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.
Taking the advice of others: chillin' on this.
Still believe a bigger deal in the works for our 3B'er.
— 24sDad- Martinez should never have been on this roster! They basically gave Valdez away.— JBinPA
- Lots of insightful comments...many knew because of the addition of Wiggington, it was an either/or situation for Valdez and MM... reasons to deal-getting value in the form of a lh relief prospect,reducing payroll (yuk), comfortable depth in spot duty/flexibility- (MM,Orr,Fransden), and adding Galvis to that list down the line...Another is EGO, and that the Phillies invested a roster spot for the entire season in 2011 for MM...and it would'nt look to good if he's holding up others riding buses in AAA. Martinez' speed is plus, but he's far from a speedster..His value is his ability to play 6 positions, but if he got put into a long term playing scenerio (like Wilson had both years), his defense is not a bet to hold up, especially at short.— bearsfriend
- Give Martinez a chance. Remember back in July he was hitting really well, has a little power and is a good fielder.— zeke128
- I'm guessing Amaro has his eye on someone younger, cheaper and better with the bat to be had in a trade.— Dragon13
- Terrible. You know Utley wont play 162, neitehr will Rollins. This is a key position, one that will get 250 at bats at least. For $950K, he was a bargain, bad move unless I am missing some chemistry issues— Sports4Life
- Great trade..Wilson was a class act and will be missed no doubt, but this guy might prove to be a valuable left handed option out of the pen..— TexasYankee
- Hope that doesn't come back to bite us. Wilson did all that was ask of him and more, even pitch! A good little all around player with a good attitude. Good luck Wilson, except when you play us.— dogman5
- I liked Wilson's versatility, solid defense, and clutch hitting.— jphilly77
- Martinez is terrible, another rule V joke, cannot play SS as well as Valdez, and may be the worst hitter in the league (besides backup catchers). He had a few drives and now swings like Rollins for the fences, but has no real power, just a few swings, he should be using his speed. I really hope they have a better plan for the inevitable injuries to the other IFs as others said. I won't miss GIDP Valdez batting though and Horst could be OK.— craigmack
- Don't see anyone in the mentioned group who is good a s Wilson Valdez, at least to this point in their careers. Does someone expect some sort of miraculous improvement from Michael Martinez who seems to be extinguishing all the fire in the world? Is Laynce Nix suddenly going to become a better that .245 hitter? Then we contend with Pete Orr and Kevin Frandson. Everyone has all ready contended that Freddie Galvis is at least a year away. And, then there's Jeremy Horst--a lefty that seems to give up near Albert Pujols numbers to left hand hitters.
Am I missing something here? I certainly hope so!— BEMiller - Bad move. That's why the Phillies won't win many more playoff series. They don't appreciate money role players since Gillick left.— jtj06
- Just think of all the double plays the Phils won't hit into with Valdez gone. I cringed every tie he came to bat with a man on first.— mike l
- So lemme get this straight. The Phillies parted with a guy who was a good reserve, played great defense, and did get timely hits over the last 2 years for a guy who is a borderline MLB player at best over a few hundred thousand $$ for a team that makes mega millions???? Unreal. Dont we learn anything from the cardinals and teams that have a good bench.— Big D phillies fan
- Let's see if we can re-sign Tomas Perez.. He was quite a bargan as a utility man and the post home game win shaving cream pie guy....— Anthony1957
