New GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. has put his cabinet together with the appointment of Benny Looper to assistant-general manager in charge of player personnel. Looper, uncle of pitcher Braden Looper, was formerly with the Seattle Mariners. Chuck LeMar, who oversaw the spectacular postseason scouting work done by the Phillies, is now assistant-general manager in charge of player development. Also, Charley Kerfeld, Gordon Lakey, Dallas Green, Steve Nowaryta, Marti Wolever, and Mike Ondo will remain with the club. As noted previously, Pat Gillick is on board as an adviser to Amaro and to CEO Dave Montgomery. This is the real stuff.
Now for the rumors, starting with Jimmy Rollins to San Francisco. Puh-leez. How could this even be a rumor? Next, Matt Holliday to the Phillies for some combination of Victorino, Werth, Carrasco, Donald, Marson, Happ, or Kendrick. With Scott Boras as his agent, Holliday would be a one-year rental. What is the point? A one-year replacement for Pat Burrell that would open a huge whole elsewhere in the outfield? If pitching and defense won the WS for the Phillies, and it manifestly did, why get rid of Victorino or Werth? Particularly when you have them under contract for years. Not to mention getting rid of all that speed on the base paths. Last, Ryan Madson to the Rockies or Tigers or anyone for who knows what. Again, what is the point? Why remove a key piece from the best bullpen around? And what is the point of decimating a farm system that is only just coming back to life? I hate these rumors. Give me something instead about Junichi Tazawa.
