Phils: Time for some Clearwater talk

The Phils have all reported to Clearwater for spring training and--for the first time in 28 years, as defending World Series Champions. That has a great ring too it, Get it? Ring?...Okay, that was just awful.

I’ve had dozens of conversations about the new faces and some ones no longer here. I think the biggest two discussion points are the swap of Burrell for Ibanez and the fact that the Phillies failed to bring in a proven pitcher for the 3rd or 4th spot in the rotation.

I believe the signing of Raul Ibanez is an upgrade in left field. Take a moment and look at the following numbers: .294 and 24; .294 and 18; .304 and 16; .280 and 20; .289 and 33; .291 and 21; .293 and 23. Those are Ibanez’s batting average and HR’s for the past 7 seasons. I think we all know how consistent Burrell was at being inconsistent. How about this stat for comparison: in Burrell’s 4535 at bats, he has 1273 strikeouts; Ibanez, with over 250 more career at bats, has nearly 500 less strikeouts. All these numbers are strengthened by the fact that Ibanez had a flat out bad Seattle team around him. Other than Ichiro, no one else worried an opposing pitcher. The bottom line is that Ibanez will see more pitches in his wheelhouse here than he has seen in years. Not to mention the differences between cavernous Safeco field and the incredibly hitter friendly Citizens Bank Park. In addition to the numbers, all reports suggest that Ibanez is a tireless worker who takes a very professional approach to the game. That is another welcome change and can only help the younger players, especially the likes of Jason Werth and Ryan Howard.

My enthusiasm for bringing in Ibanez is tempered by the fact that the Phillies failed to reel in a player like Derek Lowe, who is a stone cold winner. Instead, they bring in Chan Ho Park, who at this point in his career would barely get in the pitching rotation on a co-ed softball team. Hamels and Myers are clearly set at the 1 and 2 spots in the rotation, but after that, who knows how much longer Moyer can rely solely on pin-point placement of his 80 MPH fastball? While Joe Blanton had a nice post-season, he is a guy who loves Krispy Kreme as much as Ryan Howard and struggles with his consistency. After that, the options are a slew of young guys. Kyle Kenrick, at least at this point, does not have the look of a full-season starting pitcher. However, Richard Dubee stated on Monday that he sees Kenrick re-claiming the 5th spot. My guess is that’s more about building Kenrick’s confidence than Dubee actually believing it. J.A. Happ looked great last season in limited appearances, but again, the jury is out on whether he can consistently get major league hitters out once they get to know him. Last, but certainly not least, is the 21-year old Carlos Carrasco. From all accounts, he is the real deal, but there appears to be a hesitation in bringing him up. I believe we will see him starting by the second half of the season.

The fact that my only real concern is over the 5 spot (well, maybe 4 too) in the pitching rotation shows what a phenomenal job this organization has done through the draft and free agency. So get your tickets, grab a beer and a dog (hopefully on Dollar Dog Night), and enjoy watching your defending champs play the summer pastime. Ahh, summer.