IS GETTING ITS DRAFT BOARD READY
Wes Helms is officially on his way out of Philadelphia
The Phillies have designated the veteran third baseman for assignment, meaning they have 10 days to trade or release him. The move paves the way for RHP Rudy Seanez, a veteran reliever whose signing was officially announced today. Helms' future has been in doubt every since the Phillies signed free agent third baseman Pedro Feliz in the offseason.
Helms was considered a disappointment last season after signing a two-year contract. He hit just .246 and ended up platooning at third with Greg Dobbs and Abraham Nunez. Helms also hit just five home runs and struck out 55 times in 240 at-bats.
The Phillies clubhouse will be open in about five minutes, so we'll see if Helms is still down there and see what he thinks about his future.
Where will he end up? The Dodgers have some interest in adding him, but they seem to want the asking price to come down. The market for Helms has been pretty weak. The Braves and the Marlins are two other teams that could have some interest.
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In other pre-game news, tonight's game has been sold out, but 500 standing room only tickets will be available beginning at 4 p.m. LHP Cole Hamels gets his first start of the season tonight. It's also dollar hot dog night. It's not clear which was the larger impetus for ticket sales.
