5 REASONS PHILLIES SHOULD AT LEAST MAKE A PLAY FOR A-ROD

Despite the fact that the Philadelphia Phillies don't get along with Scott Boras and would never spend $200M on one player for 8 years, here is my case for the signing of Alex Rodriguez. 1) A-Rod might just hit 70HRs and drive in 140 RBIs at Citizen's Bank Park ahead or behind Ryan Howard in their line-up. That would amass to many more sell out crowds and tons more jersey and team memorabilia sales revenue. 2) It's rumored that the Phillies are up for sale and A-Rod makes quite an "Ass" et for the new owners. 3) The argument that "A-Rod's a locker room chemistry killer" would be erased by the team already following Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley's leadership. A-Rod could simply be the arrogant player sitting in the corner counting his money. Many teams have won rings with selfish players on their roster. 4) The "A-Rod never wins or isn't clutch argument" could be combated by his amazing post-season appearance with the Mariners in 2000 (.409 batting average and .773 slugging percentage) when Seattle lost to the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series. Are there many Phillies who are considered clutch in the post season on this roster now? Last time I checked they hadn't been there in 14 years and where then swept by the Rockies. I also believe Barry Bonds had the same post season troubles with the Pirates until playing for the Giants in the 2002 World Series against the Angels. 5) If their infield consisted of Ruiz, Howard, Utley, Rollins, and Rodriguez they would have a much better defense behind their so-so pitching staff. You also wouldn't need much pop from your outfielder's bats due to the amount of offense supplied by that infield. It would also allow for a much more defensive and speed friendly defense in center (Shane Victorino) and right field (Jason Werth/Michael Bourn) to cover more ground and make up for Pat Burrell in left. Just imagine this Starting Line Up: SS Jimmy Rollins (S) CF Shane Victorino (S) 2B Chase Utley (L) 3B Alex Rodriguez (R) 1B Ryan Howard (L) LF Pat Burrell (R) RF Jason Werth (R) /Michael Bourn (L) C Carlos Ruiz (R) Granted there would be no money left for Starting or Relief Pitching, but they sure would out score most teams in the National League. Here could be their Starting Staff: 1. Cole Hamels (L) 2. Kyle Kendrick (R) 3. Adam Eaton (R) 4. Jamie Moyer (L) 5. *Carlos Carasco (R) * Top Minor League Prospects You also have (RHP) JD Durbin, (LHP) *JA Happ, and (LHP) *Josh Outman as possible rotation fillers. And Bullpen: LR Fabio Castro (L) MR Scott Mathieson (R) MR Ryan Madson (R) SU Tom Gordon (R) SU *JC Romero (L) CL Brett Myers (R) *Resign for 1-2 yrs @ $2M per You also have (RHP) Geoff Geary, (LHP) Mike Zagurski, (LHP) Matt Smith, and (RHP) Zack Segovia. If anything the Rockies and Diamondbacks proved this year that young pitching, if given enough offense, can lead their teams into the post season. The Phillies won their division this year with basically the same pitching staff as I've listed here.