Comments on: The ReclinerGM’s 2009 MLB Preview: Philadelphia Phillies Infield

By: The ReclinerGM’s 2009 MLB Preview: Phillies Starting Rotation

The ReclinerGM’s 2009 MLB Preview: Phillies Starting Rotation — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 01:51:13 +0000

[...] the infield preview, I’ll be looking at where we are now, what improvements can be made, and what I expect in [...]

By: bski

bski — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:25:09 +0000

The day of reckoning fast approaches. Here's another Ryan Howard arbitration article. Sounds like his hearing will be next week.

By: ReclinerGM’s 2009 MLB Preview

ReclinerGM’s 2009 MLB Preview — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 03:49:43 +0000

[...] Phillies (Infield/Outfield/Starters/Bullpen/vs. [...]

By: stu

stu — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 23:37:50 +0000

That picture of Marson looks like it was taken in 1957.

By: bball

bball — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:08:44 +0000

The infield is pretty set. Of all the areas on our ballclub it’s the one where we know most what we’re going to get. Heck, we have more MVP candidates than positional battles! At this point Rollins, Utley and Howard are what they are. We don’t know whether they’ll have an above average or below average season but at least we know either will be productive.
As for Ruiz and Feliz, I think Cholly will play whoever is playing the best, like he did with Werth. If Donald, Dobbs, Coste, Marson or anyone else earns playing time then he’ll get it. It seems like Donald will get a good chance during spring training and maybe the early season with Utley and Feliz recovering. He could unseat Feliz if he plays out of his mind but I think he’ll be in the minors if everyone is healthy. The Phils don’t usually let prospects sit on the bench in the majors when they can play in the minors. That’s my take on Donald, however I think Marson will have a big impact this year. I think he’ll make the team (maybe out of spring training) and gradually earn playing time like Pete said. I think he has a chance to be our starting catcher by seasons end.
Also the role Dobbs has had the last couple years is perfect for him. Credit to Cholly for using him just enough to get a lot of production but not too much. He isn’t the same hitter when he’s starting every night for whatever reason. Maybe he gets worn down or maybe pitchers see too much of him and figure him out. He’s been arguably the best hitter in his role the last 2 years. It was a good job by management to get Feliz and Ibanez (albeit I would have prefered a different starter) to keep Dobbs in his current role

By: TheRobTyson

TheRobTyson — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:53:24 +0000

Okay Pete… that makes sense.

By: Pete

Pete — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:38:33 +0000

TRT-

To clarify, I meant closer to Aaron Rowand of last season with the Giants than the career-year Aaron Rowand of 2007.

Rowand last year: .271, 13 HR, 70 RBI, 37 2B

That's about what I'm thinking from Donald.

By: TheRobTyson

TheRobTyson — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:29:15 +0000

Jason Donald will never put up Aaron Rowand numbers, sorry. Chances are he’ll be more of a Nick Punto type of player, which is to say that he will be a serviceable infielder, but don’t expect much more.

By: bski

bski — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:06:05 +0000

J DUBBZ….Uh oh, I am now officially on the hook with my recommendation of Baseball Dynasties!!! I hope you enjoy it. I really learned a lot from it and gained a much greater appreciation of many players from days gone by. I’m not only talking about guys whose names you’ve heard but whose games you don’t know that much about either. I learned a lot about the “greats of the game” too.

The one thing I recall liking a lot is all the little vignettes in the margins. There is one on almost every page. Lots of great stuff about records that almost were, odd coincidences, travel disruptions, weather anomalies, and other random, really interesting tidbits that I thought added a lot to the book. Let me know how you liked it.

By: J Dubbz

J Dubbz — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:40:44 +0000

bski…I think my issues with Howard stem from pure frustration at times, when I know the potential for greatness is there, just not always utilized. When he gets a hold of one and just plain knocks the stitches off it, its one of the best feelings to have as a Phils fan. Its the 1-2 times per game that he looks silly swinigng at a pitch that the catcher can barely get to its so far off the plate that frustrates everyone. And that leads right up to the argument of what his value is at this point in time. BTW just got “Baseball Dynasties” delivered today per your recommendation. Can’t wait to check it out.

Pete…Great analysis here. Not much of a down side here except 3B. Although Feliz lacks a bit at the plate, his glove is stellar and I’ll take him for just that. Excited to see Donald out there hopefully at 3rd to see what that kid can do. If he can live up to his potential and produce, this infield could be even better for the next 3 years.