Blanton could face hitters soon - plus other notes
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Blanton could face hitters soon - plus other notes
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
Talking to Joe Blanton throughout the season, it has been clear how bad he wants to get back onto the field and at least try to contribute something to this year's team. For a long time, that seemed like a long shot. But after a bullpen session today, the veteran righthander sounded like a return is in his sight. The next step is likely a bullpen session on Friday, but pitching coach Rich Dubee and the Phillies training staff are already discussing how and when to get Blanton in front of some hitters.
A minor league rehab assignment sounds unlikely. After all, the minor league season ends next week. A more likely scenario will have Blanton throwing live batting practice or a simulated game to Phillies hitters during next week's homestand. Blanton said such a move would have the benefit of hitters who are familiar with his stuff and would be able to evaluate how that stuff is playing.
Blanton has no shot at re-joining the rotation. But in a perfect world, he would give the Phillies an extra arm for the stretch run, perhaps even in time for the two doubleheaders they will play.
"Whatever they need me to do," Blanton said.
Blanton's recovery from what has been diagnosed as inflammation in his ulnar nerve has been tenuous. He's had multiple set-backs, so a return to the active roster is still hardly a sure thing. But it is much surer now than it has been in recent memory.
"I feel really good," the righthander said.
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Charlie Manuel said he would recommend that the Phillies recall Domonic Brown from the minors after his season is over, despite what has been a rough month from the top prospect.
Brown went 0-for-6 with four strikeouts last night in a double header, mis-playing several balls in left field. It got so bad that fans at Coca Cola Park actually booed him.
General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said two days ago that he thinks Brown might be in need of a mental vacation, and said that recalling the 23-year-old once rosters expand is no sure thing. But Manuel sounds like he will lobby for it, which means Brown probably has a good shot at returning to the Phillies at some point.
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Rosters for the Arizona Fall League have been announced. Representing the Phillies will be Tyler Cloyd, Jacob Diekman, B.J. Rosenberg, Colby Shreve, Cody Overbeck, Darin Ruf and Tyson Gillies to Arizona Fall League.
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Comment removed.- Comment removed.
- Did you predict that everybody would think you're a narcissistic blowhard know-it-all?
— ej610 - Comment removed.
So, does Cholly think Brown will magically start hitting and fielding like a major leaguer?! I thought maybe he was bringing him up to pinch run in key situations but then I remembered....he can't run the bases, either!— jimyd0315- Please, Ruben, package up Blanton & send him back to Oakland...with that mop headed irritating flea- Chris Wheeler. Trade them both for a can of Rollie Fingers Mustache Cream......FIRE CHRIS WHEELER TODAY!!!!— kelprod2
- I don't think the Pigs need a pitcher right now.— KINGOFZED
- It's over Joey, IT'S OVER!— yourdaddy!
- Does the B in Doms last name stand for BUST too?????— Big D phillies fan
- Wow! 411 your predictions are fantastic! Please tell us who will win the World Series and how high the stock market will go. It's too bad the Phillies didn't listen to you in June since you are such a good blogger. With the team's pitching depth, if Joe can help at all in September that will be fine.— rickm
- Why not Oprah ?— NewMick314
- I'm with Amaro on Dom Brown. Let him end this year quietly and regroup for 2012. Manuel's hanging in there with the kid, which might be smart if Brown makes the rest while Manuel's still managing. But it's hard to see Brown doing anything but struggling mightily this season. I'm not saying dump him; I'd give him at least another year to live up to his billing, and maybe two years.— eman
- Just read multiple entries from 411, they are all moronic. Dude, are you a troll or just stupid?— blaqjaq
- Just read multiple entries from 411, they are all moronic. Dude, are you a troll or just stupid?— blaqjaq
- Joe who?— ej610
- Comment removed.
- The last mentally fragile Phillies top prospect, before Dom Brown, was Gavin Floyd, and he was so traumatized by his problems here that he had to be traded before he could recover. I think that, similarly, Brown needs a change of scene. Yes, already. It's not that I want to trade him, but I think his young mind is blown by what's happened to him here. If the Phillies could get a couple of young pitchers for Brown, I'd do the deal. The team could do worse than start next season with Mayberry in left, Vic in center and Pence in right.— Dave Clemens
- Dom Brown,Polanco, and a pitching prospect for David Wright.— bearsfriend
- Blanton may actually be more valuable that "you all" think. Remember, Oswalt may retire after the season which puts Joe back in the rotation next season. Why not see what he can do, especially when another arm may be required with 32 games in 31 days? If Lidge is able to be put out on the bump during garbage time, why not Country Joe? In baseball, one can never have enough "arms" down the stretch. He's being paid $8 million, lets get something outta him.— drhoffman
- well, what my Phils can get out of Blanton is the most expensive custodian for the locker room/ clubhouse that Major League Baseball has ever seen. Not willing to endure more future game box-scores that Blanton pitched in, departing the game early with an overwhelming run deficit for our side...adios already to "the best 5th pitcher in baseball". — TEDcGEGI
- 411...How many pounds over 350 do you weigh! Your a moron, idiot and a loser! nuf said A-h#le....— Lynnwood
- excuse me----it's "YOU'RE"-----nuf said — TEDcGEGI
- Blanton? Are you kidding? There are so many other pressing questions!— BrownEagleRooter
- oh no---not the return of Blanton!!----hopefully,Manuel and Amaro will forget about this guy and leave him toil in the minors till season end.— TEDcGEGI
- I F'ing hate Blanton more than anyone, including Lidge.— SeenGreen
- We're talking about Blanton? I mean listen, we're sitting here talking about Blanton? Not a game, not a game, not a game, but we're talking about Blanton? We're talking about Blanton, man? We're talking about Blanton? We're not talking about the game. Not the game. We're talking about Blanton? We're talking about Blanton right now?— scribbles
- @scribbles-while reading your post I thought that the needle on my 45 rpm record player was stuck. If Blanton can come back and give the Phils another possible option as a long reliever, then you can't ignore it. With all of the games that the Phils are playing now through the end of the season, the injection of a fresh arm could be a blessing provided he is healthy. The Phils won last night 9-0. There will be games in September were they will be on the short end of a similar score. A guy like Blanton, if he does nothing else, could help keep some of the bullpen arms rested while pitching in a mop-up roll. They have the 2 double-headers in less than a week. Again, they will be looking for fresh arms. I would welcome him back. He's worked hard and at times pitches effectively. Maybe he will define a future roll for himself either with the Phils and/or make it easier to trade him. Everyone forgets that of his 6 starts this season, 2 were quality starts and in 4 of them he didn't give up a run in the first inning. Maybe Blanton as a reliever could work. Give him a shot.— Jersey_Joe
