The Phillies need more than just Papelbon

 Photo by Boston Globe/Tim Shaffer/Reuters

Michael Cuddyer would be a solid addition in Philly.

The Philadelphia Phillies fell short in their third consecutive playoff appearance in their pursuit to win another World Series since their victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in 2008. The fans expected nothing less of a World Series title and a parade down Broad Street. That didn’t happen as the Phillies lost to the eventual World Series champion. Many questions surrounded Philadelphia's off-season with Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Madson, Roy Oswalt, and Raul Ibanez becoming free agents. The Phillies made a statement early in free agency by signing star closer Jonathan Papelbon to a monster 4 year deal worth $50 million. They offered arbitration to Rollins, Madson and Ibanez, but it is unlikely that any of them will accept. Ryan Madson will likely sign elsewhere, possibly even replacing Papelbon in Boston. Jimmy Rollins wants a 5 year deal, but is not receiving much interest. If he lowers his standards, the Phillies might make an attempt to resign the former MVP shortstop, as the market for shortstops is slim behind Jose Reyes and Alex Gonzalez. Reyes is likely going to Miami and will come with a pretty price tag. Roy Oswalt was stellar when the Phillies acquired him at the trade deadline in the 2010 season, but suffered from back injuries and was a disappointment for the Phillies in 2011. He has received some interest from the New York Yankees and a few other teams. As Philly fans know, the Phillies struggled to produce run support for their star pitching staff and power-hitting first basemen Ryan Howard will be out at the beginning of the upcoming season. The Phillies have yet to make a vital move in a much needed attempt to improve their hitting. They signed Jim Thome, who could possibly spend some time at first base while Howard is out, but John Mayberry will be a better option in the field. That is if the Phillies do not resign Ibanez and do not go after an outfielder. Mayberry would then be forced into the starting left field job. Either way, Mayberry in the line-up is not a bad thing as he produced 15 homers and 49 RBIs in only 267 plate appearances last season. Philly missed out on signing OF Grady Sizemore and could miss out on others if they do not act fast. Still available in free agency include utility man Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel, Ryan Ludwick, Josh Willingham and Nate McLouth. Cuddyer would be the best fit as he can play almost every position and can hit for average and power (.284/20 last season). Kubel hit 28 homers in 2009 and 21 in 2010 but struggled with injury in Minnesota last season. If he stays healthy, he can add pop in the middle of the lineup or off the bench. Ludwick broke out in his 2008 season with the Cardinals, hitting 37 home runs and knocking in 113 RBIs. He has since declined, splitting time between the Padres and Pirates. He still has potential to knock in runs and have a similar role in the lineup to what Raul Ibanez had. Josh Willingham definitely can add power to the lineup as he has hit at least 20 home runs in 4 of his last 6 seasons. He has spent time in the National League East with the Nationals and Marlins and would be a solid addition to the lineup. Nate McLouth is another guy who has suffered from recent injuries but can produce when he is healthy. He was a star in Pittsburgh but failed to live up to expectations and his contract in Atlanta. The Braves moved him to right field as they had many injuries to their lineup last season so McLouth can play CF and RF. It is not a question whether the Phillies will be a contender for the World Series in 2012. They still have three aces in the rotation and an emerging young pitcher, Vance Worley. However, it is clear that the Phillies need to add a bat to the lineup if they want to be the contender that takes home the World Series title.