With depth, Valdez becomes expendable
That Wilson Valdez started 162 games over the previous two seasons only demonstrated the Phillies' need for a durable backup to an aging infield.
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.
This is a mistake. Valdez was a consistent, dependable and versatile player.— jimd98- what a defensive player! loved his ARM! i think it's a mistake keeping martinez over valdez. GOOD LUCK WILSON!!— fillyfan
- Man if I saw these comments two years ago when he first came up as a fill in I'd have thought the looney bin just emptied out. He turned into a nice little backup but there are tons of those guys out there, don't lose sleep over this— dunnkirk
- Wow, considering all he's done (and that folks never thought he could do, let alone as well as he did) I'm a little surprised by this move. Shame to lose him, but thanks for all that you did.— Yoda117
- negative comments about Martinez are misguided. he is a well above avg defender at multiple positions with speed...something Valdez does NOT have. While MM is a weak bat, he is perfectly capable to stepping in in a utility role and doing a solid job. I will miss Valdez---he was a gamer. But dissing MM is silly. He is what he is and expecting backups to be great hitters is nonsense. if he could hit .280 and play as many positions as he can, he would be starting for someone.— TheLon
- If he could hit .280?...check out MM's fielding stats in the minors when he exclusively played shortstop...It's not pretty..If Rollins is able to stay away for long periods on the DL, then it's not a deal...If he goes for a substantial amount of time, MM is exposed...In that sceneio, Galvis would probably get the call to join the big club. — bearsfriend
- Misguided?
Wilson Valdez played all the infield, could play outfield corners and hit a bunch better than MM. He could also finish 19 inning games on the hill!
The bear fiend finally got one right.
Of course he'd be starting for someone--if he could play one position and hit .280. Point being, however, from any available evidence Michael Martinez can't hit above the Uecker line for a season.
Of course, maybe they think he's the second coming of MJS. He hit under the Uecker line as a rookie, as well.— BEMiller - Finally got one right? Excuse me?... — bearsfriend
- I will miss the orange goatee.— Romus
- Really for the role he was going to play you should have guys at the MLB minimum. Valdez is a good fielder but let's not get ahead of ourselves here as he really doesn't hit well either and is a double play machine.— Blue and White
- His defense will be missed especially once Chase, Jimmy, and PP all get hurt throughout the year. The Reds got a fantastic utility guy with a ridiculous hose of an arm. Best of luck to Wilson and here's hoping Martinez is fielding ground balls at this very moment.— jollyrancherk3
- I echo what The Lon just posted. Valdez and Mini Mart are almost equally defensively, with the exception that Martinez offers more range at the SS positions and in the OF. He also is a switch hitter, younger and faster. He was just a 28-year-old rookie who started late in baseball, so you expect improvement offensively and all around while Valdez is 33 year old and not likely to improve his game much. Take a chill pill guys, this is not a big deal.— EL Zorro
- Zorro, I agree with about 99% of what you say but not here, not at all...Question- do you think the Reds would have done this deal if the Phillies would have used MM instead of Valdez?...I don't believe RAJ could have gotten a handful of Ryan Madson autographed balls for him, honestly...Again, if it's a limited role during the course of a season, there may not be a gap...If 7-10 games in a row need to be played at shortstop, you'll see a difference. — bearsfriend
- Actually, for what they got, MM would have been more appropriate! This Jeremy Horst is a LHP who gives up Pujols type numbers to left had hitters! — BEMiller
