With baseballs winter meetings underway, one way or another, its about to get real for the Phillies and their fan base.
That could be anything from real good to real ugly to real complicated or real simple. Jimmy Rollins wants five years. According to our insider Jim Salisbury, the initial meeting with Rollins agent and the Phillies front office didnt go all that well (see story).
Ive never seen Freddy Galvis in person. I just know that what people tell me indicates hes as good or better than J-Roll, in terms of defense and range. The question, though, is whether he can hit at the MLB level. Thats an issue given the offenses hit-or-miss (its been a miss the last two postseasons) execution at the plate. Yes, there are other middle-of-the-road guys who could be stopgaps in the hole, but none that brings what Rollins is capable of at the plate. (And yes, I realize he hasnt blown anyone away with his numbers since the MVP season.)
Maybe thats why the Phils are entertaining Aramis Ramirez as a back-up plan for Rollins. Ive always been an A-Ram fan. Im partial because last decade he helped me to a couple of fantasy baseball titles. But that was thenand at age 33, hes not getting any younger. If the Phillies cant sign Rollins to a four-year deal (Not sure who would give him five), they could really use the burst of offense Ramirez would provide. Years ago, 26 homeruns from a third baseman was pretty standard. But Ramirez and his 26 bombs won the Silver Slugger award in 2011. Thats more home runs than the last three years combined from the Phils everyday third basemen (Placido Polanco and Pedro Feliz had 23).
Bottom line, if the Phils cant sign Jimmy, they should go hard after Ramirez. He had a down 2010, but hes probably the best offensive option at third in the N.L. after his bounce back .306 in 2011. An aging third baseman doesnt bring the same issues on defense that a shortstop would. So paying more for Ramirez makes sense. Im not worried about Polancos future. Ruben and the gang can figure that out later. Getting some offense on this club is the real issue. And not getting Rollins or Ramirez will leave the Fightins with real problems, even if their pitching is good enough to win another division title.
E-mail Marshall Harris at mharris@comcastsportsnet.com