Phillies could've done better than Franklin

Although the Philadelphia Phillies search for an ace continues, attracting a top-flight hurler has proved fruitless. Last Sunday, I presented a list of pitchers, none of whom are number one arms, but who might help the rotation more than Ryan Franklin (pictured). My list included Jose Lima, Kaz Ishii, Matt Herges, Julian Tavarez, and Keiichi Yabu.

Franklin is the Phillies prized pitching acquisition of the offseason. A career loser (35-50 with a 4.34 ERA), the former Mariner couldn't even win when he was on steroids (suspended August 2-11, 2005). The fact that Franklin was so openly touted by the Phillies brass is a clear indication that winning is NOT a priority.

I received a lot of flack for the pitchers I suggested. Now, I never said these guys were aces, just better options than Franklin. And I stand by my statement. Lima is a fiery guy who could benefit the Phils' clubhouse. He's 24-24 over the past three years, and has won more than 13 games three times in his career. Franklin is 23-44 in the same span and has given up 95 home runs to Lima's 71.

Ishii, who was a sought after free agent when he came over from Japan before the 2002 season, has a career record of 39-34. He had a rough season last year, but has been an effective starter for most of his brief career. Given a welcome home, Ishii could be effective. If anything, the Phillies should keep him for the first half of the season when he's most potent.

Herges, who is coming off by far his worst year, has a career 3.83 ERA. He's a good reliever, and could be an asset to the team as he is experienced in hold situations.

Tavarez was signed by the Boston Red Sox, thus making him unavailable to the Phillies. He was probably the best pitcher on the list.

Finally there's Yabu. The 37-year-old reliever from Japan was 4-0 last season in 40 games with Oakland. He's since been signed by the Rockies.

Someone mentioned to me that the Phillies should go after Jeff Weaver. I agree that he's better than Franklin, but to pay nearly $10 million per season for a career loser who couldn't even win with the Yankees powerhouse lineup behind him is not a good idea. If Weaver's price tag fit his talent, he might be a viable option.