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.
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.— Frank Lloyd Wrong
Comment removed.- Maybe Happ got pulled because he's going to be part of a deal.— johnnyp
- 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!— Norma
- 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.— bski
- 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!)— KMG
- 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!— Clinton, NJ
- 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.— phan53
- 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!— Norma
- 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.— 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!— cartoong98
