For the longest time the Phillies were said to be the “front runners” for Cuban outfielder Yasmany Tomas. Yet, as Matt Gelb reports today, they never even made him an offer. This from Tomas’ agent, Jay Alou:
Jay Alou said Monday the Phillies showed constant interest but never submitted a formal contract offer. Alou believed Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. had to “clear salary” before making a substantial commitment to Tomas.
“His hands were tied,” Alou said.
Amaro had no comment apart from saying that the Dbacks valued Tomas more.
I know a lot of people will turn this into another instance of mocking Amaro for incompetence, but I also seem to remember that the Phillies’ reported interest cooled on Tomas, somewhat abruptly a couple of weeks before he signed. Which I think is better to take as a matter of the Phillies’ opinion on him changing, the perceived bidding getting too high or both.
There’s enough of a reason to talk smack about Amaro. I don’t think the team not being willing to make a massive commitment to a guy who presents risk is one of them. A lot of people around baseball think Tomas will be good, but mileage varying on that is not unreasonable.
