Phillies In The Outfield
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by Aprisco
In the wake of Aaron Rowand's signing with the San Francisco Giants and the trade of Michael Bourn to the Houston Astros in the Brad Lidge deal, the Phillies have suddenly found themselves a little short in the outfield. The Phillies have Pat Burrell under contract, who actually was productive last season for a change. They also have the defensive, speedster Shane Victorino, as well as capable Jayson Werth. However, the Phillies would like some depth and a bit more pop from this crew so they are apparently proceeding on two fronts. Reports indicate that they have made a contract offer to former Milwaukee Brewer Geoff Jenkins. Jenkins has had better seasons, but he's good for a few home runs, he hit 21 last year in 420 at bats. The Phillies also are interested in Mike Cameron, who is now out of the picture in San Diego with the trade for Jim Edmonds. Cameron can still pick it in centerfield and hit 21 home runs with 78 RBIs but only hit .242 last season. Cameron is also set to sit out the first 25 games next season after testing positive for an illegal substance. Either player can serve a role on the Phillies. Obviously the middle of the lineup with Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard is set. The Phillies can use some productive bats at the bottom of the order and that's where Cameron or Jenkins can serve a valuable role smacking a home run from the bottom of the order. Plus, Cameron would give them Rowand-like defense in the outfield. One has to wonder though how the loss of Rowand will affect this team. Rowand brought lots of intangibles to the game and he will truly be missed. It may have been worth the money to re-sign him.
However, the Phillies continue to claim that they will spend money to improve their pitching staff. So far, not much has been accomplished on this front other than the acquisition of Brad Lidge and the re-signing of J.C. Romero. The Phillies may has some interest in former Texas Rangers closer Akinori Otsuka, who was just non-tendered by the Rangers. Otsuka only threw 32 innings last season but he had 48 saves in 2006 and could be a good addition to the bullpen which is short of arms aside from Lidge, Flash Gordon, and Romero.
On another positive note for the Phillies, not one active member of the Phillies was named in the Mitchell Report. Either they are doing things the right way in Philadelphia or they simply know how not to get caught.
MLB.com was the major source for this article.
