Eaton Optioned to Minors
Could the Phillies land Red Sox leftfielder Manny Ramirez? It's possible, but unlikely.
Eaton Optioned to Minors
Todd Zolecki
First, Brett Myers.
Now, Adam Eaton.
The Phillies just announced this morning that Eaton has been optioned to the minor leagues. Eaton had the right to refuse the option, but accepted it. It's uncertain where he will pitch because the Phillies haven't worked out his schedule, but that should come shortly. The Phillies also haven't announced who will take his place in the bullpen, but they said they will make that move before tomorrow night's game against the Nationals at Nationals Park. Triple-A Lehigh Valley lefthander J.A. Happ could figure into those plans. The Phillies pulled him after just 2 2/3 innings yesterday.
But the fall of Eaton continues. He signed a three-year, $24.5 million contract before the 2007 season, and it's safe to say the signing has been a failure. He lost his job in the rotation and now must try to figure out things in the bullpen in the minor leagues. Eaton pitched poorly in his first two relief appearances, picking up a 9.00 ERA with opponents hitting .538 against him. Clearly, the Phillies couldn't continue to keep him in the bullpen if he had no chance of getting anybody out.
Here's the kicker: Eaton will make $8.5 million next season.
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Bob Ford thinks the Phillies definitely need to improve their pitching for the stretch run.
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The Phillies' offense bailed out the bullpen in yesterday's 12-10 victory over the Braves.
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Talked with Pat Gillick today. Chase Utley has been bothered with some irritation in his hip, which could be bothering him at the plate. Utley is hitting just .253 with 12 homers and 45 RBIs in 269 at-bats since May 5. That includes a .332 on-base percentage and a .457 slugging percentage. He was hitting .362 with 13 homers and 26 RBIs in 130 at-bats to start the season. That included a .441 on-base percentage and a .769 slugging percentage.
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The Red Sox are looking to trade Manny Ramirez, but it seems unlikely he ends up with the Phillies.
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In the Phillies Notebook: Shane Victorino's collision at home plate.
John in LA I was joking, I'm out of the loop what type of beverage is a schmitter?— Truth- Truth you must not be a native Philadelphian if you don't know what a Schmitter is?— KarenA
- Personally, I think the pitching is fine, especially now that they have finally gotten rid of Eaton, albeit only to the minors. Even though the offense has produced the past 2 games, I'm not convinced. this is still the most undisciplined bunch of hitters I've ever seen. I think the Phils need to get what is being called a "professional" hitter; i.,e., a consistent .300 hitter who knows how to handle the bat. I would love to seem them get a guy like Ichiro. Get rid of Werth and Jenkins for all I care. Keep Victorino, and with Ichiro, ROllins, and Victorino, you would have plenty of speed, and the ability to actually "manufacture" runs. Of course, Ichiro is probably impossible to get, but I'd rather have him than Manny, or anyone else, except maybe for Matt Holliday. Anyway, we need to do something at the plate. Get a good, scrapy "hitter" to put in RF, and call it a day.— johnandursula
- Speaking of Rollins, Check out http://www.thefightins.com/meechone/the-phillies-shortstop-shows-his-house-to-a-cable-tv-station and see why he ain't on time to the ball park— jeff gross
- Phillyfandc: You right on the mark about past racism involving the Phillies. It was shameless, especially back in Jackie Robinson's day. I'd like to think things have changed however. I doubt ANYONE would care if we had an entire team of players of color as long as we win a championship! 25 years (28 for the Phils) is far too long! That being said no one in this city is going to support an athlete that doesn't try his hardest. Rollins is really disappointing me. It looked like up to recently he was well on his way to replacing Larry Bowa as the greatest SS in Phillies history. Now it looks like he doesn't even want to play here. I wish they'd trade him to Colorado along with prospects and other players for their starting SS (whose name I can't spell... Tutolwisky or something) and Brian Fuentes. If they can get Grady Adkins too that would be great! Go Phillies!!!— James TL
- Phillyfandc: You right on the mark about past racism involving the Phillies. It was shameless, especially back in Jackie Robinson's day. I'd like to think things have changed however. I doubt ANYONE would care if we had an entire team of players of color as long as we win a championship! 25 years (28 for the Phils) is far too long! That being said no one in this city is going to support an athlete that doesn't try his hardest. Rollins is really disappointing me. It looked like up to recently he was well on his way to replacing Larry Bowa as the greatest SS in Phillies history. Now it looks like he doesn't even want to play here. I wish they'd trade him to Colorado along with prospects and other players for their starting SS (whose name I can't spell... Tutolwisky or something) and Brian Fuentes. If they can get Grady Adkins too that would be great! Go Phillies!!!— James TL
- And, my lineup would be: 1. Ichiro 2. Victorino 3. Rollins 4. Howard 5. Burrell 6. Utley 7. Feliz 8. Coste/Ruiz 9. Pitcher— johnandursula
- This move tells me they are making a trade. If they get a reliever, Myers stays in the rotation. If they get a starter, Myers becomes the 8th inning guy. I'd be shocked if the Phils would put Happ in such a tight race, even though he's a lefty and has pitched well.— Steve Jeltz
- last time the Phils won teh serries (the only time they won the serries) guy named Bystrom was called up and went 5-0. I hope they put Happ in the rotation. Anyone notice Gills comment about that catcher we got in the minors? That it wouldn't be fair to him or the pitchers to bring him up NOW?? Think he's the starter next year?? Bye bye Ruiz— jeff gross
- The Phillies should just release Eaton at this point, the chances of him contributing this season or next are minimal and it will just cause everyone more pain and suffering if we bring him back for another failed run. The Mariners ate Richie Sexson's $15M contract and moved on. We need to do the same with Eaton. He was a bust.— GHOSTPHAYCE
- Main Line born and raised Miss KarenA---— Truth
- Truth, so am I, but now I won't admit it anymore...LOL. And that's no excuse for not knowing what a Schmitter is. Come up from the basement at least once a day, there's a whole world out there buddy.— jimmymack
- Can't they see if anyone is interested in Myers as a closer and take the best offer for him just to get rid of his salary and to allow Happ to join the rotation? I'd take my chances with Happ after having to watch Myers and Eaton get hammered every game they start. Eaton to make $8.5M and Myers is to make $12M next season. What a joke.— BobbyD
- Truth---For shame. Anyone of a certain age knows what a Schmitter is. It's as legendary to Philly as cheesesteaks, soft pretzels,scrapple,hoagies etc. Good thing John in LA, Jimmymack and others here at the Phillies Zone can educate you not only on the Phillies, but Philly culture (LOL)— KarenA
- Wow- a lot gets posted while some of us head to the office-my thoughts- my beef with Rollins has nothing to do with his return from his injury and if he's hurt and playing through it, I commend him. My beef is he's not leading by example, showing up late and not hustling on the field- for anyone trying to advance the racism argument with TODAY's Phillies, you are just plain wrong. Rollins got a long term deal. Tom Gordon got a long term deal (probably too long) and the reason Howard isn't getting one is because he wants, as I understand it, A-Rod #'s and he's not A-Rod. The article held water 60 years ago. it does not today- On Happ: I like the guy but this is not Cy Young we called up. He's had two big league starts, one mediocre one against the Mets and a good, not great, start against the Cardinals. I think he's better than Eaton but it's iffy at best as to whether he really helps this rotation.— KMG
