Arbitrary Decisions

With last night's arbitration deadline passed, the Phillies' efforts to reshape their roster should heat up. Ken Mandel's story at Phillies.com provides a nice overview of who might be back (Doug -- sigh -- Glanville), who's definitely gone (good riddance, Kevin Millwod, Todd Jones, and Roberto Hernandez; wish they'd found a way to keep you, Eric Milton), and who was offered arbitration strictly in hopes of snaring compensatory draft picks when he inevitably signs elsewhere (really wish you'd been able to stick around, Placido Polanco).

Brad Radke re-signed with the Twins last night, but the Phillies were reportedly "close" to inking the Yankees' Jon Lieber to a three-year deal. Lieber has had a generally decent career, including a 20-win season with the Cubs a couple of years ago. His best attribute is that he doesn't walk many. Alas, Lieber isn't the top-of-the-rotation guy the Phillies desperately need, and it seems at this point that the team will again enter the season with a true No. 1 starter. Not exactly what I want to hear as a higher-paying season-ticket holder.

Comments

[gr]

lieber it is.