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."
Tough to see Pence leave -- at least the guy cared. Gotta give him credit for staying classy on the way out. I am not conviced this is the right move -- unless we sign a big time free agent outfielder or 3rd baseman.— Chicago_Phils_Fan- Bibley Bob Pence need to stay away from the back of those vegetable stands and he be all right— Astro Jones
- I believe Joseph is listed as c/1b, so perhaps he can replace the guy we have who can't hit an outside pitch because he's apparently scared to death of getting hit by the ball. Pence was getting to be as frustating to watch as Werth, but I really liked him. Hope he does well in San Fran.
— mechfan2240 - Among the things Pence didn't see coming was every third ball hit to him in right field.— willll
- Amaro is out of his league. Halladay, Lee (from Cleveland), Pence (from Houston) was a case of trying to minimize what he had to give to get them. HE FAILED giving great prospects that my mother could have made the trades. Where he really showed his incompetence was trading a big chip like Lee to Seattle and getting 3 flawed minor leaguers in return. 2 more chips, Pence and Victorino brought back mediocre prospects at best. This is unacceptable and Amaro should take his slick tongue and Stanford degree and move on to the Phillies betterment.— gentian
- Terrible deal. Carried this team for months by himself. Exactly the type of player you want to rebuild around, not give away for a bucket of fried chicken. Horrible.— bmasick
- Dear stupid people - we had a bad year and now Amaro has to continue reshaping the team for 2013. It's a process with many steps. These are not the first ones nor will they be the last. I'm amazed at the hate on here directed at the Phils front office and coaching staff. When Ruben was wheeling and dealing for Halladay, Pence and others he was a genius. Now he's a horrible monster. So many anonymous haters. My favorite comment is that Charlie has lost the team, like you're in the clubhouse. Other "expert" trade evaluations here don't take into account payroll, future needs, place in the standings, etc. Finally, the comments that are the most entertaining are the ones that say I'm done watching this team. I watch 'cause I like baseball and my team is the Phillies. How can you switch teams after a bad year? It's tiresome reading the vocal minority when I know the silent majority is smarter than the spoiled brats here. So many idiots, so little time.— vafan
- Yeah, the name-calling really sets you apart and makes you seem smarter - no, better - than everyone else. Newsflash: you're not a unique or beautiful snowflake, either, Vafan. — ICU812MI
- Nice complementary player, seems like a good teammate, certainly seemed always to be trying: But he was NEVER the missing piece.
Good Luck HP— BEMiller - What it boils down too is that the Phillies paid Rollins and now are unable to pay Pence. So now a good attitude guy is sent packing while Rollins stays.— Taser
- phillies demise started with pence— mwright252
- phillies demise started with pence— mwright252
- I think its time to bring in Sandberg....bye Cholly.
— kingofpoker
