With depth, Valdez becomes expendable
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With depth, Valdez becomes expendable
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
That Wilson Valdez started 162 games over the previous two seasons only demonstrated the Phillies' need for a durable backup to an aging infield.
But the Phillies dealt Valdez to Cincinnati for lefthander Jeremy Horst on Wednesday because they believe they have enough cheaper options to fill that role.
"We decided we were comfortable with the guys we had," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said by phone. "At the same time he had value for us. He served a pretty valuable role for us. But generally, we felt like we had coverage in that area."
That coverage will start with Michael Martinez, who appeared in 88 games last season and hit .196. Amaro mentioned Freddy Galvis, a top infield prospect, as someone who could ultimately provide depth. And the team has signed Pete Orr, Kevin Frandsen and Hector Luna to minor-league deals.
All of them are cheaper than Valdez, who signed a one-year, $930,000 deal earlier this month.
Amaro said he expects Galvis to play every day at triple-A Lehigh Valley to begin the season. But now that Jimmy Rollins is under contract through at least 2014 and Chase Utley is at second through 2013, Galvis' current path to the majors is in a reserve role (barring injury).
"Once we signed Jimmy, we felt like we have three shortstop options in Martinez, Galvis and Valdez," Amaro said. "So we felt OK and comfortable enough to go ahead an move Valdez."
Valdez will forever be remembered in Phillies' lore for being the winning pitcher in the 19-inning game against Cincinnati. He was the first player to start a game in the field and win it as pitcher since Babe Ruth in 1921.
Amaro said Horst will be invited to camp as a non-roster player and compete for a job as a lefthander in the bullpen. In 12 games with Cincinnati, the 26-year-old posted a 2.93 ERA. Lefties had a .988 OPS against him in 22 plate appearances.
"Our reports on him is the guy had a chance to get lefties out," Amaro said, "and we'll throw him in the mix."
That mix includes Dontrelle Willis, who is on a non-guaranteed deal, Joe Savery, Jake Diekman and Raul Valdes.
Have a question? Send it to Matt Gelb's Mailbag.
Martinez is barely Major League material— shawnmac- This move improves our speed off the bench. Martinez can pinch run for the other slow bench guys. Not to mention he has more versatility because he can play 3 infield positions and all OF. I don't know much about the kid from Cincy but from our previous playoff experience, it's always good to have LH Relief options...
— BammBamm - MM pinchrunning for another slow bench guy...please track that and see how many times that scenerio takes place....over/under about 3 times all year...I'll take the under. — bearsfriend
- rollins is barely major league material the way he insists on swinging for the fences out of the leadoff spot and pouts when he is removed from leadoff spot. his OBP is horrible for a leadoff hitter and when he is not in a free agency year he is horrible in the postseason. i was hoping to see valdez as the 2012 starting shortstop for the phils, but ruben had different ideas about that. we waited 28 years for another world series win after 1980. amaro is doing his part to make sure we wait another 28 years for the next one. — zwarte piet
- He's better than what many of you think.— EL Zorro
- I'm sure you think so Mrs. Martinez, but the rest of us are pretty sure he can't hit to save his life. — justacarpenter
- In what way is he better than what people think. His defense is not the equal of Wilson Valdez, nor is his bat, nor his arm.
For a utility player WHAT ELSE IS THERE!?— BEMiller - Check the FP before speaking about defense. He has 3 hrs and 22 rbi in his rookie season. Valdez 6 HR and 92 rbi in 389 games. Yes his BA was .199, but at age 27 Valdez hit .201 and the following year he was out of baseball. He's 33 years old and most likely his skills will deteriorated. He's not a fast runner. Martinez has more range and quickness and he'll most likely to improve. He also an insurance in CF. Granted, I like Valdez and appreciate his time in here. But you guys are reacting like we traded a young Jimmy Rollins for Kane Smith. Get a clue. — EL Zorro
Comment removed.- Will never forget that Cincy game - and subsequently not being able to fall asleep afterward because I was so jacked up. Best of luck Wilson.— evolutionary
- He was a nice backup. Won't shed any tears or anything he was a decent backup with a knack for timely hits.— scootch
- Martinez is not a major league player. After throwing around millions of dollars on talent, all of a sudden they go cheap and move a player who could play 3 infield positions. A bench that was woefully weak last year just got weaker.I hope this doesn't hurt them when as age continues to chase Rollins, Utley and Polanco.— richw38
- I really don't get the love the front office has for Martinez. To me he had a 2 week stretch where he played well, got his average to like 220 and then went back to normal. I liked Valdez and wish him well.— rvb2321
- I appreciate what Wilson gave to the Phils and I cringe when I think about Martinez getting more time both in the field and at bat. Wilson was making too much for the value provided. Smart move by Ruben. He will need that flexibility later in the year.— johnny eagle
- bye-bye exxon-valdez...being at that 19 inning cincy game will always be memorable and well worth the lack of sleep.— R Mexico
