Cuddeyer will require a minimum of a three year deal and maybe four depending on how the market plays out. He is 33. The steroid era is over so the days of guys in their mid 30′s putting up big numbers has mostly disappeared. His (average) production will almost certainly decline. Exactly how many three year deals do you need to hand out to guys in the latter stages of their careers (Polanco, Ibanez) before you realize it’s probably not a good idea to do it????

Mayberry gave you better offensive production that Cuddeyer had last year, is much younger and has much better range all while being able to do ti for you at a fraction of the cost. Just put this money into locking up Hamels long term. If ownership is still willing to give you some serious $$$ after getting Hamels done, then try to deal for Daivd Wright as it doesn’t look like the Mets have the cash to resign him.

Hopefully the irony of replacing a past his prime left fielder whom we never should have given a three year deal to with a (soon to be) past his prime left fielder with another three year deal dawns on Amaro and he spends these dollars elsewhere.

If the Phils make another post-season, and while not a given, it is probable, then Cuddyer and Thome would be great additions for a championship run. But I’m not sure they are going to do much to insure the post season.

Those two additions are as much an indictment of the Phillie supposed future stars as anything else. Sure they will be able to mix and match the youthful Mayberry, Francisco and Brown but if they were confident any could assume primary playing time in 2012 the moves wouldn’t have been made so quickly.

If both Oswalt and Rollins leave and it certainly seems to be leaning that way, they are going to have some serious holes to close and that assumes Polanco will be their hot corner answer.

Perhaps they will use some of that youth as trading pieces but I find it hard to believe they would bring much in return, and that includes Brown. Worley has value but w/o Oswalt he would seem to be needed in the rotation. So that kinda leaves the Free Agent market as the most likely option.

If the Cards lock up Furcal, then either the Phils join the Reyes circus or get stuck with the likes of Cedeno or Betancourt. Lot of leverage for Rollins. A fourth starter of quality is out there but the question then begs just how much payroll will the Phils be able to take on. Perhaps the losses in the last two NLCS will force the management hand, cause they aren’t getting any younger.

If Florida and Washington spend this winter as many have suggested and the Braves find some offense the 2012 campaign could be more difficult than it may seem.

Yes, he’s older than the Phillies would like, but there are no viable younger options in FA. He can play 3rd and left, 1st in a pinch, and his bat will play much better here than in the Twin Cities.

I loved the Thome signing, 1 yr for cheap. Perfect.

If they sign Cuddyer for 2 yrs, his age 33 and 34 seasons…that’ll probably be a good deal for them and fit their needs…3 yrs will be pushing it, 4 yrs will probably be a huge mistake.

I think Howard has declined quite a bit without UZR seeming to notice, his assists (balls he fields far enough from 1B that require him to make a throw to record an out as well as double plays/force outs at 2B) since 2006 have been 91, 103, 101, 95, 59, 70….that is a lot of outs he isn’t getting that he used to…..based on the Put Outs he records, he doesn’t seem that the Philly pitchers are inducing fewer GBs, and the trends don’t even coincide with changes in the number of lefties pitching (who may face fewer lefties, resulting in fewer GBs to 1B).

Ross Gload is finished with philly imo. Orr will help on 1st if need be.