Phillies bid adieu to Bruntlett
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Phillies bid adieu to Bruntlett
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
One of the Phillies' goals this offseason is to find a utlity infielder capable of providing Charlie Manuel with an adequate defensive and offensive option to spell middle infielders Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley. It was pretty evident that the club did not view Eric Bruntlett as an option, but that was not made official until today, when it removed the veteran from the 40-man roster, thereby granting him free agency (which he accepted).
Bruntlett, acquired in the trade with the Astros that brought Brad Lidge to Philadelphia and sent Michael Bourn to Houston, saw his playing time drop dramatically in 2009.
He hit just .217 with a .297 on base percentage in 238 plate appearances in 2008, then hit .171 with a .238 on base percentage in 118 plate appearances this past season. During Bruntlett's brief time with the Phillies, he had two defining moments: First, he scored the winning run in Game 5 of the World Series on Pedro Feliz's single up the middle. Second, he recorded an unassisted triple play against the Mets this summer.
Other Phillies who were removed from the 40-man roster and granted free agency include RHP John Ennis, RHP Tyler Walker, C Paul Hoover, and INF Andy Tracy.
Early Christmas present from the Phillies organization. Just an awful player with an equally awful beard. The only downside is that I have nobody to make fun of on the team anymore.— getmeoutofhere- he was smart...went to Stanford, like a GM we know. Hey, the winning WS Run and an unassisted triple play are great memories and justified his place on the roster. And we will never know how many games he saved spelling Pat in LF in the late innings. Good Bye Eric, I am sure you will show up for the reunions.— PaulDeon
- he was smart...went to Stanford, like a GM we know. Hey, the winning WS Run and an unassisted triple play are great memories and justified his place on the roster. And we will never know how many games he saved spelling Pat in LF in the late innings. Good Bye Eric, I am sure you will show up for the reunions.— PaulDeon
- This is just awful. We all knew the Brunlett era would eventually end, but nevertheless it's still shocking. I know one thing. Come hell or high water I'll be in Cooperstown for his induction.— baabyrrej
Comment removed.- Thank God. Good riddance to an absolute stiff. Two years too late. Don't let the clubhouse door hit you in the backside.— Bob1
- He will always have the triple play against the Muts.. that is of course after he made 2 errors to put the men on first and second to set it up..— onetimer
- Eaton's off the books...— Living_Legend
Eric Bruntlett was the Phillies counter part of the Eagles Koy Detmer.— Phil Lee- Bruntlett was awful and not a viable option. My question is, what has happened to Dobbs? I always thought he was a great hitter and a capable fielder...but he doesn't hit anymore. I think Pedro Feliz is better than he is being given credit for. Placido Polanco would be a good addition. Hairston, Jr. can't hit. He showed that in the Playoffs with the Yankees.— Phil
Didn't he get an unassisted triple play - so he's got "some" good baseball karma but probably not enough left in the tank.- Bruntlett's highlights: scoring WS clinching run in '08 and turning unassisted triple play in '09. Lowlights: just about every other at bat.— yardbyrd
- Mike Zagurski ? He sucked before surgery and im sure after it as well. We dont need another fat pitcher. Blanton more than fills the quota.— tsoprano
- He'll probably be our next manager.......— foreversaken
- Is Cookie Rojas available?— Briarwood
