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Quick Free Agency Deadline Primer

As free agent filings occur today, let’s look at what the Phillies need this offseason:

Strongest Need: Starting Pitcher
Though the Phillies have up to eight options for their Opening Day rotation, one of the options is a free agent, and four aren’t quite set in stone. A starter that can fill one of the middle spots would be extremely welcome. If not, a veteran filler piece wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Consider: Ben Sheets, Jon Garland, Paul Byrd, Odalis Perez

Strong Need: Right-handed hitting left fielder
Pat Burrell might get scooped by another team. If so, it leaves a hole that the Phils can patch in a few ways. The internal option is going with a platoon of left-handed hitters, but that means the Phils still lack a powerful right-handed bat. Look for the Phils to do something, whether it’s signing a cheap platoon option, or trading for an expensive everyday guy.
Consider: Milton Bradley, Jermaine Dye, Rocco Baldelli, Juan Rivera

Strong Need: Right-handed Reliever
The Phillies bullpen was unstoppable for most of 2008, but with Rudy Seanez leaving and the potential for a couple drop-offs, getting a right-hander who can work middle and late innings might be crucial. A veteran might be in the cards.
Consider: Doug Brocail, Russ Springer

Moderate Need: Right-handed-hitting outfielder
The Phils might still need a bench-worthy right-handed hitter, as the group is already heavy to the left. That means a Baldelli might still be in the cards. Or the Phils can go the utility route. But this isn’t a strong necessity.
Consider: Baldelli, Rivera, Emil Brown, Jerry Hairston Jr.

Low Need: Backup First Baseman
Greg Dobbs and Chris Coste can back Ryan Howard, but who knows if Coste gets a 25-man job, and if Dobbs won’t be in the outfield. Moreover, having a right-handed bat in place of Howard might be vital in 2009.
Consider: Richie Sexson, Miguel Cairo

Low Need: Backup Catcher
It doesn’t make too much sense for the Phils to add a veteran catcher, but you never know. They might want a solid transition piece from Carlos Ruiz to Lou Marson without needing Coste behind the dish.
Consider: Josh Bard, Chad Moeller, David Ross

Tim Malcolm

Tim first found the Phillies as a little infant at Veteran’s Stadium, cheering on a Juan Samuel game-winning home run in his very first game. With the pinstripes in his blood, he witnessed Terry Mulholland’s 1990 no-hitter, “Steve Carlton Night” at the Vet, game three of the 1993 World Series, countless games during the charmed 2008 championship season and various road excursions. Since November 2007 Tim’s been writing about them daily at Phillies Nation, becoming one of the world’s most popular Phillies scribes. You can catch him on Twitter and Facebook, as well. When he’s not talking about the Phils he’s relaxing with a St. Bernardus ABT 12 or one of his many favored brews.