The Phillies are still without their power-hitting corner outfielder and they are most likely going to leave it that way.
General manager Ruben Amaro said today that the Phillies are likely done making moves, especially in their search to add a corner outfielder. They will rely on Domonic Brown, Ben Revere, Darin Ruf, John Mayberry and Laynce Nix to handle the outfield duties barring any changes.
“There’s some risk in going with a possible double platoon or letting the guys we have battle it out for playing time,” Amaro said. “There are some advantages to that, as well. The best-man-wins type of scenario can be created and likely will be created in spring training. At the same time, a lot of these guys are not proven everyday major-league players. But that doesn’t mean they cannot become them.”
The Phillies failed to acquire B.J. Upton, Cody Ross, Nick Swisher and even Josh Hamilton this off season in their hunt for a power bat. They did acquire Revere from Minnesota in a move to give them youth as well as third baseman Michael Young from Texas.
Failed attempts at trading for Justin Upton and a loss in interest in Jason Kubel and Alfonso Soriano were also on the Phillies list.
They could still possibly make a move if they feel any of the players available would be a smart option for them, but for now they won’t.
“If there is a player that is better who we feel could help us now, we’ll utilize our resources to get him,” Amaro said. “If there isn’t, then we may be better served to hold on a see what we could do during the year.”
Looks like Amaro will be rolling with those five guys, which should make for an interesting Spring Training and 2013 season.
TTB 