Answering a few Phillies questions from the mailbag ...
Q: Do the Phillies have an interest in Ryan Madson? -- Mike Spinner
A: Yes, sources tell me they do. In fact, I hear that Madson has some interest in rejoining the Phillies, as well. Obviously, he has missed the last two seasons with elbow problems, but at 33 he might be an excellent low-risk, potential high-reward signing. Madson blossomed into one of the best relievers in baseball during his time in Philadelphia -- his emergence was huge in winning the 2008 World Series -- and is familiar with the organization, its leaders, its medical people and many of the players. We hear Madson will audition for clubs early in the New Year and the Phillies will surely keep tabs on him. He’d probably have to take a minor-league deal and prove himself, but a Philadelphia reunion might serve him and the team well.
Q: Are the Phillies in on Masahiro Tanaka? -- @fpchas
A: Whether it’s reviewing scouting reports, actually looking in on a player, or discussing it internally, the Phillies check out every available player in some way, shape or form. The Boston Globe recently reported that the Phils peeked in on lefty Mark Mulder, who is attempting a comeback after being out of the game since 2008. Most teams perform this sort of information gathering, and in some cases actual pursuit of a player can arise.
As for Tanaka, the Phillies have surely gathered intelligence on the pitcher. I just don’t see them making a run at him. The Phillies, already deep in long-term, big-dollar commitments, have made it clear this winter that they are not in the market for more of the same. It would likely take a $100 million commitment to get Tanaka. He might pitch in Citizens Bank Park sometime in the next couple of seasons, but we doubt it will be as a Phillie.
Q: What are the Phillies’ plans for John Mayberry Jr.? -- Doug, Wilmington
A: There was a lot of debate about whether the Phillies would tender him a contract earlier this month. The Phillies obviously did. At the time, I believed they retained him so they wouldn’t hurt his value in a trade. Mayberry was very much in play at the winter meetings. The Giants seemed to be a fit, but they ended up signing Mike Morse. Not sure what happens from here on out, but Mayberry remains very much available. Teams looking for a fourth or fifth outfielder will pay attention to him in spring training. If he stays with the Phillies, he will be an extra outfielder who can provide depth in center field.
Q: It has been a frustrating offseason. Do you think this team has a chance to contend? -- Steve Higgins
A: Agree. It has been a lackluster offseason for the Phillies.
Do they have a chance to contend? Sure, with two wild-cards, the Phils have a chance, but I wouldn’t say it’s a good one. They are far from the slam-dunk contenders that they were a few years ago.
You have to play the games and see what happens. There are always surprise teams, clubs that catch fire, gain momentum and confidence and hang around longer than anyone expected. For the Phillies to be one of those teams they need perfect health -- one injury to a key player could devastate the thin club -- rebound seasons from aging players and even a career year or two. A little pride wouldn’t hurt, either.
They still have two tremendous pitchers at the top of their rotation and a lot of winning experience in lineup. But it’s not going to be easy. They really don’t look like an improved club from their fourth-place, 73-win season in 2013. I believe management will give the club three months to show what it can do. If it stays on the edge of the race, maybe management will add a piece or two. If not, make your best offer. The Cliff Lee Sweepstakes will be on.