Whats Next

Now that Vernon Wells resigned with the Blue Jays ever single player the Phillies have targeted this off-season are with other teams. So now we have to ask who is going to protect Ryan Howard next season. The external options are really limited but there are a few internal options.

Internal

As I wrote about before, batting Rolling fifth would be a good idea. He has proved to be a very effective hitter and his style is more effective later in a lineup. His strengths are not patience and on-base and his power numbers are going up every year. This is the best internal option, especially since it allows Burrell to bat lower with much less pressure.

The other internal option is to bat Burrell fifth and hope he finally learns to deal with the pressure and puts up in the clutch. The good thing is that year in and year out, he hits 25-30 homers with 100 plus RBIs. If he can ever get back to his 2002 style he could still be an effective fifth hitter.

External

The free pool is completely bare; the only real power hitters left are Aubrey Huff and Shea Hillenbrand. Neither of them are very good fits for this team, they both play third as their primary position and the Phils just signed Wes Helms to play that position. Both could probably play the outfield but that would involve actually being able to trade Burrell.