PhilaPhans

FolesMVP09 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 22, 2023 4:08 amHi Chris!

Looks like I'm gonna get my wish with Painter as the 5th. I wouldn't mind a 6-man rotation to tell the truth. Keep Painter's IP down a bit, save some wear and tear on Nola and Wheeler.

I agree. Something approximating a six-man rotation wouldn't be a bad idea for the first half, especially with this bullpen and with the three wild-card spots easing somewhat the pressure of qualifying for the playoffs.

I still think there's a chance they bring in a veteran as a non-roster invite for spring training, just to give themselves some additional options/backup for eating innings in the first half. Right now it's some combo of Falter, Plassmeyer, Painter, Sanchez for the #5 spot/depth. Rotation gets iffy again if one of the top four misses time.

If Painter is in the rotation all year, he would not be an option if they made the post season

However their chances of making the post season are higher with him in the rotation

I think we need to at least be optimistic enough to realize that the reigning NL champions have a very good chance to make the playoffs in 2023. And they need to be smart about things. No sense burning out any pitchers -- whether veterans or rookies -- in the first half. It's all about October.

I would absolutely slow-roll Painter. If he's anywhere near the hype, he could be an October difference-maker. For an example of how it needs to be managed WELL, look at how the Braves overused Spencer Strider last summer. We know how that ended. (Hoskins bat spike) .... If the Braves had been smarter about Strider (and Fried, to an extent), the Phillies probably don't make it to the NLCS, let alone win the pennant.

In the days of 1 or even 2 wild cards, you have to play to GET to October. It's new ballgame now. You have to manage the long season smartly while also of course winning games. With this offense and bullpen, I see no reason why Bailey Falter can't give them 15+ starts that keep them in games. And if not him, I'm intrigued to see what Plassmeyer can do.

Agreed Chris

Phils sign some pitchers to minor league contracts, including Appel

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/01/ ... deals.html

Scott Rolen makes the HoF

They are going to honor him, but hopefully don't retire his #

FolesMVP09 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 24, 2023 11:22 pm Scott Rolen makes the HoF

They are going to honor him, but hopefully don't retire his #

He grew to hate his time in Philly and couldn't wait to get out. Eventhough Ed Wade was saying publicly he wanted to re-sign Rolen, there was no way he was going to stay. I never saw him as a hall-of-famer, but part of that might have been that I didn't like that he didn't want to be in Philly. If you compare him to other 3B in the Hall, he belongs. But, to me, he was just someone who played for the Phillies. He wasn't a Phillie. No way should his number be retired. Besides, Hoskins is still using it.

They're not gonna retire Rolen's # just cause he made the hall of fame.

As everyone knows Rolen mouthed his way out of Philly, although he was right for what he said. Him leaving however opened the door to Thome, Millwood, and Bell, and being a competitive ball club again.

Not sure if you could've kept Rolen and got Thome, and Millwood. Not to mention Abreu was looking for a big payday as well.

In the end it all worked out for both sides. Rolen got his WS twice in St. Lou, and the Phils had thier great run and WS.

You compare Rolen's #'s he certainly should be in the HOF. For the Phillies to consider retiring his number though is ludicrous. He'll probably get a Wall of Fame night though.