Polanco Back With the Phillies

December 3rd, 2009 | by joeb03 |

Cross the need for a third baseman off the list. The Phillies filled their void at the hot corner by bringing back Placido Polanco, who spent the past four seasons with the Detroit Tigers. Polanco left via trade to open up the second base job for Chase Utley back in 2005. He now has a fresh 3-yr, $18 million dollar contract to play third base on a championship caliber-team.

The move is somewhat surprising given Polanco’s age (34), diminishing offensive skills (.285 BA in ‘09 worst since ‘02), and move of position (Polanco hasn’t played third since ‘04). There were clearly two better options out there in Chone Figgins and Adrian Beltre. Both of those players will likely get contracts in the area of $10-million a year. So it is apparent that finances played a role in the Phillies search for a third baseman.

Ruben Amaro Jr. is building his team around experienced, character guys, evidenced by bringing in a player who will be 37 at the end of his contract and who was a consummate professional in his first tenure with the Phillies. The problem is, Polanco will be playing a position where quickness and arm strength is needed. Now, the guy won a Gold Glove at second base in two of the past three years. I do believe he will be fine there, but in three years? Who knows.

With the bat, Polanco has always posted a solid average. But is he necessarily a good hitter? Depends on how you look at it. He only gets an extra-base hit in 6.63 at bats out of 100, worse than recent signee Brian Schneider, whose mark is 6.94. Polanco also isn’t likely to get a walk, even less likely than Pedro Feliz. In 2009, Polanco had one more walk than the man he is replacing in 38 more at-bats.

However, Polanco will join a lineup that is extremely powerful already, and could use someone to poke a single and get on base. Whether he will hit 2nd or 7th is yet to be determined, but in either position he should contribute to this team. Playing for such a strong offense in a hitters’ park will boost his stats, and all signs are pointing to this being an offensive upgrade over Feliz.

My only problem is that the Phillies had a chance to significantly improve with a third base signing, going with a Figgins or a Beltre. They ended up with a 34-year old Polanco playing out of position. Is it the worst decision in the world? No. Maybe it is just what the Phillies needed, a gamer who can deliver a big hit.