Pitching Staff
Jon Liber, Brett Myers, and Cory Lidle - You all stay. You each had some pretty bad stretches in 2005, but part of that was due to poor management and part due to a really bad catcher. You're probably good two, three and four starters on a good team.Vincente Padilla, Robinson Tejeda and Eude Brito - adios muchachos. You all gave a good effort but none of you should really be starting pitchers in 2006.
Randy Wolf - I hope you come back healthy, but it's a real roll of the dice whether you'll ever pitch effectively again. We'd love to have you back if you're well, but otherwise maybe it's time to hang up your spikes.
Billy Wagner - Please, please stay! We need you. We want you. Why the Phillies haven't signed you is a mystery. They didn't trade you, so they must want you. Please want us too. You're one of the top three relievers in baseball.
Ryan Madson and Ugueth Urbina - You two did well in your setup rolls, but you were overused. Your arms died at the end. I'd like to have you both back, but my bet is that we'll be saying goodbye to Ugueth. He can make more money and be a closer somewhere else.
Rheal Cormier - You retired once. Please, please do it again. Aaron Fultz has taken your place.
So, some changes are clearly in order. The Phillies desperately need a number one starter and probably a number five also. If Billy Wagner leaves they will need a closer. Some talk about Vincente Padilla as the Phillies closer of the future. That's not something I'd like to see. He puts me to sleep when he pitches. There is no intensity there. He takes forever between pitches.
I would love to see Bell, Burrrell and Lieberthal all elsewhere next year. Hopefully Burrell can bring the Phillies some pitching. The Phillies need to look to free agency for a catcher, third baseman and another starting pitcher. Will they find them and then sign them. My guess is no.
It seems like all signs point to another 85-88 win season. Unless Atlanta falls apart it will be another year chasing after a wild-card spot.