Placido Polanco Returns To The Fightin's

It's been a big week in Philadelphia sports. Polanco is back to the Phils and Allen Iverson is back with the Sixers. Now, if only we could get Randall Cunningham and Eric Lindros back *sigh*. Placido Polanco was with the Phillies from '02-'05 and was with the Tigers since then. He's a second basemen who got bumped from the Phils to make room for a certain rising star by the name of Chase Utley. A 3 year, $18 million deal brings him back to the City of Brotherly Love, but he'll take the Hot Corner at third to fill the shoes of Pedro Feliz. I think this is a perfect replacement for Pete Happy. Placido has two gold gloves, one of which coming just last year, and the other came in 2007 where he DIDN'T MAKE A SINGLE ERROR ALL YEAR! That made him the first everyday starting second basemen to do so. What made Pedro so great was his masterful glove work. Having someone so effective with the leather to take over his spot is very relieving.

His price tag is heavy, but worth it. This is the same team that went to the World Series twice in row. If they want to continue a dynasty, they need to make big moves (ex. Raul Ibanez & Cliff Lee). Jon Heyman (no relation to Skyler) from SI reports that Placido will bat 2nd and the Flyin' Hawaiian will be bumped down. This may seem weird, but Vic has done this before. He played 17 of the last 19 games in 2008 in the 6 hole and a few other games in the back end as well. It will be interesting to see what Uncle Cholly does with this team. Here's what I think it will look like.
SS-Rollins
3B-Polanco
2B-Utley
1B-Howard
RF-Werth
LF-Ibanez
CF-Victorino
C-Ruiz
P
Eww. That's disgusting. Do you see a hole in that lineup? Because I don't. This is just the surface of the offseason. Many more moves are left to be done. One thing is for sure, though. Ruben Amaro Jr.=Genius. What would you expect from a man trained by Pat Gillick. More on all these offseason moves will come later. For now, enjoy the bald-headed one.

-Will