Why the Phillies big bats are Phailing

Two good articles on ESPN about why the Phillies lineup isn't as potent as it used to be. Here and here. If you're not planning on reading them, the bottom line is that teams are refusing to throw fastballs at the Phightens. And since the Phillies are undisciplined hitters, they swing at whatever junk saunters plateward. The results are strikeouts and dribblers.

Ryan Howard is the Phillie who sees the fewest fastballs- only about 53% of the pitches he gets are fastballs. That's astonishing when you consider that the fastball is the most common pitch in baseball (I don't have a calculator in front of me, but I'd guess that an average players sees about 80-85% mustard). Ryan should really think about bunting down the unguarded third base line more often.

It's unclear how the Phillies are going to adapt to a league adapting to them. I can't see J-Roll or the Flyin Hawaiian suddenly learning patience at the dish. Utley is a smart hitter, but he's already battling injuries. And forget about Dominic Brown bringing an offensive spark. That guy was sent home from winter ball for his batting impotence, and he has been equally sucktastic in spring training- breaking an 0 for 16 hitless streak with a swing that ended up breaking his hand. Jeepers.

I think the only hope might be that the Phillies can swap Joe Blanton for a patient, every day bat. Preferably one who can hit from the right side. Here are the players I'd target in a trade:

Nick Swisher, Yankees: He can take over as an every day right fielder. Or left fielder. He's not a top-flight player, but he's proven to be patient at the plate, and has some pop. The Yankees could really use some pitching help, as well.

Chone Figgins, Mariners: He's overpaid and getting long in the tooth, but he'd be the best top-of-the-lineup option on the Phillies roster. He can steal AND draw a walk. The Phils could plug him into the outfield or deal Placido and let Chone handle the hot corner.

Daric Barton, Athletics: This is a little bit of a stretch. I'm not sure the A's would want to trade him, and I'm not sure he can play the outfield. He might be able to play third base (he played ONE game there in 2008). But he's just what the Phillies need offensively: check out this quote from his player profile at ESPN: "Statistically, nobody chased out of the strike zone less than Barton last year." Yes, he'd be another lefthanded bat, but he actually hits lefties better than righties.