Phillies 2013 awards and a brief look ahead
Now that the Phillies' offseason is in full swing and the plans for what likely will be a very active winter are being forged, here are a few of the standouts from the 2013 season as well as what we're most looking forward to seeing develop in 2014.
John Finger
MVP: Cliff Lee
Cy Young: Cliff Lee
Rookie: Darin Ruf
Most improved: Dom Brown
Get him outta here: Jonathan Papelbon (barely edging John Mayberry)
Next season
The most interesting aspect of the 2014 season will be learning what a complete rehab/healing will do for Ryan Howard and Roy Halladay. Obviously, Halladay may not return in ’14. But no matter where he turns up, a winter of rest and strength building will be incredibly important for Halladay. Otherwise, it will be interesting to watch Ryne Sandberg have command of the team from Day 1. Spring training is bound to be a little more intense than it has been in the past.
Mike Wisniewski
MVP: Chase Utley
Cy Young: Cliff Lee
Rookie: Jake Diekman
Most Improved: Domonic Brown
Get him outta here: (Must I only pick one?) Jimmy Rollins
Next season
Looking forward to see if Ruben can get creative and acquire that much-needed right-handed bat the Phils so badly need. It would have to come via trade, since all the top free agents will be lefties. If not, then the Phillies have to get Maikel Franco up to the majors fast to find out if he's for real. If so, they'll have to figure out a way to get both him and Cody Asche in the lineup and on the field every day. I'd hate to see them trade either one of those guys away, when they're so short on young talent as it is. How many years are left on that Ryan Howard contract ... three and an option? Franco is still just 21, so his future with the Phils could be there. That, and on the pitching side, waiting to finally see this mysterious Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez.
Corey Seidman
MVP: Chase Utley
Cy: Cliff Lee
Rookie: Darin Ruf
Get-Him-Out: John Mayberry Jr.
Next season
Most looking forward to a new and improved lineup, with a new rightfielder (Stanton or Bautista, anyone?) solidifying a shaky, power-sapped middle of the order. Also intrigued by Ryne Sandberg's outside-the-box thinking when it comes to lineup structure.
Max Comment: If we get Stanton or Bautista Brown goes to left, and Ruf becomes utility player for RF LF FirstBase, in place of the MUST GO Mayberry.. Plus we want Revere to pick up where left off---he was vital player at time he broke his foot on foul ball? one can ook it up. Our complte collapse started right after Revere broke his foot---but we have problem of Hernandez and Galvis;Rollins i BLOCKING him; He can hit as well as Rollins now and fielding as SS at Lehigh left people GASPING at the plays he made:i would let Rolins go, and go with Glavis/and predict a 250 hitter(for starter) the would be one the finest fielding ShortStops in MLB history.He would become a fixture like Larry Bowa, but with i think more power/ SS has ALWAYS been Galvis position, he is the prototype for SS) Hernandez need be play everyday at 2nd base with Pigs, he is what, just 22---he, at time, seems the only replacement for Utley.
We need Biddle givena long look in Spring training. Cloyd we need waive or release.
FreeAgency PRIORITIES pay the bucks to get Stanton and , if they are there, and at least two Relief pitchers and release Papelbon(It is no secret he is POISON in the Clubhouse:Big Poison) Hope Adams recovers. And hope Bastardo can pitch without STEROIDS!
Also, if we don't open up SS for Galvis we will have to deal him. We can't hold him back any longer because of Rollins.
Jordan Hall
MVP: Cliff Lee
Cy Young: Cliff Lee
Rookie of the Year: Cody Asche
Most improved: Domonic Brown
Get-him-out: John Mayberry Jr.
Next season
I must be honest. I’m most looking forward to seeing the return of Ryan Howard. The Big Piece has been harshly scrutinized for his contract and decline the past two seasons, and I’m interested to see how he responds in 2014. I think Howard has a chip on his shoulder with something to prove.(Max:i hope so: a Big Chip at that) Whether he does or not is the question. |
