The Cold Stove

 The following post is a reader submission who goes by the name The Young Gillick. Let us know what you think about his cold stove points!

 It's been unseasonably warm the past couple days here in Philadelphia. It must be coming from the Music City where things are heating up. No, it’s not for due to an Elvis siting. It’s because of the 2012 winter meetings, a place where GM's and agents work tirelessly to fulfill their Christmas wish lists with Josh Hamilton as the ultimate prize.

                                                             

In the aftermath a of putrid season in which, for the first time in 5 years, the once mighty Phillies failed to make the post season dance .The Phillies have a roster filled with aging superstars and major question marks. Ruben Amaro Jr. has been eerily quiet, as he watches the teams around him signing his players of interest.  

With sounds of Upton in the air, you have the feeling that Michael Bourn is about to reunite with his old pals. Bourn is a dynamite player with awesome speed. Possibly the best thing about him is that he could spell the end of days for Jimmy Rollins as the team’s leadoff hitter. The cons are that he's another left-handed bat that strikes out a lot (155 K’s last season). As for the outfield I think Amaro has the right idea, it looks like he's looking for a trade to upgrade. I've been hearing whispers of Granderson, but he is another lefty.

If I was able to contact Amaro, I would tell him, “Dude it's a no-brainer. Mark Reynolds is one of the best right-handed power-hitters in all of baseball. He reminds me of Pat Burrell, but a 3rd baseman with more power.  136 Bombs the last 4 seasons, none of which took place in the little league field called Citizens Bank Park”. The cons are he has a disgraceful batting average (.235 Career BA) and he strikes out more than Howard (he averages 213 K’s a season).

The Bullpen… come on man, last year how many games did the Philiies blow after the 7th inning? (Phillies blew 19 leads in 2012 after the 7^th)  One of the ‘08 Phillies strengths was the bullpen. I’d target Mike Adams, who has been game over in the 8th inning, with a 2.16 ERA last 3 seasons.