Phils Contact Lowe, Burnett
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Phils Contact Lowe, Burnett
Todd Zolecki
The Phillies have said for almost a month their No. 1 priority is signing Jamie Moyer to a contract extension.
They still hope to get that done.
But it looks like the Phillies don't want to get caught flat footed if talks with Moyer drag on and they suddenly realize they can't come to an agreement. A source said yesterday that the Phillies recently have contacted Derek Lowe and A.J. Burnett about contracts.
Lowe, 35, went 14-11 with a 3.24 ERA last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Reports are that Lowe is seeking a five-year contract worth around $15 million per season. Burnett, 31, who went 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA with the Toronto Blue Jays, also is believed to be seeking at least a five-year contract.
The Phillies don't like to give five- or six-year contracts to pitchers because of the health risk involved. They're not alone, either. The Yankees, for example, reportedly have balked at talking seriously with Burnett while he asks for a five-year contract. But the Phillies will have to do something if Moyer doesn't sign, and if they think they can get Lowe or Burnett they have to at least try. And in case you're wondering, there's almost no chance the Phillies would sign both Moyer and Burnett or Lowe. I think it's one or the other (Moyer or Lowe/Burnett), and I still think they prefer to sign Moyer. The Phillies have said in the past if they sign Moyer, they will have Kyle Kendrick, J.A. Happ, Carlos Carrasco and Drew Carpenter (throw Adam Eaton's name in there, too) compete for the fifth spot in the rotation.
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Ruben Amaro Jr. said Chase Utley's surgery went very well: "I'm pleased there were no surprises. We're optimistic that he'll be back and shouldn't miss a significant portion of the season. I would be surprised if he did not return until June. That would be very surprising, although a lot will depend on how he reacts to the surgery and how the overall rehab goes."
Amaro also said he expects Pedro Feliz back by spring training. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but I asked him if this is going to be a David Bell-type thing, where Feliz constantly will have lower back issues. Amaro said, "We don't see any degenerative issues with his back." That's good news for the Phillies.
Adam who? You have to be joking. Can't we buy out his contract?— kev- Seriously, just throw Adam away. Only if the last fan in the bleachers can't pitch should they consider giving Eaton a chance.— palmyra21
- Have Eaton donate his millions to keep the Philly libraries open! A better investment that is, for sure!— Timmy
- Lowe maybe, not wild about Burnett, even though he is younger. As far as Eaton, might as well see if you can trade him for some "never will be" minor league guys to keep the farm teams stocked. Otherwise, you pay him to sit home or worse, take up a roster spot. What seemed like slam dunk optimism with Jamie has now taken a turn for the worse?— jimmymack
- Please stick to your guns, Phils, and don't sign a long contract - at least not w/Burnett. Look where that got us w/Eaton!— gbrettfan
- Let him pitch. Perhaps he'll have a good spring (like last year) and we can trade him for a 36th round draft choice. Or better yet, some other team will pay part of his contract so he can pitch for them. Anything to get him out of town— jeff gross
- I like Lowe, but 5 years for a 35-year-old is a lot. However, he would be a big addition to our pals the Mets if they landed him. Maybe the Phils are thinking about that. Burnett was a workhorse in 2008 and can dominate when he's on. But he missed a bunch of starts in 06 and 07 and in years before that too. Maybe he's OK now? Both are tantilizing prospects. Why is the Moyer deal appearing to stall???— NJLouis66
- 5 years is way too long for either of these guys, as well as for most pitchers. If its a top of the line ace, you can take that risk, i.e. CC, Santana, Webb, Peavey, but not with older guys or guys who battle injuries. 3 year max, even if it means a few more dollars per year.— Gary Varsho
- (throw Adam Eaton's name in there, too)... Do we have to????— James TL
- Relax about Eaton. I mentioned his name because he's still on the 40-man roster and still under contract.
- I would love to get Lowe who is a ground ball pitcher. He would fit in well in the Bank. I don't know if it's worth signing a pitcher who is 35 years old to a five year contract however. Lowe has been very durable. It's tough to gauge this. Is he worth the risk or his he just due for an injury? Three years for about 50 million might be worth it though.— James TL
- I would not get to excited about this.— Beef69
- Here's a simple solution...SIGN MOYER! Hopefully that will be the case and talks about Lowe and Burnett will fade. Good to see the Phils being a bit pro-active. It's also nice to know that there's decent offerings for the 5th starter.— KarenA
- Did I read that right? Lowe wants 5yrs at $15million a year? No wonder the Phils want Moyer back. He wasnt worth that much in his prime, why would you pay that for him past his prime? Yes, being a groundball pitcher with the Phillies infield, and pitching in this launching pad, would be great; but not for at 35 yo pitcher at that price.— Master Dreamz
- While I love Moyer, I don't give him a 3 year deal. I would give him 2 years with a club option for a third as long as teh option can be as a coach in AA as well— jeff gross
