Examing Jon Leiber's stats a bit further, we see a 3.95 FIP ERA and a .677 DER behind him in 2004. It's pretty apparent the Yankees did not help him out much in the field, something that is particularly important for a pitcher that doesn't strike out very many batters. Switching to the senior circuit and getting the benefit of the Phillies slightly above average defense should help him quite a bit.
Without sounding like a broken record, I maintain that the Phillies will be improved in 2005 with Lieber, but not as improved as they could have been had they been a bit more agressive this fall.
