SAN DIEGO -- Shortly after learning Tuesday that setup man Mike Adams was likely gone for the season with a shoulder injury (see story), Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. admitted he had no solution to fill the void created by Adams and fix the majors’ worst bullpen.
In other words, what you see is what you get with the Phillies’ bullpen.
“I think we’re going to go with what we’ve got right now,” Amaro said. “I view this as an opportunity for the young kids. It’s not ideal for us. But that’s how we have to view it."
While Amaro says he hopes the Phillies can push their way into contention, it sure sounds like they are in a developmental mode, at least in the bullpen.
“Right now, we don’t have any solutions," he said. "If we could find a solution to fill the hole or fill a need, we’ll try. It doesn’t mean we’re not going to try. I’ll be on the lookout for it. But based on the conversations I’ve had with teams already about these particular players who might be in play -- I’m not optimistic about that. A lot of people are looking for bullpen help and naturally demand is very high.
“The asking prices (for relievers) have been -- let’s just say they’re pretty strong, a little too strong for my liking. I’m not going to mortgage the future of our organization for a guy who might be able to help us in the seventh or eighth inning.”
The Phillies entered Tuesday night’s game with a 4.68 bullpen ERA, the worst in the majors.
Jonathan Papelbon remains as closer for now -- he could be dealt if the Phils don’t make a serious run in the next month -- and Antonio Bastardo figures to get most of the eighth-inning work. Getting to those two will be the responsibility of Justin De Fratus, Phillippe Aumont, Jake Diekman, J.C. Ramirez and Joe Savery. Jeremy Horst and Mike Stutes could be back in the picture when they come off the disabled list.
If the Phillies need reinforcements from Triple A they could look to Mauricio Robles, Cesar Jimenez, Raul Valdes or even Carlos Zambrano. The team signed veteran Mike MacDougal to a minor-league deal on Tuesday, but Amaro said he was viewed mostly as Triple A depth. The Cubs designated Carlos Marmol for assignment on Tuesday, but it's difficult to get enthused about a guy with a 5.86 ERA.
So what you see is what you get for now in the Phillies' bullpen.
“I’m particularly interested to see our young guys because they’re important parts of our future,” Amaro said. “I believe they have a lot of ability. It’s whether or not they can do it on a regular basis yet, but they have the ability to do it.”
