Hitting The Ground Running

Amaro heads to the GM meetings with a full slate



Many questions abound as Ruben Amaro Jr. has the most challenging job of any GM in town and much more pressure. Like newly-elected president Barack Obama, he has a full plate and many challenges ahead.

While he doesn't have the tough task of Barack Obama, he has about as challenging a job you could have in sports.

That's because the Phillies have a reputation to live up to now. They are the talk of the town and have eclipsed the Eagles as Philadelphia's team.

Sure, the Eagles may get better TV ratings, but make no mistake about it, we are crazy about our baseball now.

Win a title and that's what it takes.

Amaro and Charlie Manuel have headed off to the GM meetings in Cali and already are engaging Ryan Howard's agent.

That's about the least of their worries right now. Pat Burrell is a free agent. Cole Hamels is arbitration eligible. So is Jayson Werth. And, Ryan Madson. And, Joe Blanton.

Shane Victorino will need a new contract soon as well.

Don't expect Manny Ramirez to put on the red pin stripes though. Reports are he is being offered a three year deal from the Dodgers in the 23-27 million dollar per YEAR range. No, that's not a misprint people, they are going to offer him $70 to $80 million over three years.

Amaro has stated they'll try to keep Burrell if he accepts a two-year deal. It's been stated publicly that they offered him two years and $22 million, but his agent turned it down.

Don't expect Jake Peavy to wind up here either. We know the Phillies' brass abhors paying pitchers long-term deals for big money. He may end up in Atlanta or Chicago and that would be bad. The Yanks are a front-runner and have the most to offer in Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, and Austin Jackson. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope he ends up in the AL.

Let's not expect the Phillies to make that big splash in free agency. They have a great team and will have plenty of work just trying to retain their players.

Now, a trade could happen. Look for them to find a diamond in the rough like Joe Blanton or Jayson Werth. And, since Burrell most likely won't be back all eyes will be on Amaro Jr. to find that diamond.

The GM Meetings are taking place this week.