The Faceless Fightin' Phils

Sitting in front of a classroom full of seventh graders today, I noticed that the students had art projects all over the walls. The main display showed a collage of what each child enjoyed in their lives. Most of the boys had sports-related items, and among them were photos of Donovan McNabb and Allen Iverson. But there were none, not one display, with any Phillies.

I started to rack my brain, thinking of who they could possibly add to their posters. Jim Thome? Traded. Billy Wagner? Gone via free agency. Bobby Abreu? Please, chico, no one wants to spend hard-earned cash to see a guy who's as exciting as a number 2 pencil. Pat Burrell or Ryan Howard? Maybe after a couple of more years like 2005.

As the Phillies miss out on one free agent talent after another, I'm beginning to wonder, who are they going to market to the fans to keep and attract season ticket holders? The new stadium factor only works for so long. Soon, you will need to provide a recognizable face. At this point, the Phils might as well add the first names to the back of the jerseys, because no one knows who these people are.

At this point, the most notable members of the organization work in the front office. Recently, Phillies executives partook in an event at a soup kitchen. The management, not the players. This could mean that signing a marquee player is not a serious priority.

Don't get me wrong, the Phillies are a decent team, and they might be improved in 2006 after finishing a close second in 2005. But a team without a star is a team without asses in the seats. And a team without asses in the seats, is a team with no added energy to pump them up in crunch time. Without an "in demand" product, the Phillies really won't have the home-field advantage of a raucous crowd.

A star player might not change the Phillies fortunes on the field, but it will add the zest a crowd needs to get excited. That electricity could be the difference between the playoffs and another extended winter break.