IS IT TIME FOR THE PHILS TO PART WAYS?
By John Leon
Before anyone tries to string me up or think that what I’m about to say is blasphemous, hear me out. I know the Phillies fans, and Philadelphia fans in general, are a passionate lot, but I have a thought that may be prudent. A lot of thinking went into this and although it may be out of the box, it may be time to part ways with Ryan Howard and Brett Myers.
I know, I know, why give up on two fairly young stars, but if the Phils are to contend and do so on a yearly basis, this trade may work for both teams, right now and in the near future, while also saving money on payroll. And we all know that the Phil’s front office is as tight as an extra small sweater on Pam Anderson.
Howard, Myers and Adam Eaton to the Cleveland Indians for C.C. Sabathia and Ryan Garko. Think about it logically and with an open mind, because this would work for both teams.
Cleveland has struggled and Sabathia, in the last year of his contract, has been rumored to go anywhere in MLB correct? He also makes $11 million this season and there’s no reason the Phils couldn’t pony up $15-17 mil per year for the next 5 years and STILL save money. Garko is a young right-handed power hitter with a ton of upside and little or no salary.
Stay with me here folks.
Howard’s numbers are out there for everyone to see, Rookie of the Year, MVP, 40-60 homers per year….and a ton of K’s to go with a .210-.230 avg., and the last time I looked he still hasn’t hit a slider from a lefty. He also makes $10 mil this season and is STILL arbitration eligible. Myers is having an absolutely nightmarish season to go with $8 ½ million dollars in salary. Eaton would be a throw in and the Phils get his $8 mil salary off the books.
So let’s review here for a second please?
Howard $10 mil, Myers $ 8, Eaton $ 8 PLUS add the salary of Pat Burrell 14 million in his last year and it totals up to almost $40 million dollars. THIS YEAR! Now, factor in the savings of $26 for the three players being traded, add in the 13 million for Sabathia and Garko, the Phils save 13 million this year. Burrell will resign next year at far less than his current salary and the numbers still add up to upgrading the rotation, keeping an outfielder with eight straight years of 20+ homers, and adding an upcoming first baseman that balances out the lineup.
$40 million this year and probably $15-17 for C.C., $1-2 for Garko and let’s say $8 for Burrell next year. That’s $27 million, a savings of $13 million and a big upgrade.
The struggling Indians pick up a 29 year old slugger, a 28-year-old pitcher and Adam Eaton. The Phils get a 28-year old stud pitcher, and wouldn’t Hamels and Sabathia look nice at the top of that rotation, a 27 year old, 20+ homer first baseman AND salary relief. The relief could go for some depth in the outfield (bye-bye So Taguchi) and another arm (Brian Fuentes) maybe?
This works and if Howard goes on to even more greatness and Sabathia is everything we think he is, it’s a wash and a trade that works for both teams.
Just a thought.
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