For Philadelphia Phillies, Friday Looms As Fast Break from Past

SI writer Jon Heyman stated that the Phillies are still the main suitors for the services of speedy third baseman Chone Figgins.

A growing number of people I have talked to favor a more traditional third baseman with power, such as Garrett Atkins of Colorado or Adrian Beltre of Seattle.

Figgins, with 101 walks, 42 stolen bases, and a near .400 on base percentage would make him a natural lead off hitter.

I know the Phillies had trouble leaving men on base, but conversely, hitters like Ryan Howard hit better with ducks on the pond.

I remember the Florida Marlins in 2003, with Luis Castillo and Juan Pierre at the top of the lineup. It drove other teams crazy.

And with Davey Lopes as the Phillies’ first base coach, Figgins could return to his 62 steal season of 2005.

My mouth is drooling.

Why else would the Phillies let a great defensive third baseman Pedro Feliz walk for a relatively measly $5.5 million?

“That’s what we’ve come to? Pedro Feliz is a $4 million player?” asked one agent incredulously, according to Heyman.

In other Phillies news, the team let five players off the 40-man roster, most notably Eric Bruntlett. Bruntlett was not great, but a good utility player.

This could open the door for the Phillies to sign the Cardinals Mark DeRosa. It could mean a platoon between Greg Dobbs and DeRosa. Also, DeRosa could spell Howard, Utley, and the outfielders from time to time.

But the Phillies might be more in love with Dobbs than I am. His .247 average was a significant drop from his .301 average in 2008. And he has done virtually nothing in the last two post season playoffs.

According to Heyman, DeRosa, Placido Polanco, and Adrian Beltre, along with a return of Feliz are the Phillies other options at third base.

Chances of bring back Feliz? 0.5 in my mind.

You know who understands the Phillies getting Figgins?

Yankees fans I meet in local Wawas, as I wear my Phillies gear.

In years past, Phillies fans waited months to hear of free agent signings.

Not now.

Something’s gonna happen Friday.

I gotta believe that something is named Chone Figgins.