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Thursday, November 13, 2008
Perlozzo Added; Free agent preview: Middle Relievers

UPDATE: The Phillie have announced the hiring of former Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo to fill a yet-to-be determined coaching position. Perlozzo will likely either coach third base or serve as Charlie Manuel's bench coach. He will definitely handle infield instruction. Perlozzo spent last season as the third base coach with the Mariners.

Now, onto the good stuff. . .

Throughout the day today and into tomorrow, we'll be taking a position-by-position look at the free agent field. Next up will be outielders, followed by starting pitchers, followed by infielders. Right now, though, we'll look at the Phillies' bullpen.

It will be interesting to monitor the Phillies' decision-making process this offseason. At present, they have six relievers under control for next season (not including lefty J.A. Happ, whom the team views as a starter): Closer Brad Lidge (RHP), apparent set-up man Ryan Madson (RHP), long reliever Chad Durbin (RHP), LHP Scott Eyre, LHP J.C. Romero, and RHP Clay Condrey. The Phillies would love to be able to add another reliable reliever, particularly one who is capable of throwing multiple innings.

Detailed below are some of the more intriguing names who figure to be available. But as the Phillies proved last offseason with the signing of Durbin, they could wind up with someone off of the radar.


Jeremy Affeldt, Reds: A 29-year-old lefty with seven years of experience, he is coming off back-to-back solid seasons for the Rockies (4-3, 3.51 ERA, 75 appearances in 2007) and the Reds (1-1, 3.33 ERA, 74 appearances in 2008). A lefthander who can pitch multiple innings, had good post All-Star break numbers (2.51 ERA, 32 strikeouts, eight walks, 32 1/3 IP, .248 BAA).

Juan Cruz, Diamondbacks: A 29-year-old righthander, he went 4-0 with a 2.61 ERA for Arizona in 57 appearances this season. Another guy who can go multiple innings. He is a Type A free agent.

Doug Brocail, Astros: He put up decent numbers last season - 3.93 ERA, 1.223 WHIP - in a hitters' park. A righthander, he'll be 42 next May.

Joe Beimel, Dodgers: More of a lefty specialist than a multiple-innings guy, he has put together three straight solid years for the Dodgers. This season, he had a 2.02 ERA with 32 strikeouts and 21 walks in 71 appearances (49 innings). He is 31 years old.

Bobby Howry, Cubs: After four straight solid sasons with the Indians and Cubs, Howry struggled in 2008, posting a 5.35 ERA while allowing 1.458 walks/hits per inning pitched.

Mike Lincoln, Reds: An interesting guy. He made the squad after a four-year layoff that featured two reconstructive elbow surgeries. A right-hander who can pitch multiple innings, he was a big piece of the Reds bullpen. But he struggled in the second half of th eseason, posting a 5.47 ERA with 18 strikeouts and 12 walks in 30 appearances after the All-Star Break.

Will Ohman, Braves: A 31-year-old lefty specialist, he went 4-1 with a 3.68 ERA, but is not a multiple innings guy.

Dennys Reyes, Twins: A lefty specialist, albeit one coming off a season in which he posted a 2.33 ERA with a 1.187 WHIP in 75 appearances, he probably doesn't fit the Phillies' needs.

Brian Shouse, Brewers: Another lefty, the soon-to-be 40-year-old went 5-1 with a 2.81 ERA and 1.169 WHIP in 69 appearances last season.

Other Names:  RHP David Weathers (Reds), RHP Doug Brocail (Astros),  LHP Alan Embree (A's), RHP Kyle Farnsworth (Tigers), RHP Keith Foulke (A'S), RHP Russ Springer,  LHP Luis Ayala, (Mets), LHP Arthur Rhodes (Marlins)

Posted by David Murphy @ 2:14 PM  Permalink | 33 comments
33
Comments   
Posted 02:27 PM, 11/13/2008
phillygreg
Do we have anyone in the organization who could be called up to pitch in the pen? Why spend a few mil and a guaranteed contract on a guy when there may be an internal candidate who would be cheaper? We already have a solid pen so we're really looking for a 6-7 inning kind of guy when we're losing, so between triple and double A I'd have to think someone could help out. Otherwise I am all about Affeldt since the other guys are older and either too specialized or too risky.
Posted 02:30 PM, 11/13/2008
phillygreg
Also, I know I am jumping the gun here but I want to get some chatter going for Juan Rivera. The guy is 2 injury plagued years removed from 23 knocks and a .300+ BA. He is only 30, and showed at the end of last year that he was PHinally healthy again. I'd like him over guys like Hairston and Baldelli since he could hit for some pop with a high average. I only bring this up today b/c he is what this team needs in left and I want PHans begging for him to come to Philly!
Posted 02:38 PM, 11/13/2008
phillygreg
Seriously last post. The Marlins just traded RP Gregg to the Cubbies. The Marlins have held several fire sales the past few years, and I don't understand why we never get in on any of them? They clearly have no qualms about trading inside the divison as they sent a chunk of their roster to the Mets a few years back, and 2 players to the Nats just a few days ago. A guy like Gregg could have helped out our team, and the Cubs didn't spend the farm to get him. I'd gladly take a guy like Uggla and give him an OF glove, or one of their power pitchers. Ok, I am done now.
Posted 02:58 PM, 11/13/2008
jeff gross
Before we go out and trade for or sign a FA relief pitcher, we have some pretty propmising arms in the minors. Here are 4 names to watch this spring. Any info on them Dave? Stephen Randolph (Pigs)Matthew Childers (Pigs)Justin Pope (Reading)Sergio Escalona (Reading) Jason Mackintosh (Reading
Posted 02:59 PM, 11/13/2008
jeff gross
five names even. oops
Posted 03:14 PM, 11/13/2008
Philth
Definitely not the right time for this post, but phillygreg stoked this fire for me... With the Marlins fire-selling year after year, I think MLB should step in, and force the franchise into moving. Send them to Portland, OR, where they'd play in the AL West. Then, move Pittsburgh into the NL East. Just sayin...
Posted 03:19 PM, 11/13/2008
jeff gross
The Marlins should be a guide to many other teams on how to be a good team without spending trillions of dollars every year. While they act as a tripple A + team -training many young players and then dispercing them throughout the majors-they were in teh thick of the race this year until nearly the end. You want to get rid of them so the barely AA quality Pirates will be in our division? Why???
Posted 03:19 PM, 11/13/2008
David_Murphy
JG - The only one of those prospects you listed who I know anything about is Stephen Randolph. He's got real good stuff, but struggles to find the strike zone. I know he put up decent numbers at Triple A last year, but if the Phils thought he could help, I'm sure they would have brought him up over R.J. Swindle.
Posted 03:22 PM, 11/13/2008
yahmpy
the Marlins are a joke. you would think Florida would be a natural hotbed for baseball for a variety of reasons, but they do as bad of a job supporting baseball as LA did in supporting an NFL team. weird.
Posted 03:23 PM, 11/13/2008
jman
What about Seanez? Post-WS reports that he was planning to retire were labeled false by his agent.
Posted 03:27 PM, 11/13/2008
nicknac21
Hey Dave - I have a question for you: Who all gets rings for this world series? I dont mean ad execs and those people within the organization -- I mean players like Lou Marson who played in 1 game, Greg Golson, and Tad Iguchi? They were all on the team prior to the 25 man roster cutoff...do they all get rings too? Others like them would be JA Happ, Brad Harman, Mike Cervenak, Tom Gordon, Andrew Carpenter, Andy Tracy, Chris Snelling, TJ Bohn, RJ Swindle, and Les Walrond. Sorry if you've answered this before but I wanted to know if everyone who suited up for at least one game gets a ring or if its just the main 25 (plus a couple obvious ones like Gordon and Happ). It would seem like a hard place to draw the line. I remember Nomar who was traded mid season from boston got a ring in their first WS win. (thanks to jman on his insight in the previous blog - I agree but I wanted to know if Dave had any insight into this -- I'm sure Charlie would want to give one to everyone).
Posted 03:41 PM, 11/13/2008
jeff gross
Childers went 3-5, 3.78 era in 53 games and 66 innings 18 BB 68 K 1.38 whip and 20 saves (2.35 era vs righties). Pope was 1-1, 2.23 era in 36 games and 40 innings 16 BB 24 K 1.07 WHIP and 10 saves. He seems to be struggling in winter ball in Venezuala though. Mackintosh was 5-4, 2.83 in 43 games and 60 innings. 17 BB 38 K's I think it is quite possible that one of them can make the team as the "blow out" reliever at least
Posted 03:53 PM, 11/13/2008
jH
Ayala? Rhodes? I think I just threw up in my mouth a little..
Posted 03:55 PM, 11/13/2008
jeff gross
rings go to players who made contributions during the season. In other words, Gordo will get one, Golson won't. Of the players you listed Mick, I would expect that only Happ, and perhaps Walrond get rings. Even Eaton will get one
Posted 03:59 PM, 11/13/2008
inquisitor
Clay Condrey is mainly a mop up guy. Don't get carried away by him. And as much as I hate to admit, JC & Eyre are at their best pitching situationally and both can be susceptible to walking the leftie they come in to face, so I would not be opposed to another mulitple inning guy.
Posted 04:14 PM, 11/13/2008
phairmount
Swisher to the Yankees...who knows why, .219 ba?
Posted 04:17 PM, 11/13/2008
bird11
Does anybody know the status of Scott Maitheson?? The little bit he has been healthy he has had great stuff - also had the opportunity to meet him in Clearwater a few years back and he seems like a great kid who gets it so I've been rooting for him ever since.
Posted 04:24 PM, 11/13/2008
Elbarad
How about Mike Zagurski as a LHP? I know he was hurt, how's his recovery coming along?
Posted 04:32 PM, 11/13/2008
richjenkins
Juan Rivera sucks; I hope the Phillies don't go after him
Posted 04:33 PM, 11/13/2008
B in DC
I was just thinking about Mathieson - Didn't he wind up having a second TJ surgery? IMO, "Fat Mike" Zagurski could probably use another year (or at least part of a year), in the minors. He wasn't bad, wasn't great when he was up in 07, served his purpose very well for what he was, but he's been out for a long time.
Posted 04:36 PM, 11/13/2008
Leeeroy Jeennkins
relief pitching and offense are our strengths. i dont really think relief pitching needs to be addressed on this team with the other issues we have. #1 we need a stud starting pitcher #2) we need a rh bat off the bench ..
Posted 04:41 PM, 11/13/2008
jeff gross
Leeeroy Jeennkins: Who are you starting in LF? you listed our 2nd and 3rd most important isues forgetting issue number 1
Posted 04:56 PM, 11/13/2008
bobbyuk
Phillygreg, the reason the Phils don't trade with the Marlins is because they don't have the players the Marlins want. When they traded Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham to the Nats, they got a promising 2B and two prospects in return. Olsen is a head case--always has been. Willingham would have been nice to plug into LF, but as I said, the Phils don't want to send Carrasco, Donald, Happ, or anyone else high up for them. The reason Kelly Gregg isn't a Philly is this--where are you going to pitch him? He's a closer and the Phils have one of the best right now. And the Phils could bring Andrew Carpenter up and pitch him out of the pen--they did for a couple of games last year. If he's ready, they'll do that--plus they have lefty Mike Zagurski. If they make any move during FA, I think it'll bring in a lefty long specialist and a LF. They could move Happ into the starting rotation if need be and see what Carrasco has now. And don't forget, they have Kendrick coming back as well--the guy had his problems last year, but he's still 21-14 in 1 1/2 seasons and he never pitched in AAA.
Posted 05:12 PM, 11/13/2008
tjc
Mathieson is coming off a second Tommy John and I believe won't be available to begin pitching until late summer. Jeff Gross, all those names you listed are organizational filler, nothing more. Stephen Randolph is 34 years old and has bounced back and forth from AAA since 2005 - so I wouldn't consider him a "promising arm"...Childers is a 30 year old career minor leaguer who's bounced from one AAA team to the next the past few years - not exactly a "promising arm"...Pope is another career minor leaguer type. Mackintosh is a 28 year old at AA - not really a prospect. Escalona is a prospect but at this point walks too many (5.23 BB/9 last season) for serious consideration in 09.
Posted 05:45 PM, 11/13/2008
EL Zorro
I think Luis Ayala is righty, Murph. He was pretty good a couple of years ago before getting hurt in the World Baseball Classic. I think he was setting up for Chad Cordero. He was traded to the Mets last yar and became a closer after Wagner went down and was not very good. I would take a look at him. I'll stay away from Cruz, because he is a Type A free agent and you lose picks if you sign him, right, Murp?
Posted 07:03 PM, 11/13/2008
southpaw57
Condrey is no longer just a mop-up guy! Granted, he seems to be the lowest on the bullpen "depth chart" behind Lidge, Mad Dog, JC, Chad and Eyre, but down the stretch, he got a number of big outs. He improved enough to move ahead of Seanez. That said, another multiple-inning guy would be the ideal addition to the 'pen, especially with Mad Dog looking to become the primary set-up guy.
Posted 07:40 PM, 11/13/2008
baseballdad1
i like ayala he's pretty decent i also like juan cruz i would bring two guys in and let condrey go.....
Posted 07:46 PM, 11/13/2008
EL Zorro
Cruz is going to be expensive and we are going to lose a high pick if we sign him because he is a Type A FA. Also, he is setup guy with closer stuff and we already have a set up guy in Madson, unless the Phillies want to go that way and move Madson down tha ladder. I don't think that's going to happen.
Posted 08:10 PM, 11/13/2008
bigphillydad
We are the World Champions...FREAKING World Champions. I know teams cant sit tight, you know, swim dont sink, but I believe this team doesnt have too many moves to make. We have 4 starters and between Happ, Kendrick and possibly the blue chip Carrasco the Phils have a 5th and maybe a 4th starter there. The bullpen is set. Everyone knows his job and situation. The 7th-8th and 9th were the best in the majors. Except for left field, the line-up is set. Ask Burrell to stay for less money and platoon him Jenkins. I doubt that he would accept, but if he did one could easily project 30 to 35 HRs and 100 to 115 RBI's. Not bad for the 6 hole.. YES Cholly 6th! Please bat your switchhitting, 45 stolen base man up in your lineup next year! Whatever you do next year, Cholly, I love you man! Anyway, this team can make it to the trading deadline with what we have!
Posted 08:54 PM, 11/13/2008
kingcole35
Dave, according to Stark, we are looking at Doug Brocail and Russ Springer for relievers, do you think that means we non-tender Condrey? I know he performed well last year but he is not a guy you want to be paying $1 million or more and that is what he might fetch in arbritration. Also, since the Phils are looking for a guy who can pitch more than an inning, Springer and Brocail don't fit that mold, so it would seem someone who is currently in the pen would be the odd man out.
Posted 04:15 AM, 11/14/2008
jeff gross
TJC we're not looking for a star, nor a guy to last years. We need a guy who can be the low man on the totelm pole in a great bull pen, with a pretty good rotation starting games. One of these "career" minor leaguers, as you call them, can definately fill that role. Save the money for where it is needed, LF, starting pitcher if possible, and the core players (think of how much we need to sign Hammels to a long term contract, not to mention Werth, VIctorino, etc
Posted 09:12 AM, 11/14/2008
DanMaas
I think it is time that we give some of our farm talent the opportunity to come to the Bigs and learn from established vets that JUST won a world championship...with the free agent market hard to read, I think we should put our money into making Hamels happy
Posted 01:36 PM, 11/14/2008
the dad
Phillies seem to have an arms problem starting with the rotation. Clearing that up will determine their bullpen. Not counting Moyer, who may or may not be back, they have Hamels, Myers, Blanton, Kendrick, Happ & Eaton, (who they are still paying...uhg). If they sign Moyer, or someone else, one of them can go to the bullpen as the long reliever. Out of the guys mentioned in the article. Affeldt seems like the best based on age & experience. He's been a starter, closer & middle reliever. He's also has some arm issues in the past but healty the last two seasons. Anyway, set the starting rotation then worry about the bullpen.
About David Murphy
David Murphy joined the Daily News as its Phillies beat writer in February of 2008. Born in Upper Merion and raised in the Poconos, he attended college at La Salle University before taking jobs with the Myrtle Beach (S.C.) Sun-News and the St. Petersburg ( Fla. ) Times.

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