Time seems right for a Phillies youth movement

by Jim Martin sports editor

After the Phillies made it to the World Series in 1993, there was plenty of excitement surrounding the team as they entered spring training in 1994.

The Phillies were an exciting team with exciting players such as Lenny Dykstra, Darren Daulton and Curt Schilling.

However, ever since that incredible 1993 season, the Phillies have gone back to their normal ways: losing.

As the Phillies enter the 1997 season, it does not look like things will change.

It will be a minor miracle if the Phillies finish any higher than fifth place in the National League East.

While the Florida Marlins, who are in the same division as the Phillies, were busy signing players such as Alex Fernandez, Moises Alou and Bobby Bonilla, the Phillies countered by signing Mark Portugal, Danny Tartabull and Rex Hudler.

The worst part about the Phillies situation is that their management actually is telling the fans they feel the Phillies will be a competitive team this season.

I'm not sure if they're naive or just plain dumb.

Anyone who knows something about baseball knows the Phillies will not be a good team this season.

They have some quality players like Curt Schilling, Ricky Bottalico, Mickey Morandini, Danny Tartabull and Gregg

Jefferies.

However, if you put them on a team such as the Atlanta Braves, half of the players would not even start.

The Phillies have plenty of problems.

• In the bullpen, the only reliable pitcher is their closer, Bottallico.

They have an All-Star pitcher in Curt Schilling, two decent pitchers in Portugal and Mark Leiter, and plenty of question marks vying for the final two spots.

The infield is not much better. First baseman Rick Brogna, second baseman Morandini, shortstop Kevin Stocker, third baseman Scott Rolen, and catcher Mike Lieberthal all lack one thing: power. None of these players even came close to hitting 300 last season.

The Phillies were near the bottom in home runs last year and will probably remain there this season.

In the outfield, the Phillies have two good players in Jefferies and Tartabull. Both of these players are former All-Stars who could regain All-Star form this year. However, Jefferies and Tartabull also have another thing in common, they both have the reputation of putting themselves before the team.

So, there's a quick look at the 1997 Philadelphia Phillies.

Excited? Neither am I.

The Phillies have a chance to be a mediocre team at best.

I think most fans would like to see the Phillies go to a youth movement instead of going out and signing half-decent players like Portugal, Leiter, and Tartabull, who are at the end of their careers.

The Phils have to realize they are not going to win this year. They should go with young players such as Wendell Magee Jr.

This way the youngsters will be able to gain valuable experience that will eventually make the Phillies better in a couple of years.

A prime example of this is the Cleveland Indians.

The Indians were a horrible team for a long time before they decided to go with their young players and get rid of their old players.

Within a couple years after the rebuilding process started, the Indians were in the World Series.

This is the only viable alternative for the Phillies. They do not have the money to compete with other teams and will continue to be mediocre if they sign mid-level free agents every year.