Would a Soler / Baez package get it done?

Too much? Not enough?

Doll Is Mine wrote:So are we stuck with Ryan Howard forever?

Well, likely through next year. He has $25,000,000 guaranteed next year and then a team option for 2017 that includes a $10,000,000 buyout.

Brantt wrote:Would a Soler / Baez package get it done?

Too much? Not enough?

I'd love to get an arm with them, but that's a pretty good offer

heyeaglefn wrote:

ReadingPhilly wrote:this team will have a lot of money to spend. unless they get what they want I'd keep him and spend their way back towards contention.

Any examples of teams that have done this successfully? Gone from historically bad to buying their way to contention with little help from farm system?

i think the phillies could be in position to do it if middleton is truthful about spending the necessary funds, especially if they hire the right gm. i'd root for guys like price and upton to get traded to remove the draft pick compensation. adding those two guys would be a good start. the farm has already produced a good #2/3 starter and an above average 3b. by midseason 2016 it'll churn out a potential star at ss. i think there is a good chance you get at least one good starter out of the quinn/altherr/dugan trio. maybe a good gm creates a platoon or two to gain an advantage. there is some damn good talent down the pipeline but it's a little too early to rely on them in the future. they'll have the top pick in the draft next year and the ability to add a good amount of talent that way. international spending should go up. i definitely think they could start the climb next year if they want to.

PhillyPhan wrote:

Brantt wrote:Would a Soler / Baez package get it done?

Too much? Not enough?

I'd love to get an arm with them, but that's a pretty good offer

Done... then move on to moving Papelbon and Revere

Would the Cubs do that deal?

"Only" $100, not counting parking, beer, other food or souvenirs. Oh and it's only for games against Miami and Arizona. Get um!

PhillyPhan wrote:

Brantt wrote:Would a Soler / Baez package get it done?

Too much? Not enough?

I'd love to get an arm with them, but that's a pretty good offer

If I'm the Phillies that package is A-OK. Epstein is probably trying to sub Castro for Soler though.

Maybe RAJ and Epstein will have an epic stare-down this weekend, if RAJ is even allowed to travel with the team anymore.

Can't believe there's not a contender that could use Frenchy. One of those clubs should unplug their baseball computer and get Mr. Clutch. We could get a good reliefer and a skinny catcher I bet.

I'm sure they could use him, but they won't give squat to get him.

Beat up the Cubs' closers and have Papelbon finish it off.

May we show you something in a closer, Theo?

JFLNYC wrote:I'm sure they could use him, but they won't give squat to get him.

That's fine, get a scratch off ticket for him and see what happens.

Or include him in a deal with one of the other guys. A 4th OF with some pop and a knack for big hits this year and no future commitment along with pap or hamels could maybe get your better third piece in the deal or something like that.

Although

Heyman:

Cliff Lee's season is over. While he is said to feel better than at any time in the year, it wouldn't make sense for him to start getting ready now with a small chance to return as a reliever for baseball's worst team. There's an outside chance he could try to throw in the winter in hopes of staging a comeback, but people close to him believe it's also very likely he may just hang 'em up.

BigEd76 wrote:Heyman:

Cliff Lee's season is over. While he is said to feel better than at any time in the year, it wouldn't make sense for him to start getting ready now with a small chance to return as a reliever for baseball's worst team. There's an outside chance he could try to throw in the winter in hopes of staging a comeback, but people close to him believe it's also very likely he may just hang 'em up.

whatever

Grotewold wrote:WIP weighs in on Cubs rumors:

Amaro Pursues Sole Heir

It kind of sucks that best Cuban we ever got was Amaro

The best Cuban I ever got I smoked.

BigEd76 wrote:Heyman:

Cliff Lee's season is over. While he is said to feel better than at any time in the year, it wouldn't make sense for him to start getting ready now with a small chance to return as a reliever for baseball's worst team. There's an outside chance he could try to throw in the winter in hopes of staging a comeback, but people close to him believe it's also very likely he may just hang 'em up.

The saddest thing about the last few seasons, for me, has to be the way Halladay and Lee have gone out. Such a shame.

I hope Cole gets traded and Saturday was his last start. What a great way to go out. Love that guy and I hope he wins another ring before he hangs it up.

Time to start looking towards the future.