Ruben's Off Season: Outfield

As our streak of 5 consecutive National League East crowns came to an end this season, and the Phillies core nucleus is rapidly declining, it is fair to say that the winter of 2012-2013 will be the most important Off-Season of Ruben Amaro's career thus far.
Despite making some incredible transactions, and earning the nickname "Big Poker", the core group of Phillies that ultimately brought Philadelphia a Championship (Utley, Howard, Rollins, Victori
no, Hamels, and Ruiz) were not a product of RAJ. Since the magical 2008 season, that same core group has been bolstered with RAJ's great transactions of Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Hunter Pence, Papelbon, and Roy Oswalt. But guess how many rings that macho team won? Zero. And now, with the core group of players on a downward trend, this team needs a major refresh. Some folks may say "We need a rebuild." But forget that, with a few solid moves by Ruben this winter, this team can be refreshed and may find themselves back on top of the NL East. Here are those necessary moves...

1. Outfield
On my previous piece about Darin Ruf, I explained why Darin's off-season in Venezuela is so important. It gives Ruben a clear understanding of what changes need to occur with this current outfield. But I'm going with my gut feeling, and I predict Darin Ruf consistently proves his ability to hit for contact and power. If that's truly the case, he is our Opening Day Left Fielder.

Clearly, Centerfield is the Phillie's biggest void right now. Victorino was traded to the Dodgers (which was a good move). Please, do NOT say "The Phillies are going to sign Victorino in the off-season!" Sorry ladies, but it ain't happening. That brings us to John Mayberry Jr. JMJ really dissapointed in 2012, hitting a mere .254. He has been given many opportunities, but yet he still can't seem to "click." I think JMJ is best suited as a utility outfielder/right handed bat off the bench. Fortunately, the center field Free Agent market is very strong! With such a potent market, and such a need for the Phillies, it is possible that Ruben's biggest off-season move will be at the Centerfield position. The most obvious candidate is Josh Hamilton, who would require a lot of money. A lot. Not to mention, Hamilton is a very streaky hitter. And his off the field personality brings a few worries to my mind about signing him long- term. Then, there is Michael Bourn, Angel Pagan, and BJ Upton. My favorite option is Michael Bourn because of his lead off ability. I really don't believe Jimmy Rollins should be our lead off hitter in 2013. Michael Bourn would likely come at an expensive price of around $15 Million per year, but it is cheaper than Hamilton. I think Michael Bourn will be our Opening Day Centerfielder.

As for Right Field, Domonic Brown remains a candidate. However, names such as Nick Swisher and Melky Cabrera are hopping around the market. If Ruben signs a Free Agent outfielder, it will most liekly be Centerfielder. And because of the needs for a 3rd baseman and bullpen, I think Right Field will be filled internally with Domonic Brown, and perhaps a platoon with John Mayberry Jr.

So that gives us this outfield for Opening Day...

Leftfield- Darin Ruf
Centerfield- Michael Bourn
Right Field - Domonic Brown

But, do not rule out a possible signing of Nick Swisher or Melky Cabrera. It is very possible.

Ruben has a lot of work to refresh this team and get us back on top! Next assignment? 3rd base...

"Ruben's Off Season: 3rd Base" coming tomorrow. Thanks for reading. Feel free to comment or email me. philspeanutgallery@gmail.com Tweet me @loudphilsphans . God bless!