Impact of Recent Acquisitions Mike Adams and John Lannan

Mike Adams will look to sure up the 8th inning for
the Phillies—a place where they struggled in 2012

On Saturday (12/15), Ruben Amaro made large strides by filling two much needed holes in his team with the additions of reliever, Mike Adams and starting pitcher, John Lannan. Both Adams and Lannan are expected to have important roles in the 2013 squad as the Phils' GM continues to piece together a respectable roster.

Mike Adams will provide late inning
support for closer,
Jonathan Papelbon

With the addition of Mike Adams, the Phillies acquire a 34 year old, right-handed reliever with a wealth of experience, most recently in San Diego and Texas. In his last three seasons, he has had more holds than any other set-up man in baseball. The Adams' deal, which started to surface on Friday night, was confirmed by multiple sources on Saturday morning. The two year, $12 million contract is currently pending a physical and is said to have a vesting option for a 3rd year if Adams surpasses 120 total appearances with 60 of them needing to be in 2014.  Adams is currently recovering from sugery that was performed to correct Thoracic Outlet Syndrome though he is expected to be ready for spring training. With his primary role being a bridge to closer Jonathan Papelbon, Adams may also be able to provide support in non-save situations, a spot where Papelbon struggeled heavily in 2012. This addition is a good move for the Phillies because it solidifies the back of the bullpen while adding experience to a mostly young group of relievers. With Adams, it all of a sudden seems like the bullpen has plenty of depth and many options to get the game into the hands of the newly created "two-headed monster" in the 8th and 9th.

Lannon went 2-2 with a 4.15 ERA
in 2012

    Shortly after the announcement of the Adams signing, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly reported that the Phillies had come to terms with veteran left-hander, John Lannan. The deal is reportedly for  $2.5 million over 1 year with some cash incentives. Ruben Amaro said he was looking for a "low risk- high reward" starter and it looks like he found his guy in Lannan. The southpaw has spent his entire career with the Washington Nationals and has experienced many ups and downs through his 6 years of service. This contract all but guarantees a spot in the rotation for Lannan, though he will have many young arms waiting in the minor leagues ready to take over if he begins to struggle. This signing does have a little bit of a twist with the history that Lannan has against his new team. The Phillies have flat out destroyed Lannan in his carrer, as he sports a 3-13 record with a 5.53 ERA against the team. Another interesting note is the incident in 2007 where Lannan plunked Chase Utley on the hand, sending him to the disabled list late in the season as the Phillies were making a push for the postseason. Both being professionals, it is unlikely that Utley or Lannan will look back on this event but it could be something to keep an eye on.

These new additions go a long way in finalizing a pitching staff that will have to compete with very strong Washington and Atlanta teams in the division. It seems like the only other priority left on the agenda is securing a corner outfielder. With Josh Hamilton signing a mega-deal in Anaheim, the focus has turned to Nick Swisher and Cody Ross. Swisher may have a little more value, but his price tag may put the Phillies over the luxury tax. There are already reports that the Phillies are "intensifying" pursuit of Ross, who can be had for less money and would add some much needed power from the right side of the plate.