We’re not about to bash the Phillies for an offseason that has included bringing both Placido Polanco and Roy Halladay to South Philly. Having said that, the team still needs to address one of its Achilles heal from a year ago — the bullpen.
Granted, injuries were at least partially to blame for The Pen’s issues. However, no matter what, the team needed to add quality depth the its relieving corps, especially with JC Romero and Brad Lidge likely to start the season on the DL. Ruben Amaro has failed to do improve the pen thus far and the addition of Danny Baez doesn’t change that.
The Phillies need more than just Danny Baez to fix the bullpen.
The Phillies officially inked Baez to a two-year, $5.25 million deal on Tuesday. Baez could be a bargain and a true gem among the relievers who signed during this free agent period. We’re not saying he’ll save 70-plus games over two years like he did with the Devil Rays a few years ago. However, a middle reliever who had an ERA just north of 4.00 in in the American League last year will surely help the Phillies.
That is, if you are adding him to what you already had. Amaro and the Phils aren’t doinjg that. Instead, Baez seemingly replaces Chan Ho Park. Park was pitiful as a starter last year, but almost unhittable as a reliever. He was the team’s one constant out of the bullpen.
Park ended last year with a 4.37 ERA, but that is inflated by his numbers as a starter. In any event, Park made just $2.5 million last year and likely wanted a big raise. At 36, who can blame him for seeking one more large payday.
With the Phillies payroll already pushing the team’s $140 million budget, Amaro likely couldn’t justify giving Park more money. That’s why Baez is here.
We’re not saying Baez won’t help. He will. We like the signing. However, you haven’t improved. You’ve just traded apples for apples. We need to see another bullpen signing and quick. Otherwise, the team basically enters the season with the same Achilles heal as last year.
With a championship-caliber team, that’s just not good enough.
