New man in the hot corner

Wes Helms will be the Phillies new starting third baseman in 2007. Helms signed a two-year $5.45 million dollar contract with an option for a third year that could bring the value of the contract to $8 million.

My first reaction to this news was that the Phillies were overpaying a player whose numbers were motivated by wanting to perform well in the last year of his contract. Last year Helms hit .329 with 10 HRs, and 47 RBIs, in 240 at bats. Factoring in Citizens Bank Park and increased playing time Helms up side is 20 HRs with 90 RBIs. That type of offense would be a huge upgrade over the poor offensive numbers put up by Abraham Nunez. In addition Helms a right-handed hitter could be one option for Charlie Manuel to protect Ryan Howard.

Helms says he has changed his approach at the plate trying to stay back on more balls and then drive them to right field. His numbers back up his talk. Over the past three seasons his average is .294 well over his career average of .268. Helms never really had an opportunity to get a lot of playing time. He was a top prospect at third base but mostly played first because he played with superstars Chipper Jones in Atlanta and Miguel Cabrera in Florida. A return to his roots at the hot corner and ample playing time could prove to aid his production at the plate. His glove isn’t golden but it’s not wooden either. In late inning situations the Phillies could bring Nunez for a defensive boost.

Lastly the contract isn’t a burden to the Phillies pay role. If he puts up Nunez like offensive numbers or worse the Phillies could swallow the contract, which is worth a maximum of 8 million dollars. Helms isn’t without some risk but for his price he provides good value.

Source:
Phils ink free agent Helms
by Ken Mandel / MLB.com