While their final four victories in a row kept interest high until the last day of the season, the 2005 season actually ended last Monday when they gave up four runs in the top of the eighth and lost to the New York Mets by the score of 6-5.
Many will criticize General Manager Ed Wade for not making any moves at the trading deadline. Some will point at manager Charlie Manuel for the numerous poor decisions during the course of the season. Still others will point to players such as Bobby Abreu, David Bell, and Pat Burrell for their poor play over the course of the last month of the season.
Once again the Phillies organization faces an off season of questions and decisions to be made by the team and their own free agents. Let's look at some of the key questions and decisions and I'll give you my opinion on what the Phillies should do.
Management
Many are calling for General Manager Ed Wade's firing. Personally I don't think the problem stops at Ed Wade. I think that the team needs new and forward-looking ownership who understand the world of 21st Century team ownership. Should Wade be fired? Probably, but I don't think it would help much since the team is burdened with contract obligations to players whom no one else will want in a trade. I'd keep Wade for another year and see if he can undo some of the mess he helped create.As for Manager Charlie Manuel, while he has made poor decisions that cost the team at least a half dozen games, the calmness he brought to the team and the better clubhouse atmosphere probably were responsible for an equal number of wins. Lots of folks want Manual fired. I disagree. I'd keep him for another year and see what happens.
Regular Lineup
Jim Thome or Ryan Howard? In my mind it's not even a question. Ryan Howard can be the Phillies first baseman for the next 15 years. Jim Thome is 35 and his best years are behind him. Hopefully he will recover enough so that some American League team will agree to take on his salary in 2006. The Phillies will surely have to agree to pay a portion of his contract.Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins - Thanks for a great year. You two guys made it all worthwhile. I just wish some of your teammates would approach the game like you two.
David Bell - No mas. You're probably a very nice guy but aside from a few clutch hits, you really hurt the team much more than you helped. Your fielding and base running cost the team dearly. The Phillies need to eat your $4 million contract for 2006 and find someone else.
Mike Lieberthal - Finally, one more year and your contact is finished. You can't hit, you can't throw out runners and above all else you are a terrible catcher. Phillies pitchers hate pitching when you're behind the plate. Just ask Jon Lieber. Thank God he found Todd Pratt or the season would have ended three weeks earlier.
Kenny Lofton and Jason Michaels - You two guys did a fine job. I would like to see you both back next year, but I get the feeling that the Phillies will be saying goodbye to Kenny. I guess a club leading .335 batting average is just not good enough.
Bobby Abreu and Pat Burrell - You guys are the ultimate smoke and mirrors duo. Anyone who looks at your numbers would think that you both had great years. You both are examples of how numbers lie. You both had great spells when you were really hot and helped carry the team. You both also had spells when you killed the team. You both strike out too much in key situations and you both hit too many home runs when they really don't matter. One of you has to go and my choice is you, Pat. I'd trade you now while you value is as high as it's every likely to be. Maybe we can get a decent pitcher for you. Bobby, I really want to like you, but you need to show that you really enjoy playing this game.