The fat lady sang on Sunday as the Phillies finished the 2003 season and a 33-year tenure at Veterans Stadium. The final game, a 5-2 loss to Atlanta, doesn't seem important now, particularly after a closing ceremony that probably left a lump in many throats.
As previously stated, I'm not going to miss the stadium, but I have come to realize that the people, players and events that occurred there will stand out in my mind more so than the venue. Others have a different opinion.
"This is a pretty special place," said manager Larry Bowa after Sunday's finale, fighting back tears.
Bowa was the Phillies' starting shortstop when the stadium opened in 1971 and played 11 of his 16 years in the big leagues at the Vet, including the 1980 World Series.
The preparation for the 2004 season has begun, and the possibilities for change are as endless as the rumor mills. One cardinal rule of journalism is that information gathered off the record stays there. I heard from a good source that there would be a change in the coaching staff. We'll have to wait for the other shoe to drop on this one.
As for the players, there are a few things of note.
The team definitely got its money's worth with Jim Thome. In nine full seasons with the Cleveland Indians, the first baseman averaged 36 home runs and 98 RBIs per season. His 47 homers and 131 RBIs are more of a testament to his work ethic than his natural ability, as he explained when asked to reflect on his adjustment to the National League this year.
"It has been a daily battle because I have to do a lot of homework every day to keep track of things," he said. "And as much as I'm trying to learn about (the pitchers), they're doing the same thing trying to figure out how to get me out."
Thome's a keeper, as are outfielder Pat Burrell and third baseman David Bell, despite the off years. Bell needs a long rest for his ailing back, and Burrell's power numbers (31 doubles, four triples and 21 homers) are still adequate, even though he hit just .209. Outfielders Marlon Byrd (.303) and Bobby Abreu (.300) will also return.
The middle infield is up in the air because shortstop Jimmy Rollins has fallen out of favor in some eyes and Placido Polanco's contract situation will complicate his status. Catcher Mike Lieberthal (.313) is the subject of too many rumors, so it's hard to say if he'll be back. If the team trades him, it will need a front-line catcher in return.
The bullpen needs another overhaul. It was superb through the first four months, but it disintegrated down the stretch, most likely from overwork. Rheal Cormier, who had his best season as a reliever (8-0, 1.70 ERA), and Carlos Silva (3-1, 4.43) are good bets to return, but the Phillies desperately need a dependable closer.
Three of the top four starting pitchers will be back — Randy Wolf (16-10), Brett Myers (14-9) and Vicente Padilla (14-12). Kevin Millwood (14-12) is a free agent. It will be up to him to decide where he will play next season.
Although many fans feel otherwise, I say sign him! In six full seasons as a starter, including this year, he has averaged 14 wins per season, including 2001 when injuries limited him to just seven. If you have a better idea, I'll listen, but remember a few things before you call or e-mail.
Teams don't normally acquire 14-game winners for bench players or unproven minor-league prospects, so don't expect another freak deal like the one that brought Millwood here for catcher Johnny Estrada last winter. Any trade for a proven winner will likely include a starter, and you must determine how the Phillies will replace that loss in the starting eight or in the pitching rotation.
If you propose a free-agent signing, you must provide a source for the funds, not a scenario where they might appear. Money doesn't grow on trees, and nobody plans a household budget with imaginary funds that might be there in the future if a series of factors happens to fall into place. We're only dealing with real dollars and sense here.
Once again, this column is on hiatus for the winter. Thanks for the calls, letters and e-mails.
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