With the re-signing of Carlos Ruiz, the Phillies appear to have their starting lineup in place for 2014.
Barring any major moves between now and during the baseball winter meetings from Dec. 9-12, the Phillies are clearly banking on their long-time nucleus to be very productive.
A risky proposition for general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., but this was the direction the Phillies decided on years ago. Here’s how I see the everyday starting lineup:
1. Ben Revere, CF
2 Jimmy Rollins, SS
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Marlon Byrd, RF
6. Dom Brown, LF
7. Carlos Ruiz, C
8. Cody Asche, 3B
Five players in my projected lineup will be 35 years old or older when the season begins. History tells us that major league baseball players peak between the ages of 26 and 32, so that does not bold well for the Phillies.
From 2006-2011, Howard was one of the best run producers in baseball. But since signing his five-year, $125 million contract extension, Howard has been a mere shell of his former self because of injuries. Howard turned 35 this week and I fully expect him to be in great shape at spring training, but turning around his fortunes in 2014 is a big if.
Howard’s productivity is the key. It always has been the key to the Phillies' offensive success. Earlier this month, David Ortiz turned 38 years old. The Red Sox staple continues to defy the age argument after he led Boston to another World Series title and earned MVP honors in the process. Can Howard be Philadelphia’s version of Big Papi?
After enjoying the most successful era in Phillies history, culminating with the World Series Championship in 2008, it is tough to watch a group of players that have done so much for the city all decline at the same time. I would love to be proven wrong and see one last grasp out of Rollins, Utley, Howard and Ruiz, but unfortunately I don’t see that happening.
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Amaro could be in a the same position a year from now, trying to add pieces to an aging roster with no real answer in sight. The Eagles have shocked all of us by leading the NFC East after 11 weeks. No one expected a 6-5 record, but the Eagles were willing to rebuild their roster and so far so good.
The Phillies have built an impressive franchise with solid TV ratings and excellent fan support but after two disappointing seasons, change is needed.
Amaro seems reluctant to blow up the team. I appreciate his loyalty to his veteran players, but the clock has been ticking for a couple years now and it looks like Father Time continues to knock on the door. At some point, it will be evident to everyone that the Phillies need to get younger sooner rather than later.