Phillies, Others, In On Hernandez

The Phillies have pulled out of the running for Kyle Lohse since he wanted a forty million dollar deal, and now the Phillies are eying Livan Hernandez. I think Hernandez will be looking for a deal similar to Silva, if not better, so they may have to look elsewhere. Hernandez was 11-11 with a 4.93 ERA and 90 K this season, but is very reliable, and 7-3 in the playoffs with a 3.97 ERA with 47 K in 68 IP. That alone, can get him a deal like Silva, who has pitched in just one playoff game. The Phillies have held talks with the representatives of Bartolo Colon, Kris Benson, and Josh Fogg, so they are definitely looking to improve their pitching. However, they have Hamels, Myers, and Kendrick, along with Moyer, Eaton, but Eaton will probably head to the bullpen assuming they can land a pitcher. As for Hernandez, he has had talks with the Mets, Cardinals, and Nationals, among others, but no deal appears close just yet.

The Phillies still have an eye on a third baseman, but seem more content going with Dobbs. There are not any other options at third base on the market besides Pedro Feliz and Alexei Ramirez, but both would cost them. I think Ramirez would make for a good platoon at third base, but I think they would rather focus their cash towards pitching. The Phillies have not been too active this off season, but they are making small moves gearing up for another playoff run.