Destinations for Wes Helms

April 4, 2008 · Paul Raymond · Jump to comments

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It’s looking more and more likely that Wes Helms days in a Philadelphia Phillies uniform are numbered. Helms has been on the trading block for a while now, even before the team signed Pedro Feliz to play third base for them. A trade is still possible but looking more like a long shot. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports says Helms is expected to be released on Wednesday if no deal is made. Here is a look at what teams could use Helms the most.

Atlanta Braves. The Braves have a glaring need for bench players. Their current crop is a very weak hitting group and we all know in the National League you do need at least one solid power bat off the bench. Unfortunately, Helms is not that. Even more unfortunate for the Braves he’s more of a threat then any bat they do have in reserve. How little of a home run threat is Helms? Last year 5 bombs in 280 at bats, so obviously not much of one. But when you compare him to the likes of Ruben Gotay, Gregor Blanco, Brayan Pena and Martin Prado, he looks like a big time hitter.

Florida Marlins. The Marlins never wanted to lose the guy, that much is known. Only reason he became a Phillie is cause the Phils outbid them and signed Helms for a 2-year $5.45 million deal. For them his power numbers were a bit different in 2006, he had 240 at bats with 10 homers. Pretty big difference there, ironic thing about it, Citizens Bank Park, nowadays is the easiest place in baseball to hit a homerun.

Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers are playing Blake DeWitt at third, thats all you need to say. The reasons why he probably won’t wind up a Dodger are Nomar Garciaparra, Tony Abreu and Andy LaRoche. Once those 3 are healthy and available Helms wouldn’t even have a place on their bench.

Helms would benefit the Marlins and Braves the best out of the options. The reason why a trade won’t happen is his contract no one wants to pay him $2.9 million after a deal is made. With Helms on waivers those teams will just wait till Wednesday and then make their free agent pitch to him. Good job by the Phillies throwing some money away the last 2 years on the guy. Can’t help but to think what the Phillies could of done for their pitching if combined that money and the money offered to someone like Adam Eaton or Freddy Garcia and went after a solid pitcher.