RAJ

I'm not really sure when or why it happened, but nowadays no one can ever just finish out their contract. There has to be a contract extension, a trade or a firing. It is now assumed if you complete your contract you will have a new employer the following season. I understand sometimes these things are warranted. Like when Ryan Howard was granted an extension, I won't say I agree with the decision but I completely understand the rational. He was signed in an effort to get him at a fair market value before Pujols and Prince Fielder were signed to some ridiculous contracts that would in turn put Howard's value out of the Phillies budget.

One case I don't see the benefit is with regards to Ruben Amaro Jr. Now, before you get your panties in a bunch, I think Rubes has done a fine job. There isn't too much I can find fault with in the way he has handled the Phillies since he replaced Pat Gillick. Sure, there is the Cliff Lee trade to Seattle, but Lee is a Phillie again. And what some people fail to realize is that had he not made the trade who is to say the Phillies don't become sellers last July when they were 7 games out. Meaning no Roy Oswalt and Lee would have packed his bags anyhow.

But I also urge you to realized the core of this team was built by one of Philly's favorite whipping boys, Ed Wade. Wade built a team that could and did contend. What he failed to do was put his neck on the line to make a trade that could put them over the top. Seems like Amaro learned this lesson on his own. Amaro's strengths have been his trades and free agent signings.  But when you look closer, the assets he traded away were drafted by Wade and then Pat Gillick. I don't know the specifics of what budgets Wade, Gillick or Amaro were dictated in regards to payroll, but I’m sure all three maximized their allotted payroll meaning the current financial state of the Phillies allows Amaro the most payroll flexibility in team history.

Its easy to win Monopoly if you start the game with hotels on Boardwalk and Park Place. It takes more than 2 years to prove that you are competent G.M. Let alone a great one. Trades especially those that involve prospects take years to evaluate properly. Drafts take even longer to assess. So basically before you anoint RAJ the greatest G.M. in the history of baseball, let's get all the facts or at least a right-handed power outfielder.

See ya at the ballpark!

Jay Wrizight
jaywrizight@yahoo.com