Dropping Sunday's game, 4-3, in extra innings seemed like a fitting finale to what has been a disappointing year for the Phillies. After such a horrible start (9-19), the team rebounded with a strong second half, which leaves reason to be optimistic for next year.
The 2002 campaign will most likely be remembered for its distractions. There was the Scott Rolen situation, which finally ended when the unhappy third baseman was dealt to the St. Louis Cardinals. There also was the threat of a strike, which was averted, although the four-year deal between the owners and the players union only buys a little time to fix baseball.
I'm hoping for exciting playoff games and higher television ratings. The game might never be as popular as it once was, but I don't want to see franchises dropping out of the league or moving from city to city.
As for the Phillies, dropping Rolen's salary from the payroll and anticipating an increase in revenue from the new stadium means that I'm not likely to listen to any more complaints about the team's poor financial status.
A goal seems to be having a winning team in place by the time the new park is ready for the 2004 season. What can the Fightin' Phils do to achieve it?
Position players who aren't leaving include catcher Mike Lieberthal, shortstop Jimmy Rollins and outfielders Pat Burrell and Bobby Abreu. Marlon Byrd will be carried by the team, and the centerfield job will be his to lose.
First baseman Travis Lee is on the trading block, and outfielder Doug Glanville is a free agent. Glanville had an off year and may not get a better deal elsewhere, so the Phillies could bring him back as a bench player. Second baseman Marlon Anderson has fallen out of favor and will be replaced.
I didn't think that the team could ever get a better defensive third baseman than Rolen, but I was impressed with Placido Polanco. His defense is excellent, and there are those who say that he's even better at second base. The Phillies need power threats on the infield corners, and Polanco will need several careers to equal Rolen's home-run production, so he is a strong candidate to be moved from third to second base.
The team will shop for first and third basemen during the offseason. Jeremy Giambi is one option at first base. He's the most disciplined batter on the team, and the others should learn how to be likewise. In 208 plate appearances for the Phillies, Giambi worked 52 walks. If he doesn't have a position next season, he and Tomas Perez will be the key bench players.
The pitching rotation is anybody's guess. Bowa will commit only to Vicente Padilla and Randy Wolf. Brandon Duckworth has an edge on the rest of the contenders for the other spots — Brett Myers, Joe Roa, Eric Junge, Hector Mercado, Carlos Silva and David Coggin.
Jose Mesa is the only lock in the bullpen. Bowa loves him, even if Mesa might actually be older than the skipper. I've seen Mesa in the weight room after games, so he's keeping age at arm's length with his hard work.
Otherwise, the relief corps needs an overhaul. If Silva or Mercado don't cut it as starters, they'll probably be back, and I'd like to see the team keep veterans Terry Adams and Dan Plesac, if possible.
So, power-hitting first and third basemen and reliable relievers shouldn't be a tall order for general manager Ed Wade. The team has players and prospects to offer in trades, and there is more money available to go after a proven free agent. Go ahead, Ed. Pull the trigger.
This column is going on hiatus for the winter. I appreciated all of the calls and letters. We'll get together again in April.
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