Philadelphia Phillies may use internal options for meeting outfield needs-MLB Update
Philadelphia Phillies are expected to use platoon players for meeting their outfield needs during the upcoming season.
Their inability to sign free agents shows that eventually they will have no other option but promote minor leaguers to the majors.
The Phillies have failed to agree to contracts to a number of free agent outfielders this year, after going through negotiations with them.
In the beginning, they had B.J. Upton under negotiations with them but he moved to the Atlanta Braves, giving an impression that the Phillies’ offer was not adequate.
After Upton, the Phillies sought Cody Ross but again they did not concede to what he was demanding. They ended up losing him to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
It is clear that the Phillies are unwilling to spend some money in the market. Even as they require an outfielder desperately, they have avoided expending cash.
Among the reasons for doing so is the concern of the Phillies about the reliability of the free agents.
The Phillies’ General Manager, Ruben Amaro Jr., has stated time and again that the free agents this year are not worth pouring a huge amount of money on.
For the same reason, he has claimed that they will use minor leaguers in case they fail to sign some established outfielders.
"It's very possible that we have the answers internally," Amaro said. "I feel comfortable with the way our club is today. If there's a way to improve it, not just marginally, we'll try to do that."
Amaro has further explained that he is looking for an exceptional hitter.
"Would we like to add more power to the lineup? Sure. Again, it's more about production than power. I think we have guys who can produce, (newly acquired third baseman Michael Young) being one of them obviously," Amaro said.
Ben Revere was obtained by the Phillies earlier through a trade. Though he fills a vacant spot in the outfield, he is not a powerful hitter.
He can ensure some quality plays in the field but he cannot be expected to strike home runs consistently.
The next couple of weeks can see the Phillies hire some outfielders.
It will be interesting to see which options they seek for addressing that need on the roster.
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