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Monday, July 28, 2008
Eaton Optioned to Minors

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.

*

Bob Ford thinks the Phillies definitely need to improve their pitching for the stretch run.

*

The Phillies' offense bailed out the bullpen in yesterday's 12-10 victory over the Braves.

*

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.

*

The Red Sox are looking to trade Manny Ramirez, but it seems unlikely he ends up with the Phillies.

*

In the Phillies Notebook: Shane Victorino's collision at home plate.

Posted by Todd Zolecki @ 11:02 AM  Permalink | 73 comments
73
Comments   
Posted 11:21 AM, 07/28/2008
Gary Varsho
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.
Posted 11:34 AM, 07/28/2008
Truth
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.
Posted 11:37 AM, 07/28/2008
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?
Posted 11:46 AM, 07/28/2008
jeff gross
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
Posted 11:49 AM, 07/28/2008
Gary Varsho
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.
Posted 11:49 AM, 07/28/2008
Dave14
Gary Varsho's comment makes the most sense: move Myers to the set-up spot for Lidge, and put Happ in the rotation.
Posted 12:11 PM, 07/28/2008
Frank Lloyd Wrong
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.
Posted 12:16 PM, 07/28/2008
jimmymack
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?
Posted 12:17 PM, 07/28/2008
Truth
Frank and Howard hasn't? Does he deserve the bashing he recieved/recieves b/c of his stance on the business issues?
Posted 12:19 PM, 07/28/2008
jeff gross
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
Posted 12:19 PM, 07/28/2008
Truth
Actually jimmymack, if you were attempting to poke fun at me-my post says "did some reporting"
Posted 12:19 PM, 07/28/2008
RG
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.
Posted 12:23 PM, 07/28/2008
Truth
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.
Posted 12:23 PM, 07/28/2008
ematusko
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.
Posted 12:34 PM, 07/28/2008
RG
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.
Posted 12:41 PM, 07/28/2008
jimmymack
I'm now boycotting the Phillies Phestival tonight, if I can't get Eaton's autograph, what's the point? And for the benefit of the typo police, nonchalant isn't hyphenated...LOL
Posted 12:47 PM, 07/28/2008
jeff gross
Thank you RG for explaining my point. Michael Jack got booed because we expected perfection from him (not fair on our part I agree) but there is no excuse for a multi million dollar player showing up late or not giving 110%. Yes, Rollings makes teh hard play look easy, and he's a great player, but imagine what he could do if he tried?
Posted 12:55 PM, 07/28/2008
jeff gross
truth, if it isn't race, why havn't you been all over our as#es all year about how we bashed Pat teh Bat all these years? His numbers are and have always been great (except for one year)
Posted 12:59 PM, 07/28/2008
scotty82
Rollins. His last name is ROLLINS.
Comment removed.
Posted 01:12 PM, 07/28/2008
John in LA
Can everybody please slow down and check your spelling before posting? I'm feeling like Brian McCann!
Posted 01:16 PM, 07/28/2008
jeff gross
John in LA, and everyone else, I am sorry for the typos and for the extra "G" in Rollins' name
Posted 01:30 PM, 07/28/2008
jeff gross
The difference between Rollins and Utley is simple: AB Utley is 17th in the league, Rollins isn't in the top 50. Runs: Utley is 7th, Rollins not in top 50, Hits: Utley-17th, Rollins not in top 50, DBLs: Utley 11th, Rollins 37th, OBP: Utley 22nd Rollins not in top 50 These are not power Stats, but things you expect from your leadoff hitter. Is this clear enough Truth???
Posted 01:41 PM, 07/28/2008
Rob8810
I think chase gets more of free pass because you'll never see him dog a play. Even when they are down by 10 runs he'll run out every play as hard as if it was a 0-0 game. Can anyone say the same about J-roll. How many plays has he dogged this year alone!! That is what really bothers me about him. He has a lot of talent but I feel like he is wasting it on most days.
Posted 01:50 PM, 07/28/2008
jimmymack
jeff gross: argument is a tad bogus...Rollins has played 22 less games, 70 less AB's. I know his actions have caused us all angst, but fair is fair. Who knows where he would be if he had not missed those games? You want to bash him for hustle and attitude, fine, valid points.
Posted 01:55 PM, 07/28/2008
jeff gross
Granted that he's plaid less games, but still, his numbers as leadoff are not what they should be. He's getting bashed becuase of his lack of effort but if his numbers were where they should/could be then we'd be a lot quieter. Howard got bashed for his numbers. When he picked them up we shut up.
Posted 01:57 PM, 07/28/2008
Norma
The thing I found interesting about the pitching situation......Happ was pulled from his game DURING the Phillies rain delay. I guess it was going to be a toss-up as to who to send down. Depending on the outcome of the game. Could have been Seanez. And Gary Varsho.....I agree with you about putting Myers in the set-up role. I've been saying that all year.
Posted 01:57 PM, 07/28/2008
jeff gross
not to mention that OBP doesn't depend on games, or ABs, and I'm not after him for being behind Utley, but for not being in the top 50 in the legue in many of the catagories
Posted 01:58 PM, 07/28/2008
mummer43
Put Happ in the rotation and move Myers to the bullpen. Myers has said that he liked being a closer, but that job is definitely taken. let him be a setup man for Lidge.
Posted 01:59 PM, 07/28/2008
Norma
jimmymack.....ARE you going to the Phillies Phest today? I'll be there!
Posted 02:07 PM, 07/28/2008
JayW
We don't yet know that Happ is joining the Phillies, although I hope so. It is equally likely that he has been traded, probably for a left-handed reliever like Brian Fuentes. Both players (or whoever) may now be undergoing physicals. It would be a waste of a good young starter, but is consistent with other short-sighted moves the Phillies have made. Of course, moving Myers to the bullpen and letting Happ start is the best move
Posted 02:08 PM, 07/28/2008
Truth
Jeff Gross- I'll ask once again, why are you so emphatically pointing out the positives with CHASE UTLEY? Over the last 72 gms(almost half a season)Utley is hitting just .253 with 12 homers and 45 RBIs in 269 at-bats since May 5. HE GOT OFF TO SIZZLING START. He has been avg since. Call him on it jeff. YOU used to defend him and say he was top 5 in Rbi's and HR's and so on and so forth. Now you brag that he is in the top 50. You lose this arguement hands down jeff gross. Goodbye!
Posted 02:14 PM, 07/28/2008
KarenA
I bet Myers would improve if they did move him to the bullpen in the set-up role. Maybe not as glamous or "rock starish" as a closer, but it might suit him better.
Posted 02:14 PM, 07/28/2008
jeff gross
I agree that Utley is slumping lately. The argument wasn't about that, but whether he gets a free ride as apposed to Rollins. If Rollins has a super hot August and brings his numbers up to where they could be I won't mention his lack of hustle or lateness again. Deal??
Posted 02:21 PM, 07/28/2008
Truth
jeff gross-I'm not saying Rollins doesn't deserve to be bashed(at least by Philadelphia standards). What I'm saying is Utley has been brutal and its barely mentioned. I have to mention it for Zolecki to give it a small blurb. Howard and Rollins miscue's/or slumps are HEADLINERS here. Utley has been in the tank for half a season and it gets a blurb. Its a joke!
Posted 02:29 PM, 07/28/2008
G$Money
Get off Rollins. He is not the problem. It's so easy to say he's late that's why no one hits...that's a cop out. The real issues with Utley...a great player, but if he's hurt he should sit and get better not have the team, his average and the fans suffer with him.
Posted 02:34 PM, 07/28/2008
Norma
I agree, Chase probably shouldn't have participated in the HR Derby. That was HIS call. He could have declined the *invitation*. My guess is, he hadn't told anyone about his hip issue yet. He did NOT want to miss the chance of playing in Yankee Stadium, by being on the DL and sitting on the bench the entire game. And he DID get a hit!
Posted 02:37 PM, 07/28/2008
Norma
I agree Chase should sit a few games. Maybe I'll talk to him about it at the Phestival tonight. LOL!
Posted 02:44 PM, 07/28/2008
Truth
I also find it funny that with no Howard to bash-John in LA has all but disappeared. He is definitely a one trick pony!
Posted 02:51 PM, 07/28/2008
KarenA
Norma: Enjoy the Phestival! Try not to drool to much if you do meet Chase (LOL!) I just bought the "Best of Philly" mag since he and the Mrs. are on the cover. Whata handsome couple and seemingly down-to-earth. They were introduced by none other than former Eagles Freddy Mitchell!
Posted 02:52 PM, 07/28/2008
phillyfandc
I'm always amazed by the number of Philadelphia fans who equate the hustle or greatness of a player by the amount of dirt on the uniform. That's why fans booed Mike Schmidt when he was a play. Those same fans now regard him as the greatest third baseman of his generation. As for Jeff Gross' remarks about fogetting the racist BS, he should well remember that Cash left the Phillies because the team didn't want to pay him - and he wasn't seeking Ryan Howard-type bucks. There's an undeniable history of the Phillies not doing right by players of color, all the way from the obscene heckling of Jackie Robinson by Phillies players and manager to being one of the last National League teams to sign a black player. The Phillies have had a habit of letting players of color - Dave cash, Manny Trillo - go when they sought more money or wanted longer term contracts As much as I love Philadelphia, it's always bothered me that many of the city's sports fans have been unable to embrace or appreciate black star athletes from Wilt to Sir Charles to McNabb, to Allen Iverson and now to Ryan Howard. Sure, all these guys had or have some flaws. But so did Pete Rose, Darren Daulton and Lenny Dykstra. But, hey, they got their uniforms dirty.
Posted 02:54 PM, 07/28/2008
KarenA
Plus Utley actually lives in Philly which gives him additional points with the fans. As others have stated, because he gives 110% each time he plays and his intensity fans give him the benefit of the doubt.
Posted 03:05 PM, 07/28/2008
John in LA
Truth, I actually offered to buy you a Schmitter if you go to the Aug. Dodgers with me, Norma, JM and others. Also, Howard's holding firm at .235. 'Nuff said. Finally, I guess I'm kinda disappointed at all the negativity here -- the SOUL just broke Philly's 20-plus years without a championship, people! I'm flying in for the parade. Who's joining me????????
Posted 03:21 PM, 07/28/2008
Norma
KarenA......Thanks for the heads-up about "Best of Philly"! I knew *FredEx* introduced them. They all went to UCLA together. In fact, Freddy Mitchell played baseball in college! But Chase said he wasn't very good. LOL!
Posted 03:24 PM, 07/28/2008
jeff gross
phillyfandc: I said we booed Michael jack for not performing as we wanted, I didn't mention his lack of hustle, since he always gave 110%. I seem to recall Cash leavign because we got a better second baseman--wasn't it Trillo btw? I don't remember Dr. J complaining about his salary, or Moses Malone. Was Gary maddox upset with his pay? Was Bake McBride? Could it be that some people are a bit too sensitive? I love Rollins and want him to go from his Phillie days to the Hall of Fame, but I also want him to Hustle-like Rose, Dykstra, Bowa, Maddox, Samuel and many other top Phillies of the past and Utley, Shane. Believe me, if COle doesn't change his attitude, white, balck or green, we'll get on his case too for not giving it his all
Posted 03:27 PM, 07/28/2008
Truth
John in LA I was joking, I'm out of the loop what type of beverage is a schmitter?
Posted 03:34 PM, 07/28/2008
KarenA
Truth you must not be a native Philadelphian if you don't know what a Schmitter is?
Posted 03:52 PM, 07/28/2008
johnandursula
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.
Posted 03:59 PM, 07/28/2008
jeff gross
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
Posted 04:20 PM, 07/28/2008
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!!!
Posted 04:20 PM, 07/28/2008
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!!!
Posted 04:26 PM, 07/28/2008
johnandursula
And, my lineup would be: 1. Ichiro 2. Victorino 3. Rollins 4. Howard 5. Burrell 6. Utley 7. Feliz 8. Coste/Ruiz 9. Pitcher
Posted 04:28 PM, 07/28/2008
Steve Jeltz
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.
Posted 04:37 PM, 07/28/2008
jeff gross
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
Posted 04:37 PM, 07/28/2008
GHOSTPHAYCE
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.
Posted 05:14 PM, 07/28/2008
Truth
Main Line born and raised Miss KarenA---
Posted 06:32 PM, 07/28/2008
jimmymack
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.
Posted 08:52 PM, 07/28/2008
JimG
Ematusko, I'm not going to defend Eaton because...well, there's no defending him but how is Pat Gillick to blame for Myers becoming a total headcase this year? Myers was here long before Gillick and he was a successful starter before too. Also, Gillick's only good move in 3 years is signing Lidge? Come on, be fair here. What about Chad Durbin? What about JC Romero? What about Jamie Moyer? What about Greg Dobbs? What about Jayson Werth? Those were all good signings and most of them were players that other teams had given up on.
Posted 09:06 PM, 07/28/2008
BobbyD
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.
Posted 09:06 PM, 07/28/2008
JimG
Too bad this isn't the NFL and we can't get off the hook for Eaton's salary by cutting him. I think that the Phillies need to just finally admit that Eaton should not be in their plans for the next year and a half and just eat his salary and get him off the roster. The article suggest that Eaton could have refused the assignment and become a free-agent but I think the Phillies would only be on the hook for the rest of his salary this year if he did that and there's no way anyone on the open market would pay Eaton 8 million for next year.
Posted 09:41 PM, 07/28/2008
KarenA
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)
Posted 09:48 PM, 07/28/2008
KMG
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.
Posted 09:53 PM, 07/28/2008
Frank Lloyd Wrong
Truth, I guess Howard makes it a little easier to criticize because he's a one-dimensional player. It's a hell of a dimension, but if he isn't hitting home runs, he isn't contributing at all. That isn't his fault, its simply where his talent lies. So when he slumps, its different, he's a liabliity: A 300 lb error machine at first base, and he is just that for a few months each season. Even on Utley's worst days he swipes a base or makes a great play... something. I don't want to discount Howards presence, and how pitchers have to approach the rest of the lineup because of him, which is certainly a factor to how effective of an offensive player Howard is, but I think it is easier to criticize a guy who fired a bunch of agents until he found one who would give him a ton of money to be a spectacular one-trick-pony home run machine.
Comment removed.
Posted 10:03 PM, 07/28/2008
johnnyp
Maybe Happ got pulled because he's going to be part of a deal.
Posted 10:18 PM, 07/28/2008
Norma
Well guys, I did see Chase for a few minutes at the Phillies Phest. But he was much too busy signing autographs to talk *business* with me! LOL!
Posted 10:20 PM, 07/28/2008
bski
JimG: When you're talking about good pickups by Gillick, you can't forget about Tad Iguchi. Without him, we don't win the division last year. Great find by Gillick, especially considering we were in an emergency situation after Utley's broken hand. Too bad we couldn't get him to stay.
Posted 10:47 PM, 07/28/2008
KMG
Just an aside, nice to see the Muts bullpen cough things up, again, tonight. Amazing that through all of this we are still tied in the loss column and 1/2 game out. Only 10 days until I return to Philly for my annual trip up, Truth and I'll guarantee you I will be getting a Schmitter. I'll tell you what, meet me at the stand at 12:30 on the 7th and the Schmitter is on me (you have to listen to me tell you that you're wrong about Utley while you eat it, but the Schmitter is my treat!)
Posted 10:47 PM, 07/28/2008
Clinton, NJ
Is a Schmitter Mike Schmidts sweat sold in a can?? I agree about sending Myers to the pen and let Happ start, I think that move strengthens both spots. Thats what the Phils should really be looking to do, get stronger in those areas, isnt that why they put Eaton in the minors?? Jimmymack- maybe truth is chained up in his basement and cant get out, it might not be his fault!
Posted 12:06 AM, 07/29/2008
phan53
Who was the last player to report to Spring Training last February? He reported on time but at the last minute when nost of the plsyers hsd been in camp early. A bad omen especially considering the players were excited to pick up where they left off last fall. Jimmy has lost his sparkle.
Posted 01:52 AM, 07/29/2008
Norma
Back to Chase sitting to rest his hip. (Though he's denying there's a problem.) We all know he NEVER wants to sit, but I wish he'd look back at last year. He was on fire after sitting out that month with his broken hand! Definitely was a BIG part of getting us to the post-season. Not that I want him out for a month. But *day-to day* or the 15 day DL would sure help. Speaking of his broken hand.....We face Lannan on Thurs. Maybe Charlie will sit Chase then. LOL!
Posted 06:23 AM, 08/03/2008
cartoong98
None of this makes any sense. Ramirez would not be enough of an upgrade over Burrel to offset the damage it would do to the team dynamics. Do we really need to experience another T.O., Iverson, or Barkley to learn the lesson that character players are more important than talent. Stop living in the myth that one player can make a difference. I know Peter Rose pushed us over the top, but how many other times has that happened in the history of sports? Answer: Not many! More often you get the dynamics that the Eagles are going through by signing the best DB in the league and now having everyone else on the team angry and resentful.
Posted 06:31 AM, 08/03/2008
cartoong98
The Phillies just don't have a plan. If you want to make trades, then do it. If you want to use your farm system, then bring up the rookies and play them. We had over 20 losses from Brett Myers, Adam Eaton, and Tom Gordon this year? Could the rookies have done any worse? And the argument that they make a lot of money makes no sense...so they made a mistake with Eaton..cut him and move on like they do in the NBA. Isn't it embarassing to see him everyday do less than nothing for $10 million a year! Phils: GET A PLAN AND STICK TO IT!
About Andy Martino
Andy Martino is in his first season on the Phillies beat. A former New York City public school teacher and graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, he previously wrote for the New York Daily News, where he covered baseball and worked with the award-winning investigative sports "I-team."
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