Phillies 2012

[#1MetsFan]

so you're saying they should have traded hamels?

Yes, that's what I'm saying -- assuming the offer from the Rangers included Olt, Martin, and one of Perez/Scheppers/some other pitching prospect. Maybe I'm overvaluing him, but I think the Rangers would have overpaid for the only pitcher on the market who was as close to a sure thing as you can get to help them win a world series after losing the series the last two years.

[#1MetsFan]

So if there are none in free agency, how did signing Hamels affect 3B?

Mike Olt -- Better than Polanco/Wigginton right now, and projected future all-star.

[raider.adam]

Mike Olt -- Better than Polanco/Wigginton right now, and projected future all-star.

I am ok with keeping the existing all star over a projected all-star.

[#1MetsFan]

Could have had both imo

[redpinstripes]

I'd be afraid that the Rangers would have used Hamels like a rented mule if they knew they were unlikely to be able to keep him after a WS run. It wouldnt be the worst thing in the world if these guys could get some rest in Oct this year.

[HomeInspectorBC]

If the Rangers are willing to take on Lee's salary or most of Lee's salary I would make the trade as fast as I could to get out from underneath that contract and if Mike Olt is part of the deal all the better or a handful of other prospects the Rangers have. Might as well take advantage of Nolan Ryans desire to win a world series as office personnel that he could not win as a player other then his rookie year with the Mets.

You have to think part of the Hamels signing included Cole getting assurances that the Phillies were going to do what it takes to stay at the top prior to signing a contract that he could have gotten from any other contender as a free agent.

[raider.adam]

Could have had both imo

How? Aren't you talking about trading Hamels for him?

[emoney]

2013 MLB Free Agents: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

Also, if Olt is not available, another option could be Lee to the Tigers for Nick Castellanos (3B)

http://www.baseball-reference.com/mi...d=castel002nic

[#1MetsFan]

How? Aren't you talking about trading Hamels for him?

Ok, I've said this like 6 times in the last two pages of this thread. Trade Hamels now and then sign him in the offseason.

I like Castellanos a lot, but he's at least 2 years away from the majors. Olt is ready now.

Actually there was interesting article about Mitch Walding (Phils 2011 draft pick) a few days ago on fangraphs comparing him to castellanos and praising him as a great pure hitter.

[raider.adam]

Ok, I've said this like 6 times in the last two pages of this thread. Trade Hamels now and then sign him in the offseason.

I like Castellanos a lot, but he's at least 2 years away from the majors. Olt is ready now.

Actually there was interesting article about Mitch Walding (Phils 2011 draft pick) a few days ago on fangraphs comparing him to castellanos and praising him as a great pure hitter.

You are assuming once he goes to free agency, we wouldn't be paying more for him.

[#1MetsFan]

I guess I just don't buy the whole Dodgers will give him 12 years and $500 million thing -- especially after taking on Hanley's contract. The Phils may have had to pay a little more to get him, but then they'd have a cheap ($300K?), controllable 3B and CF for the next few years as well so they wouldn't have to pay millions for those positions in free agency or via trade. Obviously, it would have been a gamble, and I have no idea if the Rangers would have actually offered a package of Olt and Martin.

[emoney]

I like Castellanos a lot, but he's at least 2 years away from the majors. Olt is ready now.
Actually there was interesting article about Mitch Walding (Phils 2011 draft pick) a few days ago on fangraphs comparing him to castellanos and praising him as a great pure hitter.

Thanks for the update:

Phillies Find Gem in Mitch Walding | FanGraphs Baseball

Having seen the young third baseman at a time when his batting average sat in the .350′s, his current line of .280/.353/.374 is perplexing. However, Walding’s recent struggles are not enough to sway me from believing he is one of the best pure hitters I’ve scouted this season.

[#1MetsFan]

Yeah, that's it. I guess it was Arenado and not Castellanos. Still, a pretty nice comp. I'll take it!

[#1MetsFan]

You are assuming once he goes to free agency, we wouldn't be paying more for him.

fwiw, Keith Law agrees with me. From chat a few minutes ago (I did not ask the question):

Raju (Minneapolis)


Why not trade Hamels and then give him that same deal in free agency plus an extra million for his troubles?? Hamels comes back to an improved team that way...sounds like a win-win.

Klaw (1:23 PM)


Agreed.

[CenterCityGuy]

Why not just CUT halladay? Man he stinks. Two horrible starts in a row after returning. The only reason his start before today was overshadowed was because the Phillies came back from 6-2

[raider.adam]

Why not just CUT halladay? Man he stinks.

Seriously?

[#1MetsFan]

Why not just CUT halladay? Man he stinks. Two horrible starts in a row after returning. The only reason his start before today was overshadowed was because the Phillies came back from 6-2

The problem is David Herndon is out for the season. He is the heir apparent to Doc. Doc is just keeping the seat warm until next season.

[CenterCityGuy]

I'm sick of DOC getting a pass for every sh*tty performance. Whenever he has a bad game it's because

1. He is injured
2. It was too hot
3. he had a tummy ache


Why can't we just say he is not as good and his skills are declining?

[#1MetsFan]

He earned some slack after the way he pitched the last two seasons (and the 8 seasons before that). I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

[raider.adam]

He earned some slack after the way he pitched the last two seasons (and the 8 seasons before that). I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Yeah, no joke. I was expecting to come on here and see people bitching and moaning about Hamels last game.