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The Phillies likely could afford those increased salaries, but if either had accepted arbitration, it could have precluded the team from pursuing other free agents. It also could have precluded the Phils from working on contract extensions for other players. philly.com

Both Burrell and Moyer are Type A free agents, which means that if the Phillies had offered one or both arbitration and either declined, they would have been given two draft picks as compensation. The risk is that a panel of arbitrators will decide how much of payroll is dedicated to one or two players if they accept, and the Phillies’ front office may think they can do better than Burrell and Moyer at their likely prices.

Amaro and Co. felt that Burrell wasn’t worth two draft picks or $15-17 million, and Moyer two picks and $6-10 million. He’s not wrong. crashburnalley.com

To me, the decisions on Moyer and Burrell reveal a greater willingness by the Phillies to talk about long-term deals with many of their 10 arbitration-eligible players, including Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino. Ryan Madson and Jayson Werth may be even bigger priorities, since both will be free agents after next season. If the Phillies lose Burrell, they’ll seemingly need to lock up Werth and Victorino. Madson became a critical piece of the bullpen, and everyone knows how critical Howard and Hamels are to the nucleus of the World Series champs. delawareonline.com

Reading between the lines with Amaro, this Burrell decision is no small matter, and I was struck by his comment about how this is not the time to make “sentimental” choices. Amaro, more or less, said the Phillies got hot when they needed to, but can’t expect to win again if they sit still with the same cast of characters. In Amaro’s “perfect world,” he said Moyer will be their fourth starter and Kyle Kendrick, Carlos Carrasco and J.A. Happ would capably audition for the final spot. In addition, Adam Eaton’s chance of being with the club is “less than 50/50,” he said. As if there was much doubt. beerleaguer.com

Related posts:

1. Phillies Looking To Extend Blanton, Victorino and Ruiz
2. Hamels And Howard – Opposite Views On Arbitration
3. Ryan Howard Wants $18 Million – Phillies Say $14 Million
4. Phillies Sign Madsen To Three-Year Deal
5. Phillies Sign Chan Ho Park – Moyer Signs As Well