Derek & Rick

[ziggy]

This guy has absolutely exploded.  The Phils just need to fill a couple of holes, but right now they have 3 of the best young studs in the game (Utley, Hamels, and Howard), not to mention Jimmy Rollins.  You guys know much about the rest of their minor league talent?  A few good moves and this team could have a real nice stretch of winning seasons.

[Reality]

So was letting Arebu and Liddle go strictly a cost cutting move?
Because he been on fire the whole time with the Yankees.

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So was letting Arebu and Liddle go strictly a cost cutting move?
Because he been on fire the whole time with the Yankees.

Yeah, I think it was.  Abreu is making like $16m a year, I think they figure they can replace him and upgrade another position for less money.  Perhaps they have another minor league phenom like Howard to take his place??!!??
As far as Lidle, I have to admit he is pitching much better than I thought he would.  The Phils do have a solid core of veteran starters, so his loss is not a killer.  Save some money and build around the 4 amigos, plus Rowand and Burrell.  Long term it is a smart way to go.  Not sure if any of the minor leaguers they got from the Yanks are any good, maybe a diamond or 2 there.

[rickortreat]

They need pitching, their bullpen can't get it done, and they'll be lucky to get the wild card.

Howard is the real deal though, and he's the best thing to happen to Phila. baseball in a decade.  He very well could break 61.  The other guys that did it did it with steroids.  Only Howard and Maris and the Babe won't need a drug asterick next to their names.

The trade showed they didn't need those guys and the money they saved can be used to get players that are a better fit.

But they won't become a real contender until they get a solid closer in their bullpen.