Your Move, Pat - Monday, July 07, 2008
347 Views :: 0 Comments :: :: Michael Bradley

   Pat Gillick's signing of Brad Lidge over the weekend was a great move for the future of the Phillies franchise. The first-rate closer should be a back-end stalwart for the next couple years, and it's good that Gillick cares about the security of the team. But the 2008 season is still the main focus, and he had better get similarly aggressive right now and upgrade the starting rotation.

   Simply put, the Phillies don't have what it takes among their starters to win in October, and that is becoming more and more obvious with each week. Sure, Mssrs. Kendrick and Moyer are capable of throwing six solid innings, but neither can be considered a number two man come the post-season. That's not debatable. Nobody knows what Brett Myers will do the rest of the year, especially now that he won't be a rock star this season or next. He could implode completely. As for Adam Eaton, Monday's performance showed what we can expect from him. He has been adequate, but do you want him toeing the rubber in Game Two of a series? Didn't think so.

   So, Gillick has to make a deal. Maybe two. The Phils need a front-of-the-rotation starter who can win tough games in September and October. And if they have to overpay for the privilege, so be it. You may be looking forward to Carlos Carasco's big-league debut in '09 or '10, but that doesn't help the team now. In professional sports, you don't build for the future, unless you want that future to be a long way off. You try to win now. So, the Phillies have to pony up to be a factor. If that means emptying the farm system to make this team better, do it. If that means including an every day player in the deal, get after it.

   This year isn't about a division title, if the team can even win one. It's about October, and another quick exit at the hands of the Cubs, D-backs or even the Brewers won't be acceptable. It will happen, however, if the rotation isn't upgraded. The Brewers picked up CC Sabathia, and they aren't even considered NL Central contenders. The Phillies have to step up, or they risk another disappointing October, should they get that far. The Lidge move was great. It's time for more.