As it stands now, 5 of the 7 roster additions I suggested above are off the table – and have not been acquired by the Phillies. Ugh.

Here is a look at how the market has responded to these players and how the cost predictions have faired.

BJ Upton
(Prediction: $13.25m / year)
Atlanta Braves pay $15m/ year for 5 years. Phillies offer $11m/year for 5 years.
Differential: + $1.75m / year

Mark Reynolds
(Prediction: $9m / year or 3 yrs / $27m)
Cleveland Indians pay $6 for 1 year.
Differential: – $3m / year

Sean Burnett
(Prediction: $3.2m or 3 years / $9.6m)
LA Angels pay $8m for 2 years.
Differential: + $0.8m / year

Juan Pierre
(Prediction: $800k – $1m)
Miami Marlins pay $1.6m for 1 year.
Differential: + $0.6 – $0.8m / year

Jonny Gomes
(Prediction: $1m)
Boston Red Sox pay $10m for 2 years.
Differential: + $4m / year

That is a total differential of $4.15m contract dollars spread over 5 players – or $0.83m / player per year. If you negate the unwarranted contract the Red Sox gave Gomes the differential shrinks even more.

A forthcoming Wilson Betemit trade seems unlikely with the acquisition of Michael Young. However, if his asking price comes down Derek Lowe could be the proven, cost-effective 4th/5th starter the Phillies seem to be focused on finding now.

The Cleveland Indians got 30+HRs (and about 180K) from the RIGHT (!) side of the plate for $6m in Mark Reynolds. Considering we pay Ryan Howard $25m per year to do the same, I think this non-signing may be the biggest sneaky move loss for the Phillies. Howard makes about $1.2m per HR – while Reynolds will make only roughly $500k per long ball in 2013. No one wants to see 360K’s from their 4 and 5 hitters…but 60+ HR would help most forget the empty swings.

With Halladay, Utley, Rollins and Lee all facing expiring contracts in the next 2 to 3 years expect some major overhauls and some heavy spending to occur. The nucleus of a new team is slowly finding its way to the majors. Darin Ruf (OF/1B), Dominic Brown (OF), Ben Revere (OF), Cody Asche (3B), Sebastian Valle (C) and the 3 “Baby Aces” to put behind Hamels. SS and 2B will be tough to restock at the same level we have become accustomed too though – especially in an always thin free agent market for the positions.

When Jayson Werth first became a premier player here unlicensed merchandising ensued – resulting in the exploding sales of female shirts noting “Jayson Rings My Bell”. The future is truly bright for the Phillies if one can spot a cluster of young females proudly sporting their “I like it Ruf” v-necks next September at Citizens Bank Park.