Philadelphia Phillies avoided extravagant signings in 2012-MLB Update
Except for locking up the starting pitcher, Cole Hamels for six years at $144 million, the Philadelphia Phillies have not made any blockbuster signing during 2012.
They have avoided inking expensive deals with players, despite having needs for the roster.
When the 2012 season concluded, some believed the Phillies will react to the failure strongly. Immediate acquisitions of star free agents were expected.
In short, there was a strong perception prevailing that the Phillies will go all out to strengthen the roster, in order to remove scars of the 2012 failure in the upcoming season.
Surprisingly, they chose a different route.
Right throughout the offseason, they have relied on trade options, instead of spending a huge amount of money in the market.
Every requirement of the roster has been met through exchange of players with other clubs.
Resultantly, the Phillies have shaped up such a roster, which is filled with players that have come a long way from the climax of their careers.
The inclusion of ageing players carries a lot of risk.
While they bring experience, they are far from what they used to be. It means they cannot be expected to lead the club to wins through stand out shows.
For example, Michael Young is on the cusp of experiencing the worst decline of his career, despite the fact he is a legendary utility infielder.
The year 2012 has seen the Phillies being more defensive in their approach.
They started trading players, as soon as they posted an unimpressive win-loss record within the first few months of the season.
Those players, who struggled, were quickly removed from the roster and sent elsewhere by them.
Though such moves improved the table ranking of the Phillies to some extent, these reflected a pessimistic approach from their part.
The regular players that were unloaded from the roster may have ensured tremendous success down the line, had the Phillies showed faith in them.
By and large, the Phillies were unusual during 2012.
Only the time will tell as to how the new strategy followed by their management will work during the upcoming years.
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