Phillies report 39 million loss for2014.

[northeastphillyguy]

The numbers are in. They had a payroll that topped off at 186 million last year. This year it will be below 140 million. After 2015 the new TV contract will kick in and provide more revenue. However I wonder if this is a rebuild we are going through or just temporary cuts until next year. It is possible that the Phillies might try to buy free agent players next season to fill the roster once aqain. I hope that Amaro will be gone by then since he hates developing players and loves the checkbook. I am hoping that Severino Gonzalez and Nola will be starting for us by then. They would be cheap for years to come. When you think about it we only changed the shortstop and one outfield position. Also one reliever. We signed Francour and Sizemore who can do nothing to help a rebuild. I am just thinking out loud. I realize that there is still a chance to get a few decent prospects for Hamels but that may have to wait until the all star break.

 

[jvett77]

Francoeur was signed to a minor league contract and Sizemore has a 2-year thru 2015. Neither can help ticket sales. They need to dump both but it won't be easy. One problem is that Francoeur is a RH (also Ruf) and we're loaded with LH OFs - Brown, Revere, Herrera, Bogosevic, Danks, and Sizemore. I think they can only keep 5 outfielders. $4 mil Brown will stay along with Revere, Herrera and OF/1b Ruf. Bogosevic, 31, may have earned a spot but who will get the final position out of two oft-injured utility guys and Danks? That's what happens when you want to move to younger players and you continue to sign older players. I guess there's a little trade value here that could packaged with Hamels / Howard. Good luck, Amaro. Nice planning.

 

[northeastphillyguy]

Sizemore was a panic move by Amaro. Sizemore showed a glimmer of hope last year before he nosedived during the last 5 weeks of the season. Herrera was a good pickup by Amaro. A rule 5 guy who might make a difference with his speed and bat. Revere is now hitting below the Mendoza line. That is scary since he only hits singles and draws very few walks. Plus he will be hitting leadoff. This season will be frustrating to watch. Hope at least a few young players will excel and keep me interested!

 

[Retroram52]

Well if they are moving Revere to Left, Northeast he'll be an asset because his hitting is exploding and he is a great base-stealer. The tenant of BillyBall is fulfilled by Revere, who now has a high percentage of getting on base and stealing second. That is a foundation tenant that builds winners. Now we have an arm in Center and Revere's offensive prowess in Left.