects in a deal. This list likely includes Chase Utley, Gavin Floyd and Cole Hamels.
"I don't think you necessarily say a guy is untouchable, but the return you'd have to get to talk about some of the guys would have to be substantial," said Wade. "And we're going to continue to be pretty selfish about what we've got in our system, as active as we were this offseason. There's a veteran flavor that we added to this club, we still are big believers in developing through the system."
Ken Mandel is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.