TBOH Debate – January 21, 2014

Image Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Every so often, the writers at That Ball’s Outta Here will get together and debate a few issues facing the Philadelphia Phillies.  Joining me this week are Alex Cheremeteff, Emily Gruver, and Michael Lecke.

How do you feel about the one-year contracts given to Kyle Kendrick and John Mayberry?  Was it too much money? Would the Phillies have been better off simply getting rid of either?

Alex

One word can describe the way I feel about the one-year contracts given to Kyle Kendrick and John Mayberry: Seriously?  Is this the best they can do?  It’s like having a pair of old jalopies on their last legs, and the owner is trying to squeeze every last mile out of them.  He might as well bring Michael Martinez back and offer him a seven-figure contract.

I was under the assumption that the signing of Marlon Byrd would make Mayberry expendable.  My bad.  I would much rather have had them giving Cesar Hernandez the opportunity to win a reserve outfield spot in the spring.

Emily

I’m actually one of few people who are fairly high on Kyle Kendrick. Over the years, he is proven to me that he does have potential and is capable of being a solid starter in this rotation. With so many questions surrounding the starting rotation this year, I’m happy he’s back. As for John Mayberry Jr., although he can execute some big hits here and there, we really need to move on from him.

Mike

Based on the money being given to free agents starters, Kendrick is fairly paid.  Kendrick is no standout, but he’s adequate as a 4th or 5th starter.  It would be nice if he could become more consistent, but at this point in his career, I don’t know how likely that is to happen.

I’m not as down on John Mayberry as most people.  I think if he’s used as a right-handed pinch hitter, he’s fine.  The problem comes when he plays too much. Unfortunately, they seem to consider him their primary backup in center field, so there’s a decent chance that he’ll once again receive more playing time than is ideal.

Michael

Kendrick and Mayberry get a lot of heat for being weak players but they can still help this Phillies team. It’s not the players that were the biggest problem, it was the roles. Kendrick is a number 5 starter, not a number 3. Mayberry would be better with fewer AB and strictly platooned. The money didn’t bother me.

Image Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

It was reported that Maikel Franco will be spending a lot of time at first base in 2014.  What do you think this means for his future?

Alex

This tells me two things: the Phillies think enough of Cody Asche to move Franco across the diamond.  Two, Amaro has come to grips with the mistake that is the albatross of Ryan Howard’s contract and will try to move him within the next couple of years.  Franco should be an impact player at the big league level.  However, he may prove to be more valuable at first base since he isn’t a solid defensive third baseman.

Emily

The future is going to be real interesting now, but I’m looking forward to it. The kid has shown a ton of talent, potential, and capabilities, so I think the future is bright…it just all depends on if he can translate his talent into the big leagues against these tough, tough pitchers.

Mike

I’m confused by the whole deal.  I suppose it’s a vote of confidence for Cody Asche, but I’m not sure he’s really done enough to merit it. It could be a sign that the team has little faith in Ryan Howard to stay healthy and productive for a full season, and even less faith in Darin Ruf to replace him if the need arose.

As for Franco, it might be a sign that the Phillies value him more as a potential trade chip rather than a future star for the team.

Michael

Maikel Franco is letting his bat do the talking and it is demanding new ways into the lineup. A few months of tearing up AAA would do the trick. By then, it could be Howard or Ashe who make way for Franco. Playing more first base can only enhance Franco’s chances of making the team and it also improves his trade value.

What do you think?  Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.