The Phillies have declined the $5.5 million option on Pedro Feliz, instead exercising a $500,000 buyout of the third baseman. During his two-year tenure with the Phillies, Feliz was an outstanding defender at third but did not live up to expectations at the plate. During the season he was clutch in late-inning situations but in the postseason reverted to hitting pop-ups. I loved his glove, but felt that this year it too was declining. Maybe his back is to blame, though he did have successful back surgery during the offseason. Good luck, Pedro. I shall miss your bright eyes.
Third base has been a problem since the Scott Rolen days. In recent years the farm system has not produced a promising infielder of any kind except for Adrian Cardenas, traded to Oakland in the Blanton deal. Too bad that studs Dom Brown and Michael Taylor both play the outfield.
