Phils Try To Address Utility Player Problem

Ruben Amaro Jr signed two utility infielders to minor league deals Wednesday morning, but has really left a lot to be desired in regard to finally that hole on his professional club. The two long shots to make the team haven’t turned any heads their entire careers and I don’t see them ever setting foot in Citizen’s Bank Park, unless it’s to watch a game from the seats.

Chin-lung hu was released by the Cleveland Indians and immediately snagged up by the Phillies. Why the Phillies picked up this five-year backup, to fill the void left behind by Michael Martinez’s injury and the trade of Wilson Valdez is beyond me. Sure neither Martinez nor Valdez turned many heads, but Hu batted under .100 last season. He played average in the field for the Mets, but posted a -40 defensive runs saved per year average and free runs is something the Phils can’t afford to give away like bubble gum.

Joe Thurston has been around the game for a while, playing in four games last year with the Marlins. His most productive year was in 2009 when he batted .224 while playing in 124 games for the Cardinals (the only time in his career he played in over 20 games). He was a Phillie in 2006 and isn’t the kind of player who is going to stir the pot in the field or the batter’s box.

Neither of these signings will make the Phillies starting roster which still leaves a huge hole for a utility infielder. The Phillies were late in dealing for the Royals’ Chris Getz after expressing interest early last week. The 28-year-old is a career .254 hitter and has played the middle and corner infield positions. He has made 16 career errors and will be returning to Kansas City as their starting second baseman after a solid spring.

With Utley sidelined for at least a month to start the year, the highly touted Freddy Galvis will get his first chance in the pros. He is been consistently working his way through Philadelphia’s farm system and will be Rollins’ replacement when his contract expires in 2014. Upon Utley’s return the Venezuelan shortstop will move to either AAA or into the team’s utility role. Sending the 22-year-old to Lehigh Valley is the best option because h will start every day until September when he is inevitably brought back to the show.

With Ty Wigginton holding down third base, the Phillies should still be inquiring teams about a middle infielder who would cost them no more than Howie Kendrick or Joe Blanton.

Ramiro Pena of the New York Yankees could be a quick solution to this hole. The Yankees just lost Joba Chamberline and still have an aged Andy Pettite at the backend of their rotation, which makes one issue clear the Bombers need pitching.  The Mexican utility man exploded onto the scene coming off the Yankees bench batting .287 in 2009. His numbers have dwindled sense but he still provides to be a reliable fielder  with a career fielding percentage of .948. He isn’t going to be a deciding factor in many games, more of a defensive replacement who can play nearly every position well, when guys need rests.

If the Phillies aren’t able to deal for Pena don’t expect their search for a utility man to stop. Depth is one of the most important things in baseball and for the Phils to compete in a tough NL East they need to address this issue before Utley returns from injury.