Comments on: Why the Phils Didn’t Offer Arbitration to Burrell or Moyer

By: T.O.

T.O. — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:06:47 +0000

Get em Pete!! I always knew Jason Michaels was a douche. I understand the logic behind not offering either player arb, but I still like the security of receiving draft picks if the players get signed elsewhere. That said I really dont think that any team would make a run at them with such a high cost. I like what Amaro is doing with his wait and see approach because the economy is going to force teams to cut payroll. The Phils however will not be cutting their payroll. This is going to turn into a buyers market soon enough and the Phils are going to cash in. Be patient. Smell that? It smells like Gillick-ball to me

By: jkay

jkay — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:31:45 +0000

@JDubbz: LMAO!!

By: bski

bski — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:20:16 +0000

Yeah, I could use some excitement from the Phils because we’re sure not getting any from the Sixers.

By: J Dubbz

J Dubbz — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:03:11 +0000

Or maybe it was Pat Burrell himself? We’re onto you Pat.

By: Pete

Pete — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:49:32 +0000

also, I’m pretty sure that John character was Jason Michaels.

By: Pete

Pete — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:47:27 +0000

I think that if the Phillies don’t re-sign Moyer (I still see this as unlikely), they will sign someone like Braden Looper.

I also expect them to sign Russ Springer or Doug Brocail, neither of which were offered arbitration, to replace Rudy Seanez.

I’m still hopeful that something a little more exciting comes up at the Winter Meetings.

By: bski

bski — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:40:23 +0000

Well done, Pete and thanks for stoking the hot stove with a few Phillies topics.

I can certainly understand why the Phils declined to offer arbitration to Burrell. They would have greatly overpaid for his services if they went that route. There is no sense in jacking up the price if we’re the only one bidding.

I’m with bball (post #9) on this. To borrow his phrase, if we put all our bucks into Burrell’s basket (like the Mets did with Santana) I really think it would come back to bite us.

As for Moyer, while I do understand it, it seems a bit risky to me. I get that we would most likely end up overpaying for his services, but there is more to consider than just that.

First of all, we are talking about pitching. Everyone wants pitching and Amaro has stated that pitching is our priority as well. I can’t help thinking that somebody will be desperate enough to offer Moyer a guaranteed two-year deal.

Second, I don’t know how we would go about filling that hole in the rotation. Bringing in someone else will almost certainly cost more, whether in terms of overall dollars, dollars per year, length of contract, players or prospects we move in a trade, or surrendering draft picks if we sign a type-A. Looking at it that way, Moyer is probably the best option we have to hold down the #4 spot in our rotation for 2009.

Third, even if Moyer accepted arbitration and we ended up overpaying him, it would only be for one year. That doesn’t bother me so much. In this way I’m looking at one more year of Moyer as allowing Carrasco another full year to develop. Like Pete said, we don’t want another Gavin Floyd situation, so investing a bit more in Moyer for 2009 could very well pay big dividends for us in 2010 and beyond.

Amaro was at the GM meetings a few weeks ago and I’m sure is in almost constant contact with the other GM’s around the league. As such, I’m guessing he has a read on the general attitude of his counterparts and a fair impression of the outlook around the league. This, coupled with the Phils current situation (team needs, 10 arbitartion eligible players, etc…), certainly informed his decision. As we’ve talked about before, of the two, Burrell is definitely easier to replace should he leave. I’m hoping that Moyer’s ties to the area and the fact that he’s at the tail end of his career will keep him here for less.

By: GM-Carson

GM-Carson — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:27:33 +0000

I’d like to exchange links, either email me or drop a comment on my blog if interested.

By: jkay

jkay — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:06:39 +0000

well said Stu!
Burrell needs to be at a bargain. regardless of his worth, just think about World Series MVP Hamels lefty-20 sumthin, former MVP Howard and his rising arbitration cost, sudden star outfielder Shane Victorino (yes he’s a star, doesnt have to hit home runs to play like one), Ryan Madson and his new set-up role, best pinch-hitter in all baseball Greg Dobbs, now everyday starter Jayson Werth – i could go on but point is these guys will all want AND BELIEVE THAT THEY DESERVE some serious money. you wanna keep Burrell you’d better think bout them first. Hamels contract might come next season. it will be HUGE if he has a good agent. then you got Myers (resign?) and the bull pen to think about.
This is a loaded time for GMing, you pinch pennies you might be able to keep ‘em all in the next 2 yrs. Championship teams always get picked apart by free agency once they are successful, remember that. only reason Boston hasn’t is because they have money like rice. we don’t. at least management says that anyway.
besides Victorino has shown us that you can win games by yourself on defense. burrell’s legs might not be a bad thing to lose right?
great post Pete.

By: Stu

Stu — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:15:41 +0000

Pete, unfortunately “John” is the first nitwit commenter I’ve encountered on this excellent site. Send him back to commenting on ESPN.com with the rest of the uninformed masses.

Completely agree that $18 is ridiculous for Burrell, and even $7-$9 million is pushing it. Let’s not forget his concrete legs and his long slumps…no thanks.