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.
The thing that doesn't make sense is that they still have 5 starters, and it looks like they are bringing up Happ. Are they putting him in the pen? If so, I smell a disaster. He's been succesful as a starter, they shouldn't put him in the pen. Unless they plan to move Myers to the set up role.— Gary Varsho- It appears with some goading Zolecki finally did some reporting. Zolecki thanks for listing CHASE UTLEY's half season numbers(as I did) in the previous post....Once again Utley gets the benefit of the doubt. He's not playing well so a supposed minor hip issue is to blame. What balderdash!!!He's a tough guy so he's going to play thru it for the team, right? Rollins gets no such benefit even though WE KNOW he had a severe ankle injury(possible break) earlier this yr. Howard had to go to DL at the start of last season but this year all YOU bloggers write how slowly he starts EVERY year, w/out taking that into consideration. I ask once again WHERE IS CHASE UTLEY? I also ask why does CHASE UTLEY get a free pass in this city when nobody else does? I ask if his injury was such an issue that the G.M. had to discuss it with the public why didn't the GM ban him from competing in the HR derby? This team never discusses injuries, WHY NOW? To protect the golden boy that is significantly underacheiving I assume.— Truth
- When Howard goes to the DL THEY insinuate that its as much mental as physical, even though we know the quad was injured in the spring. I ask IS THIS FAIR? Is there any equality in this?— Truth
- The differene is that unlike Jroll or Howard, Utley gives 110% every day. Ever See Rollings uniform get dirty? How about Howards? Stop with the racist BS. All any Phans care about (excpet you) is whether the player is good and whether he gives his all all the time. Going back a bit before your time, this city loved Dave Cash because of that— jeff gross
- Truth - I thought we were on a month long break from discussing Howard? As for Rollins, I think most people have an issue with what appears to be a really poor attitude - showing up late, an "oh well" attitude, not hustling. If these things weren't an issue - he would also be getting a free pass. If he was just struggling offensively or having an off year, most people would give him the benefit of the doubt. Its the other nonsense that bothers people.— Gary Varsho
- Gary Varsho's comment makes the most sense: move Myers to the set-up spot for Lidge, and put Happ in the rotation.— Dave14
- Chase Utley has earned the benefit of the doubt, even if his drought lasts the rest of the season (which I think we all highly doubt) Injured or not, when Abreu and Lidle were traded, and Gillick began to dismantle the team, Utley and Howard stepped forward and reinvigorated the franchise. For years they've been two of the very best players in the national league. Utley in particular has never complained, never barked at the media, never wavered in his all-out, smart, tough as nails style of play. He is the MODEL baseball player. For you guys to jump on him when he has a bad month or two after all he's done, you are barking up the wrong tree. Utley earned the right to work through his problems on the field however he sees fit, injury or not.— Frank Lloyd Wrong
- No doubt Todd "did so reporting" based on your posts...LOL. But I will agree that if he has a hip issue, he should NOT have participated in the HR derby OR the All Star game. As far as Rollins, anyone who has watched him run can't see any difference, certainly not a break. And he does get dirty, that comment is BS. BTW, the other guy, he came to camp in the best shape of his life directly from a spa, remember?— jimmymack
- Frank and Howard hasn't? Does he deserve the bashing he recieved/recieves b/c of his stance on the business issues?— Truth
- I know rollings gets dirty, and I think he'll work himself out of the funk he's in, I'm just tired of Truth's racist attacks at anythng white. The point is it's not about color but about effort and ability— jeff gross
- Actually jimmymack, if you were attempting to poke fun at me-my post says "did some reporting"— Truth
- Truth, how sensitive are you? There isn't a ton of Howard bashing out there, no matter how much you try to dredge it up. It's legitimate criticism based on hsi actual numbers. A batting avg in the .230s is not good. Neither are the record breaking Ks. However, he hits well w RISP and still has the most raw power in the league.— RG
- jeff gross my issue is not race far from it. Schmidt was treated worse than Howard, its not race its the IQ of the Philadelphia fan that bothers me. Until someone can tell me why Utley gets a free ride, I'll continue to ask why the golden boy gets special treatment. Just b/c your talent makes a routine play look hard does not make you talented. Just b/c J-Roll makes routine plays with style and flair does not make him non-chalant. He dopesn't have to dive to get to ball that Utley would have to stretch out for.— Truth
- Wow, pitchers bringing in $15 million/year have spent time in the minors this season, and it isn't injury related. Nice job Phillies. I hope you're happy! You make this fan, and most others sick. At least we got another obese pitcher in Blanton to round out the trifecta of terrible moves. Lidge and is working out well, so I'll give you that. One great move in 3 years for Gillick...well done old boy. P.S. If Eaton had any decency he would retire, forfeit the remainder of the money owed to him for the remainder of his contract, and apologize to the city and its fans for such a horrible showing these past 2 seasons.— ematusko
- That was flair when J-Roll failed to run out a play? Was it style to arrive late to a game? Especially when as leader of the team, you decide to take your own trasportation instead of the team bus? Thta bothers me more than his play, all players slump, its understandable.— RG
