The Bullpen….the bullpen

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amaro31x-largeEveryone’s favorite GM in Philadelphia these days is Ruben Amaro, Jr.  Ruben’s made nice large-scale moves like Halladay and Lee, but one thing he has never gotten right is the bullpen.  This is like Andy Reid’s inability to find Wide Receivers.  The Phillies bullpen has been a glaring weakness for at least three seasons now.

The Phillies were close to their “self-imposed” salary cap so fans knew they weren’t gonna spend a lot in the bullpen, especially after the insane amount owed to Papelbon.  Amaro brought in Chad Gaudin and Jeff Manship. Gaudin was released and Manship is sinking while earning $535,000.

The question remains: were there quality arms that could’ve been brought in for 2014 that Amaro missed?

I think so.

Exhibit A:
Matt Thornton.  Yankees signed him for 2 years for $7MM.  In 2014: 6.0 IP, 1.50ERA

Exhibit B:
Boone Logan. Yankees signed the 29 year old for 3 years/$16.5MM.  In 2014: 10.1 IP, 2.61 ERA

Exhibit C:
Javier Lopez.  Signed by the Giants 3yr/$13MM.  In 2014: 6.2 IP, 1.35 ERA

Exhibit D:
Chris Perez.  Signed by the Indians for 1yr/$2.3MM.  In 2014: 14.1 IP, 1.88 ERA

Exhibit E:
Jamey Wright. Signed by the Dodgers 1yr/$1.8MM.  In 2014: 18.1 IP, 2.95 ERA

Exhibit F:
Matt Albers.  Signed by Houston 1yr/$2.25MM.  In 2014: 10 IP, 0.90 ERA

Six guys who would be better than most in the Phillies 2014 bullpen.  Definitely better than Gaudin and Manship, though slightly more expensive.

D’OH!