In a revealing interview with Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly, Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. discussed a number of the team’s players and top prospects in the minors.
But when talking about promoting pitching prospects Zach Eflin and Aaron Nola to the majors to help bolster a rotation that has struggled past Aaron Harang and Cole Hamels, Amaro had some strong words for Phillies fans who were complaining about the lack of young talent on the roster.
“They don’t understand the game,” Amaro said. “They don’t understand the process. There’s a process. And then they bitch and complain because we don’t have a plan. There’s a plan in place and we’re sticking with the plan. We can’t do what’s best for the fan. We have to do what’s best for the organization so the fan can reap the benefit of it later on. That’s the truth.”
Wait, there’s a plan in place? That’s funny. As preeminent Philly sports BOLG writer Zoo With Roy pointed out on Twitter this morning, just two years ago, Amaro said he didn’t do five-year plans.
“I don’t do five year plans — other organizations do, I guess”
It’s hard to see *what* the Phillies’ plan even is right now. Yes, they traded Jimmy Rollins and Marlon Byrd this winter…but Jonathan Papelbon, Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard, Carlos Ruiz, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard are still kicking in Philly, and all but Utley and Ruiz are actually playing pretty well right now, bolstering their value.
The lack of immediate in-house replacements for half of those guys is on Amaro, who failed to build a strong farm system during his tenure as general manager.
All in all, it’s pretty arrogant to complain about the fans not accepting “the process” when you haven’t shown much of any dedication to “the process” in recent years. While Philadelphia loves a winner, they can tolerate a rebuild – just look at how most of the city has embraced the 76ers.
But don’t go half in and half out, and then point the finger at the team’s fans for not being patient – that’s not going to endear yourself to anyone.
