In 2008, they allowed 141 fewer runs than they did the previous year . . . and won the World Series for only the second time in franchise history.
Part of that almost-a-run-per-game differential can probably be attributed to improved defense, especially with Pedro Feliz taking over at third. But some of it simply underlined the adage that teams most often win with pitching.
So whether it's re-signing Jamie Moyer or courting free agent Derek Lowe or looking elsewhere, Amaro and his team of baseball people will look primarily for pitching after they check into the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas on Sunday.
"We have explored a variety of different ways to add pitching, especially starting pitching, and Jamie is not the only priority. So we've kept our options open as far as starting pitching is concerned," he amplified.
The fascinating subtext here is the growing impression that bringing back leftfielder Pat Burrell has been pushed far onto the back burner.
"I really couldn't put a percentage on it," Amaro said. "We haven't had a whole lot of substantive discussions with him. But that doesn't preclude us from bringing him back. It doesn't necessarily mean we won't bring him back. But, again, it's a slow-moving process. It's part of putting all the pieces together to have an improved product."
Fair enough. But the lack of serious talks seems to be a tipoff, since the new general manager also talked about how aggressive the Phillies have been and how he expects more of the same when the winter meetings officially get under way on Monday.
"I think it's going to be active, actually," he said. "We've had several trade discussions, we've had discussions with several free agents and their agents. It's been interesting. The last few years, the free-agent market hasn't really moved very quickly, and this is no exception.
