Bob Ford | The roster puzzle is not yet solved

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, December, 2007 | by Bob Ford Inquirer Columnist

The Phillies added a couple of players yesterday that everyone agrees are nice pieces of the roster puzzle to have. Maybe outfielder Geoff Jenkins fills a bigger gap in the puzzle than pitcher Chad Durbin, but both are good bits of news to sprinkle like road salt across a winter's afternoon. As it seems with all free agents who hook on here, there are asterisks associated with the new additions.

The Phillies get a lot of layups at this time of year, but very few slam dunks. Jenkins is 33 years old and strikes out a lot - which means he will fit right in. He does have some pop in his bat, but the team isn't short of lefthanded power hitters at the moment. Durbin, aside from allowing the Phils to lead the league in Durbins, has been both a starter and a reliever. He eats up...