NFL Tickets
If you can’t beat him, sign him.
That’s the mentality that Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. should have when looking to fill the remaining need for his 2013 MLB roster.
The Phillies have been linked to free agent outfielder and former-Phillie killer Scott Hairston.
Hairston, who is 32-years of age, is coming off one of the best seasons in his entire nine year career in which he hit .263 with 20 home runs, knocked in 57 runs, and had an OPS of .803. He also recorded the second highest WAR of his career with 2.0, which is higher than current Phillies outfielders Laynce Nix, John Mayberry Jr., and Domonic Brown.
Amaro could sign Hairston to use as a platoon player in the outfield, especially with the excess of outfielders that the Phillies have. If Amaro were to sign Hairston, then he would be acquiring a right-handed bat who hit .286 with 11 home runs and 30 runs batted in against left-handed pitchers. He has not been that bad against right-handers either. Despite hitting .239 against right-handers, Hairston did hit nine home runs and knock in 27 runs in 2012.
Also by signing Hairston, the Phillies would be able to save a good amount of money and reach Amaro’s goal of being under the luxury tax threshold by the end of free agency. Not only would having money left over be good from a tax standpoint, but it also could be important for the team’s success in 2013. Having money left over could be helpful for the Phillies if they would have to make a move during the season.
Look for Amaro to continue being creative when filling out the rest of his 2013 roster.
David A. Cattai is a featured journalist with Rant Sports & Buzz On Broad.
Follow me on Twitter (@DCattaiSports), Facebook, and Google+ for sports updates.
Share 
