Late Tuesday night, the Phillies signed outfielder Ross Gload to a 2-year contract. Gload is primarily used as a lefthanded pinch hitter but can play the outfield and firstbase. As a Phillie, Gload will be taking on the duties of Matt Stairs as a late inning lefthanded bat off the bench. Stairs will probably still be in spring training as a minor league free agent, but it would be a surprise if he won one of the final roster spots.
Gload is 33 years old and has played 8 majorleague seasons with the Cubs, Rockies, White Sox, Royals and Marlins. He is a career .283 hitter with 28 career homeruns. Gload is a good contact hitter with decent power coming off the bench. This completes the Phillies offseason quest to fill their bench as Gload will be the 5th outfielder behind Ben Francisco.
The only thing left to address is the bullpen and possibly a 5th starter. I doubt the Phillies are really willing to spend money on a starter so the bullpen is the last and possibly most important need.
As I stated previously, Lyon would be a great addition but it is reported that he could be priced too high for the Phillies. With Romero and Eyre both being uncertain pitchers in 2010, the Phillies could pursue a lefthanded relief pitcher. Charlie Manuel did say he is fine with Bastardo and Escalona to begin the season, but I would still be surprised if the Phillies didn't get any insurance for those 2 pitchers. Ron Mahay is a possible lefty reliever that could attract attention, he is a 38 year old lefthanded relief pitcher with a career 3.8 ERA.
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