It was a pretty good ride, wasn't it? When's the last time that the final game of the season actually meant something in Philadelphia?
This is my take on the season just completed. In spite of the many bumps in the road, some seemingly inept decisions by manager Charlie Manuel and the disappointments of several players, I think this was a very good year for the Phillies. One can point to any number of individual games that the club could have, or should have, won, and Philadelphia would be in the playoffs.
It doesn't matter now. What's done is done, and once a game was won or lost, the Phillies could only look ahead and, hopefully, learn from any costly mistakes. The bottom line, in my opinion, is that this team should have never been in contention this late in the season. It is something of a minor miracle that the Phils took it down to the wire without their best power hitter (Jim Thome) and one of their most dependable starting pitchers (Randy Wolf).
There were some surprises and several disappointments. The team's inconsistency cost it more games than anything else. The starting pitching, which had a lot of talent, was not as strong as projected, which led to an overworked bullpen. The guys in the 'pen were a team strength until the wear and tear of a long season began to catch up to the relievers. The emergence of starter Brett Myers should also be noted. He'll be the staff ace soon.
Wolf won't be ready until next summer at the earliest, so a good starter should be on Ed Wade's wish list this winter. Re-signing closer Billy Wagner, no matter what the cost, should be at the top of his to-do list. This same team, minus Wagner, would have been out of contention months ago.
The emergence of Chase Utley and Ryan Howard as legitimate big-league players was the biggest surprise of 2005. Wade will have his hands full trying to solve the first-base dilemma. Thome is damaged goods now, and he has three years and more than $40 million left on his contract, so he'll be in camp next spring.
I go along with those who say that Howard should be converted to an outfielder, which opens up several possibilities. David Bell has been a disappointment, and he has one year left on his contract, which means he could be on the trading block. Pat Burrell played third base in college and in the minor leagues. The team might give up a little defensively with Burrell at the hot corner and Howard in left field, but two big bats in the lineup should make up for any defensive mistakes.
Another scenario floated was to put Howard in left field, move Burrell to right and Bobby Abreu to center. I can't argue with this one either, but it would solve one problem and create another.
I think Kenny Lofton should be re-signed as well. Just like last spring, Shane Victorino will be given the chance to win or lose the job in center field. Last spring, he lost it. Without Lofton around, he'll probably win it next spring, and since he's a switch-hitter, there would be no need to platoon him with anyone. But Lofton is a proven commodity. Victorino isn't. Stick with experience.
The club has an option for 2006 on Mike Lieberthal, and there are plenty of incentives for the Phillies to bring back Todd Pratt as his backup. I don't see any changes occurring behind the plate unless another catcher is acquired in a trade.
As for Wade and Manuel, both will be back next season. I've been wrong before, but I'll bet a beer with anyone who disagrees, despite the recent rumor involving Wade and current New York Yankees' general manager Brian Cashman. I might waver on Wade, but Charlie is a sure bet.
This column is going on hiatus for the winter, although it may appear if something significant happens. Thanks for the calls, letters and e-mails. We'll do it again next year.
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