The Phillies passing on some “overpaid” big name free agents have traded for Ben Revere, sending Vance Worley and Trevor May to the Twins. The Phils who are in dire need of offense and power will get little of either in acquiring Revere. Last season with the Twins Revere hit .294 ,stole 40 bases, and drove in a paltry 32 runs in 553 at bats. What makes the 24-year-old Revere a fit with the Phillies is his $492,000 salary along with not being eligible for salary arbitration. The up side in the signing (depending on how you think), would be the salary numbers and Revere would be a big upgrade defensively in center field.
This is not the move Phillies fans were hoping for but there is still plenty of time! Not overpaying does not sell tickets or get fans excited but it does make sense if you are in it for the long haul. Michael Bourn who is still available (and should remain available) is seeking more than the $75 million that B.J. Upton got in Atlanta. The offensive numbers on Bourn last season, .274 batting average with 9 home runs and 57 RBI. In comparing to Revere, the 9 home runs would not take the Phillies out of contention or put them in contention for the division. So it all boils down to MONEY, making Revere a far better move.
Limited budget? Or a smart move for this year and beyond? Being smart the Phillies still have plenty of money left to spend this winter, having NEEDS in the outfield, pitching and at third. It might not be a limited budget but Amaro does have LIMITS!