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.
Let's just sign our people back. That means Moyer and Burrell. They are the players that HELPED US WIN IT ALL.— bscherman- Hey, Zo.....I finally watched my recording of CSN's, "The Champs", that you participated in. I have only one thing to say...."BACK TO YOU, TODD!" LOL!— Norma
Todd-I'm impressed that you added a post. Btw, the thought of Eaton in this rotation has me wretching violently. I'm sure he's a nice guy, but I can't stomach running him out there even for mop-up. Thanks for the effort Adam. A change of scenery is in order.— fuss77- You cannot trade draft picks in MLB...and contracts are all but guaranteed. Which is why we are still paying for Thome in 2009. Eaton has one more year and we can finally get him out of this town.— Giojr24
- I agree with Todd - RELAX, People...Eaton is getting paid, so not mentioning him would be remiss on his part...As for Moyer, the Phils would be silly not to sign him UNLESS he's being unreasonable, which I doubt...It's simply a part of the negotiation process, including the talks with Burnett and Lowe...The Phils will not give either of the two anything close to a five-year deal after the Eaton and Garcia debacles...While Lowe gives the Phils fits on the mound, I'm not impressed with him at 35 like I am with Moyer at 46!! Hello! No-brainer...As for Burnett, he's a walking DL guy, isn't he? We'll, hopefully, pass on both of them...Hey, Todd, why haven't we, at least, mentioned Juan Rivera in our pursuit of a RH outfielder? He may be the diamond in the rough who is being overlooked OR maybe the names we DON'T hear are the ones we are really interested in? ;-) I can't imagine we are truly looking at guys like Edmonds, Ibanez, etc., unless there are some wild trade ideas in the works... Go Phils! PK— PhillyTheKid
- Norma: just realized I never gave you name of hotel for spring training. Last few years stayed at LaQuinta, 21338 US Hgy 19 North, Clearwater. Not a 4 Seasons but is fine otherwise. Walk to Lenny's for breakfast (Phillies fan central) and to the park (so you can stagger back after spending too much time at the Tiki bar after game). Still working on dates, but I try to do around St. Patty's day. Always a good time and weather is usually pefect.— jimmymack
- jimmy....I was just going to ask you about Spring training! Thanks for the info. I think I remember seeing LaQuinta. I'm going to investigate the *packages* again. And see what's a better bargain. The packages made it sooo much easier last year! The only problem was, most of the hotels offered, were at least 15 min. away from Brighthouse Field. Not terrible. But like you say, not conducive to hanging out at Frenchy's! LOL! Still have to check with friends, about their plans, too. I'll definitley mention LaQuinta to them. I would LOVE to be there for St Patty's Day!— Norma
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- How about Randy Wolf as a cheaper option?— Jeff Dowder
- Norma, I think you can find a better deal if you book your own stuff directly. Grab a late in the day Southwest flight, the hotel on one of the travel sites (e.g. Expedia, Travelocity) and the car (be aware that sub compacts might actually cost more than a mid size, they go fast). I've never paid anything close to what the "packages" charge. Good luck. Shop around hard.— jimmymack
- jimmy....I'll definitely "shop around hard" this year. We have to decide how many days we're staying, how many games we'll go to, and what else we might want to see in the area. Last year, three of us went down. We met three friends, there. They didn't go with a package, and spent about TWICE as much as we did! (And they're experts of shopping on-line for travel.) A little was because of the hotel they stayed at, but mostly because of the rental car. The package included the rental car with no mileage charges. Plus we liked several of the *perks* that came with the package. Guess I'd better start investigating my options!— Norma
- Burnette is too much of an injury case. Plus, he's a career underachiever. I'd rather have Lowe. Lowe is an ace on a lot of teams and he would be a very solid number 2. As much as I like Moyer, I'd sign Lowe before I'd bring back Moyer. If Myers has another inconsistent season, they are going to need another top-end pitcher in their rotation.— Dan K.
- adam eaton needs to leave somehow. he is the highest payed player on team— augustus.j
- Happy "Black Friday" everyone! Nobody's posted yet, today, so I guess that means you're all shopping. LOL! I watched the main part of the Phillies DVD last night. Highlights of all the WS games and a little of the parade. Plus player and coaches interviews between highlights. Very nicely done. I haven't watched any of the *extras*, but it looks like it doesn't include any of the post-parade ceremony at "The Bank". A little bit of a disappointment. Glad I have it saved on my DVR.— Norma
