Footprints in the Snow: Phillies

Footprints in the Snow is FanHouse's look at the paths to be forged by MLB teams this winter as they look ahead to 2010.

Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro made it a point not to bring back the exact same lineup in 2009 after winning the World Series in 2008. He succeeded in that goal by replacing the departed Pat Burrell with Raul Ibanez in left field. The strategy worked as the Phillies won their division and made it all the way to the World Series, eventually losing to the New York Yankees.

During this offseason, expect the mantra to be very similar to last winter. The one position in the lineup that likely will roll over is third base. The team declined their $5.5 million option on Pedro Feliz and will try and find an upgrade in the free-agent pool. If they fail to do so, they can always bring Feliz back to the team.

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Who Might Leave

Brett Myers, RHP; Pedro Martinez, RHP; Scott Eyre, LHP; Chan Ho Park, RHP; Matt Stairs, OF; Miguel Cairo, INF; Paul Bako, C; Pedro Feliz, 3B; Eric Bruntlett, INF.

Shopping List

The Phillies have three targeted acquisitions this winter, two of which are necessary. The team must find a third baseman to upgrade over the departed Feliz and they would like to add a pitcher or two to the bullpen. If both of these needs are met, look for the Phillies to try to add a super-utility type player to back up the infield positions, especially up the middle.

At third base, the leading candidates look to be Adrian Beltre and Mark DeRosa. Chone Figgins was the first thought for a third base replacement, but Figgins figures to be too expensive. Beltre is the youngest of the free agent-options that Philadelphia is considering and he's the best fielder. But don't count out DeRosa just yet. The Phillies flirted with him in 2007 before he went elsewhere, and many believe that Philadelphia is the front-runner for DeRosa's services.

With the struggles Brad Lidge went through in 2009 and the fact that Ryan Madson didn't prove he could take over and close with ease, the Phillies will look for a candidate or two to provide late-inning assistance. There are two players available in Brandon Lyon and Fernando Rodney that could compliment the current bullpen very well. They both have experience in the setup role and as a closer. Having three or four relief pitchers with that kind of experience would be wonderful.

Money Matters

You can rest assured that the Phillies will be bringing Shane Victorino, Carlos Ruiz and Joe Blanton back to the ballclub, at whatever cost. Pedro Martinez, who had a very respectable run towards the end of the season, has also mentioned that he'd like to make a run at it during spring training in hopes of pitching the entire 2010 season. If he can strike a short-term deal that is incentive-laden, the Phillies may bring him back.

Scott Eyre, Chan Ho Park and Matt Stairs are all also of interest to the Phillies. Eyre is going to retire if the Phillies don't want to re-sign the lefty specialist in the bullpen and Chan Ho Park could also be brought back if he agrees to head to the bullpen and give up on entering the rotation.

Offseason Goals

Just like in 2008, the Phillies don't need to make any big changes to return and make a run at a championship. The team can hit a ton and their rotation looks solid headed into 2010. Their payroll may creep up into the upper echelon on the National League and compete with the New York Mets, but that may be worth it to make a third consecutive run at greatness. Keep an eye on two young pitchers this offseason as well. Cole Hamels is rumored to be included in trade talks with the Blue Jays for Roy Halladay. The Phillies downplay this rumor and I think it's unlikely to happen too. But watch for him to work toward figuring out how to make 2010 a bounce-back season. Kyle Drabek should also be on your radar. He's not quite ready to pitch in Philadelphia yet, but if he grows next season like he did in 2009, he'll make that splash in 2010.