Pence didn't see deal to Giants coming
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Pence didn't see deal to Giants coming
Bob Brookover, Inquirer Baseball Columnist
WASHINGTON D.C. -- Hunter Pence said his goodbyes inside the visiting clubhouse at Nationals Park exactly 367 days after saying hello at Citizens Bank Park.
The circumstances of the departure and arrival could not have been any more different.
When Pence arrived in Philadelphia from Houston last year at the trade deadline, he was supposedly the missing piece for the team with the best record in baseball.
As he departed for the San Francisco Giants Tuesday afternoon, he was a player who had become too expensive and inconsistent to keep. The Phillies acquired outfielder Nate Schierholtz and minor-league prospects Tommy Joseph, a catcher, and Seth Rosin, a righthanded pitcher, from the Giants.
Pence admitted to being shocked by both the trade and the Phillies' 2012 demise that has led to a flurry of deals by general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. at the deadline.
"Very surprising," Pence said with a glazed look in his eyes. "I don't think anyone anticipated the season that has gone on this year. It was a perfect storm of injuries and things that didn't go right for us. That's the business of the game and you have to understand that. We had a great run and now I've been sent on."
Unlike a year ago when he was with the Astros, Pence did not see this deal coming.
"Not until it happened because I honestly this year didn't pay any attention to any of that," he said. "I didn't really hear rumors. I talked to the media maybe one time, so really it just kind of happened, so I'm on to play for San Fran and hopefully in a playoff race."
Pence is in a playoff race again. The Phillies, meanwhile, were in their final race of the season and it was a sprint to see how much money they could get off the books before the 4 p.m. deadline.
Despite his brief time in Philadelphia, Pence said he grew to love playing for the Phillies.
"I had nothing but great memories here in Philadelphia," he said. "I am nothing but thankful for the opportunity to play -- unbelievable teammates and really the organization is a class act all the way from the top down. The fans made it an absolute blast to play for, so it was a great experience."
Agree with Cornwall. Charlie has lost the team; respect himr but Sadberg would return the spark again + managerial leadership, what's been so desperately lacking this year. He knows the young players who would play hweir hearts out for him + because of who he was, his record, how he played, the older players would respect as one of their own. With Sanberg leading, the difference would be noticeable rom the very first time the Phillies took the field under his leadership.— wkirk- Is this the Sandberg Chicago wouldn't even hire as manager? — Jeffy3
- Let's see. You want to use the Chicago Cubs as an example of good baseball management? Chicago is a great town, but maybe the fact that the Cubs passed on Sandberg is actually a recommendation. Even the Cubs don't want to imitate the Cubs. Let's not go backwards. Been there. Done that.
— r a leon - Let's see. You want to use the Chicago Cubs as an example of good baseball management? Chicago is a great town, but maybe the fact that the Cubs passed on Sandberg is actually a recommendation. Even the Cubs don't want to imitate the Cubs. Let's not go backwards. Been there. Done that. — r a leon
- Dump Joe Blshnton next....as long as down cycles are shorter than the upward ones, we'll be fine.— kissamiazz
- Ed Wade traded Pence twice in 12 months!— sonnybuoy01
- ok, lets break it down. Pence for a 4th outfielder with no power and who is a left handed hitter, a catching prospect in an organization whicj has both a stud catcher and a top catching prospect and a low class A pitcher who is being described as a "throw in" by CBS sports. That's awesome. RAJ, you continue to amaze me. Who is playing outfield and 3rd base next year. Please fire RAJ now. Please.— scootch
- So in essence we traded,Jonathan Singleton,Jared Cosart,Jonathan Vilar,Domingo Santana and Hunter Pence for 2 prospects and a part-time outfielder. (Although I think Joseph is going to be a good one).— rkramden
Comment removed.- Wow, good thing YOU don't sound at all like a supid bitter loser with this stellar posting. — ICU812MI
- And yet ANOTHER epic trade failure by the liar Amaro!!!— twpman
- The way I see it is Ruben dumped at least $30,000,000 of next years salary. That's enough to sign a top third baseman, and a center fielder. Ruben kept the whole pitching staff and added a top catching prospect, 2major leaguer relievers and minor league pitching. It's a trade for the future.— Rumrunner11
- The Phillies gave up a lot for Pence last year because it was an "all in" situation. It didn't pan out (to put in mildly!), but it made sense to give up a lot to try and win another championship. This year is a completely different situation. You can't do a simple equation of what they gave up to get him with last year what they got in return this year. This doesn't even touch on the issue of payroll and looking towards free agency in the winter or the fact that Pence was essentially brought on board to hit .300 and he's been nowhere near that this year, nor at the end of last year.— bmack
- Neither Victorino or Pence are unreplacable for next year.— Rumrunner11
- To all my fellow writers, in my opinion Amaro needs to replace Charlie. Really not sold on Sandberg as their next manager. Amaro screwed himself with signing Lee, Holiday, Hamels, etc. etc. They only have 36 million left to sign 18 players to contracts. Obviously, that changed today with their 2 trades. Get ready for empty seats at C.B.P. Aug and Sept.— bartm
