Monday, May 23, 2011
Posted: 7:25 p.m.
By Jim Salisbury
CSNPhilly.com
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. believes his team will snap out of its recent offensive funk.
And if it doesnt?
Then well try to make a change, Amaro said before the Phillies played Cincinnati on Monday night.
Twenty-four hours earlier, the Phils were beaten, 2-0, by Texas. It marked the ninth straight game that the Phils had scored three or fewer runs. They had averaged just 1.7 runs in those games.
Thats downright ugly.
MLB
The Phils offense figured to get a boost with Chase Utley in the lineup for the first time this season on Monday. He joins Domonic Brown as a recent addition.
But Amaro pointed out that, Chase is not going to be a savior and neither is Brownie. The other guys have to pull their weight, too.
What if they dont?
If we dont produce were going to have to figure out a way to have them produce, Amaro said. Whether its internally or externally, well have to try to get better. I dont think we can survive getting two runs a game the next 100 games.
I have the confidence that they will produce, but its possible they dont. Well see if we have to make adjustments after that, but I think that the personnel we have here can produce. I think they have in the past. I think they will again. Well just have to be cognizant of whats going on.
The Phils have added significant pitching talent at the trade deadline in recent seasons. This year, the club would be looking for a bat. However, fitting one into the payroll structure could be difficult. The Phils official payroll stands at just over 175 million, less than three million from the 178 million luxury tax threshold. The Phils would be taxed at 22.5 percent for every dollar they go over the threshold. Thats a serious consideration for a club that stretched its budget to sign Cliff Lee in the off-season.
Amaro gave off mixed signals when was asked if he had payroll flexibility.
No, I dont, he said.
He was also asked if he could go over the luxury tax threshold.
I havent discussed that with David, he said, referring to club president David Montgomery.
That was different than a flat-out no.
Finally, Amaro was asked how he planned to get outside help on a tight budget.
You can be creative, he said.
The Phils have several high-salaried playerssuch as Raul Ibanez, Brad Lidge and Joe Blantonthat they would probably be willing to deal, but health and performance make it difficult for them to be moved.
Health check
Jose Contreras (elbow) was slated to pitch an inning in Triple A on Monday night. He could be activated from the disabled list this week.
Blanton (elbow) will be examined by orthopedist James Andrews in Florida this week. He said he was simply getting a second opinion and does not believe his injury will require surgery. MRIs have shown no structural damage.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com
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