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David Murphy - Live Chat Transcript
Transcript from live chat Noon Thursday, July 17
D. Murphy: Hey guys I'm here getting set up on the computer
Krall: I've heard rumors of trying to trade RyHo for a starter or maybe another bat. We aren't seriously considering trading the league-leading home run hitter, are we?
D. Murphy: Krall - I haven't heard anything legitimate about possibly trading Howard.
Lucas: Is there any truth to the rumors I hear about the Phillies attempting to get Roy Halladay? What starters are they really going after before the trade deadline?
D. Murphy: Lucas - From everything I have heard, Halladay is not available. He doesn't want to leave Toronto, and the Blue Jays are talking about extending his contract. He sounded a little frustrated with the organization at the All Star game, but the next day made it clear he wants to stay.
Quaid: I saw the latest rumor being Joe Blanton, any truth to the rumor & who would they be giving up?
D. Murphy: As far as Blanton goes, I'm sure the Phillies are interested, but haven't heard anything as far as substantial talks yet.
jcapps: i also heard rumors involving matt cain?
thejuice: Any minor leaguers in the system that can help yet this year?
D. Murphy: JCapps - The Giants have given no indication they are looking to trade Cain. I can't imagine why they'd want to. Minor leaguers that can help this year: I don't think there will be any MLers who will make an impact, though I think Golson and Marson are candidates for September call-ups.
D. Murphy: Golson could fill a role as a defensive replacement/pinch runner
Jim: How's the rotation set up for the start of the second half?
Jim: I just saw its Moyer, Kendrick, and Hamels.....any reason for this?
D. Murphy: Jim - The rotation stems from a few things: 1) Hamels is at the top of the NL in innings pitched; they want to make sure he gets some rest. 2) They didn't want Moyer and Kendrick going nine days between starts
MH: How concerned are the Phils about the catcher position now and in the future?
invincibul: Murph, what's it going to take to get JRolls turned around?
D. Murphy: MH: They are plenty concerned right now. Ruiz has never been able to hit lefties, and this season he hasn't been able to hit righties either.
D. Murphy: So yeah, they are concerned about this season. This kind of ties into the question about J-Roll. I wrote it in today's paper and I'll say it again - Rollins' production is down in large part because the bottom of the lineup isn't getting on base.
D. Murphy: He isn't getting any RBI opportunities. Rollins is a guy who hits .300 with RISP and .350 with men on base. But 66 percent of his at bats have come with the bases empty.
phils08: I heard a rumor they may go after Matt Holiday? Any chance?
D. Murphy: I haven't heard anything substantial as far as Holliday goes. It's purely speculation at this point. I'm sure the Phillies have talked about it, but they've talked about everything.
Jim: Did the bottom of the lineup get on last year? Ruiz, Nunez, etc?
D. Murphy: Jim - Just look at the splits from last season. The Phillies No. 7 hitters hit .306, No. 6 hit .289 and No. 8 hit .244
D. Murphy: This year all those numbers are well down.
rupemaan: Why don't the Phils just bring up Carrasco and see how he can or can't help rather than risk what talent he has in a trade?
MikeB: Dave, what chips are available in the minors for a possible trade? What are some names being thrown around besides Carrasco?
D. Murphy: There've been several questions about the farm, so here we go: the Phillies are very thin on top-level prospects. They went a couple of years without a first round draft choice, and none of the picks they have made have been of the top shelf variety
D. Murphy: There is interest in Carlos Carrasco and Lou Marson and Jason Donald, but if the Phils trade those prospects away, their farm is once again left with nothing.
thejuice: How far away is Carrasco from making an impact in the bigs?
D. Murphy: TheJuice - I think Carrasco will push for a spot in the rotation next spring training, and will be a realistic option by mid next season, like Hamels. But he's still just 21 years old. The Phillies don't want to rush him.
MikeB: Dave, there was a report that Eaton has seen his last start. Any truth to that?
D. Murphy: I don't know anything definite, but reading in between the lines I'd be surprised if Eaton starts this week. But to say he has seen his last start is a stretch. If Happ gets lit up this week, there's a good chance Eaton's back in there.
ooomphaaaa: murph - blanton is huge and out of shape...doesn't that scare the phils?
D. Murphy: ooomphaaa - It's all relative. I'm sure Blanton's frame and his inconsistency are concerns, but if you can get him at the right price, and you feel he's an upgrade over what you've got, why not do it?
rupemaan: Why wait till next year for Carrasco? The phils won in '80 with young pitching down the stretch.
D. Murphy: I think if the Phillies still think they don't have the pitching to make a run at the World Series, you could see Carrasco up here.
D. Murphy: Well, I'll change the way I say that: I think if they don't have the pitching to make a run, they SHOULD promote Carrasco and cross their fingers. But that's just me.
we just ne: we just need a quality starter that will give us innings.
D. Murphy: We Just Ne: I disagree. I think the Phillies need another pitcher who can win a game all by himself on a fairly regular basis. It's too much pressure on a lineup to expect them to produce five runs every single game. Hamels can win a game by himself.
rupemaan: What would it take to get Roy Oswalt and what is his contract situation?
D. Murphy: Oswalt isn't going to happen
Steve Jelt: Is the Kris Benson experiment over yet? He's getting killed.
D. Murphy: Right now Benson doesn't look like a realistic option.
D. Murphy: At least he isn't an option anybody should count on.
we just ne: I don't mind getting A.J. Burnett, I just hope he is effective once he gets here.
D. Murphy: The way I've heard it, the Phillies had some interest in Burnett, but it has faded quickly over the last couple of weeks.
Jason: How do you see the Phillies spending the extra money in the offseason from losing Burrell's salary and others? Who's out there as a starter they might go after?
D. Murphy: Jason - They've pretty much already spent Burrell's salary on Lidge. Plus, Hamels should get a nice raise in arbitration, Howard's salary will likely go up, etc.
D. Murphy: Here's the difficult situation the Phillies are in: this year isn't make or break. Not at all. Next year might be their best chance at winning it, particularly with the pitchers that will be on the market
pp: They should go for it every year, this wait till next year stuff is dead.
D. Murphy: You don't want to mortgage the future for this season, when next year you could have a rotation that goes: Hamels, Major FA Signing, Myers, Carrasco, Kendrick.
Jason: What pitchers do you see on the market next year? And is that meaning free agents or via trades during next season?
D. Murphy: 2009 Free Agent pitchers: Sabathia, Sheets, Oliver Perez, Brad Penny, Derek Lowe, Harden, Garland, Demptster
Jim: Why can't Cole Hamels start on Saturday and get 1 extra day of rest instead of 2 and start against the Mets also?
D. Murphy: Jim - Because Manuel doesn't seem to differentiate between the Mets and the Braves.
With Jenki: Chances of Burrell resigning? If they're not good, wouldn't the Phils have the "go for it now" attitude and try to get Burnett or Bedard as a top prioty?
D. Murphy: The problem next year is the FA market for outfielders is not good at all.
D. Murphy: Burrell might actually be the best available option
Jason: How long until the catcher in the minors gets called up? Lou Marson, I think his name is. Could he be the starter next year or will he platoon with Coste or Ruiz?
D. Murphy: I think Marson could be the catcher next season.
D. Murphy: I think he'll get a very real shot, at least.
Mazinman: Do you think its a good idea for Myers to get his first start back from the minors in such a big game against the Mets?
D. Murphy: Mazinman - I don't think its a huge deal what situation Myers gets thrown into. All the games are big.
SP, RP, : Dave would you do Howard for Lincecum and move Burrell to 1st next year and sign another OF?
D. Murphy: SP, RP - I'd do that if I thought I could make a realistic run at Mark Teixeira.
D. Murphy: Lincecum is nasty, but it concerns me how small he is.
Jim: Harden was the guy I wanted even over Sabathia.
D. Murphy: Harden has some of the best stuff in the league when he is on. But you can't ignore his injury history
JMELL: What will it take to get Hamels in the running for Cy Young?
D. Murphy: JMELL - I think all Hamels needs is a few more wins.
D. Murphy: If he keeps his ERA where it is, and wins 10 games in the second half, he'll be a strong candidate
Utley4Prez: David, will the Phillies make ANY moves before July 31?
D. Murphy: Utley4Prez - I'd be shocked if they don't make any moves.
Ed Wade: Is Matt Holliday a product of the thin air or is he legit star?
D. Murphy: Ed Wade - Holliday's legit, thought certainly he's more legit at Coors Field.
D. Murphy: He's still hitting over .300 on the road though.
JMELL: Do they want another ace with Hamels?
D. Murphy: Yes they want another ace with hamels
Ed Wade: Do people ever mistake you for Jason Bateman?
D. Murphy: Ed Wade - I've gotten that a few times
p: Hamels will be outta here first chance he gets at FA.
D. Murphy: Hamels is under club control through 2012 so he's not going anywhere anytime soon.
scotty82: You really think the Phils will pay Howard what Howard thinks he's worth?
D. Murphy: Scotty - If Howard thinks he's worth what he though the was worth last offseason, then no.
Jim: Did the Brian Fuentes talk completely die? On Sunday it sounded like they were close, since then I've heard nothing.
D. Murphy: Rockies are looking for too much for Fuentes.
SP, RP, : Dave are they looking to upgrade the bench?
D. Murphy: SP, RP - Yes, I think they are. But right now the primary energy is focused on a pitcher
J-Rod: What do they need to do as a team to stay in first in the division?
D. Murphy: JRod - They need to pitch better and hit consistently.
Polo: Murph you look like a kid I used to beat up in 5th grade.
D. Murphy: I probably am.
D. Murphy: I'm ripped now so watch out.
JMELL: Murph, does the team miss the LEADERSHIP of Aaron Rowand. And can Jroll be that guy?
D. Murphy: JMELL - I think they miss Rowand's bat more than his leadership.
Krall: David, will we see Carrasco or Benson this season?
D. Murphy: KRall - Odds aren't good on either Benson or Carrasco but we'll see.
Krall: No hope for a KK repeat?
D. Murphy: KRall - I think if anyone will be KK it will be Happ
Krall: I've heard rumors of trying to trade RyHo for a starter or maybe another bat. We aren't seriously considering trading the league-leading home run hitter, are we?
D. Murphy: Krall - I haven't heard anything legitimate about possibly trading Howard.
Lucas: Is there any truth to the rumors I hear about the Phillies attempting to get Roy Halladay? What starters are they really going after before the trade deadline?
D. Murphy: Lucas - From everything I have heard, Halladay is not available. He doesn't want to leave Toronto, and the Blue Jays are talking about extending his contract. He sounded a little frustrated with the organization at the All Star game, but the next day made it clear he wants to stay.
Quaid: I saw the latest rumor being Joe Blanton, any truth to the rumor & who would they be giving up?
D. Murphy: As far as Blanton goes, I'm sure the Phillies are interested, but haven't heard anything as far as substantial talks yet.
jcapps: i also heard rumors involving matt cain?
thejuice: Any minor leaguers in the system that can help yet this year?
D. Murphy: JCapps - The Giants have given no indication they are looking to trade Cain. I can't imagine why they'd want to. Minor leaguers that can help this year: I don't think there will be any MLers who will make an impact, though I think Golson and Marson are candidates for September call-ups.
D. Murphy: Golson could fill a role as a defensive replacement/pinch runner
Jim: How's the rotation set up for the start of the second half?
Jim: I just saw its Moyer, Kendrick, and Hamels.....any reason for this?
D. Murphy: Jim - The rotation stems from a few things: 1) Hamels is at the top of the NL in innings pitched; they want to make sure he gets some rest. 2) They didn't want Moyer and Kendrick going nine days between starts
MH: How concerned are the Phils about the catcher position now and in the future?
invincibul: Murph, what's it going to take to get JRolls turned around?
D. Murphy: MH: They are plenty concerned right now. Ruiz has never been able to hit lefties, and this season he hasn't been able to hit righties either.
D. Murphy: So yeah, they are concerned about this season. This kind of ties into the question about J-Roll. I wrote it in today's paper and I'll say it again - Rollins' production is down in large part because the bottom of the lineup isn't getting on base.
D. Murphy: He isn't getting any RBI opportunities. Rollins is a guy who hits .300 with RISP and .350 with men on base. But 66 percent of his at bats have come with the bases empty.
phils08: I heard a rumor they may go after Matt Holiday? Any chance?
D. Murphy: I haven't heard anything substantial as far as Holliday goes. It's purely speculation at this point. I'm sure the Phillies have talked about it, but they've talked about everything.
Jim: Did the bottom of the lineup get on last year? Ruiz, Nunez, etc?
D. Murphy: Jim - Just look at the splits from last season. The Phillies No. 7 hitters hit .306, No. 6 hit .289 and No. 8 hit .244
D. Murphy: This year all those numbers are well down.
rupemaan: Why don't the Phils just bring up Carrasco and see how he can or can't help rather than risk what talent he has in a trade?
MikeB: Dave, what chips are available in the minors for a possible trade? What are some names being thrown around besides Carrasco?
D. Murphy: There've been several questions about the farm, so here we go: the Phillies are very thin on top-level prospects. They went a couple of years without a first round draft choice, and none of the picks they have made have been of the top shelf variety
D. Murphy: There is interest in Carlos Carrasco and Lou Marson and Jason Donald, but if the Phils trade those prospects away, their farm is once again left with nothing.
thejuice: How far away is Carrasco from making an impact in the bigs?
D. Murphy: TheJuice - I think Carrasco will push for a spot in the rotation next spring training, and will be a realistic option by mid next season, like Hamels. But he's still just 21 years old. The Phillies don't want to rush him.
MikeB: Dave, there was a report that Eaton has seen his last start. Any truth to that?
D. Murphy: I don't know anything definite, but reading in between the lines I'd be surprised if Eaton starts this week. But to say he has seen his last start is a stretch. If Happ gets lit up this week, there's a good chance Eaton's back in there.
ooomphaaaa: murph - blanton is huge and out of shape...doesn't that scare the phils?
D. Murphy: ooomphaaa - It's all relative. I'm sure Blanton's frame and his inconsistency are concerns, but if you can get him at the right price, and you feel he's an upgrade over what you've got, why not do it?
rupemaan: Why wait till next year for Carrasco? The phils won in '80 with young pitching down the stretch.
D. Murphy: I think if the Phillies still think they don't have the pitching to make a run at the World Series, you could see Carrasco up here.
D. Murphy: Well, I'll change the way I say that: I think if they don't have the pitching to make a run, they SHOULD promote Carrasco and cross their fingers. But that's just me.
we just ne: we just need a quality starter that will give us innings.
D. Murphy: We Just Ne: I disagree. I think the Phillies need another pitcher who can win a game all by himself on a fairly regular basis. It's too much pressure on a lineup to expect them to produce five runs every single game. Hamels can win a game by himself.
rupemaan: What would it take to get Roy Oswalt and what is his contract situation?
D. Murphy: Oswalt isn't going to happen
Steve Jelt: Is the Kris Benson experiment over yet? He's getting killed.
D. Murphy: Right now Benson doesn't look like a realistic option.
D. Murphy: At least he isn't an option anybody should count on.
we just ne: I don't mind getting A.J. Burnett, I just hope he is effective once he gets here.
D. Murphy: The way I've heard it, the Phillies had some interest in Burnett, but it has faded quickly over the last couple of weeks.
Jason: How do you see the Phillies spending the extra money in the offseason from losing Burrell's salary and others? Who's out there as a starter they might go after?
D. Murphy: Jason - They've pretty much already spent Burrell's salary on Lidge. Plus, Hamels should get a nice raise in arbitration, Howard's salary will likely go up, etc.
D. Murphy: Here's the difficult situation the Phillies are in: this year isn't make or break. Not at all. Next year might be their best chance at winning it, particularly with the pitchers that will be on the market
pp: They should go for it every year, this wait till next year stuff is dead.
D. Murphy: You don't want to mortgage the future for this season, when next year you could have a rotation that goes: Hamels, Major FA Signing, Myers, Carrasco, Kendrick.
Jason: What pitchers do you see on the market next year? And is that meaning free agents or via trades during next season?
D. Murphy: 2009 Free Agent pitchers: Sabathia, Sheets, Oliver Perez, Brad Penny, Derek Lowe, Harden, Garland, Demptster
Jim: Why can't Cole Hamels start on Saturday and get 1 extra day of rest instead of 2 and start against the Mets also?
D. Murphy: Jim - Because Manuel doesn't seem to differentiate between the Mets and the Braves.
With Jenki: Chances of Burrell resigning? If they're not good, wouldn't the Phils have the "go for it now" attitude and try to get Burnett or Bedard as a top prioty?
D. Murphy: The problem next year is the FA market for outfielders is not good at all.
D. Murphy: Burrell might actually be the best available option
Jason: How long until the catcher in the minors gets called up? Lou Marson, I think his name is. Could he be the starter next year or will he platoon with Coste or Ruiz?
D. Murphy: I think Marson could be the catcher next season.
D. Murphy: I think he'll get a very real shot, at least.
Mazinman: Do you think its a good idea for Myers to get his first start back from the minors in such a big game against the Mets?
D. Murphy: Mazinman - I don't think its a huge deal what situation Myers gets thrown into. All the games are big.
SP, RP, : Dave would you do Howard for Lincecum and move Burrell to 1st next year and sign another OF?
D. Murphy: SP, RP - I'd do that if I thought I could make a realistic run at Mark Teixeira.
D. Murphy: Lincecum is nasty, but it concerns me how small he is.
Jim: Harden was the guy I wanted even over Sabathia.
D. Murphy: Harden has some of the best stuff in the league when he is on. But you can't ignore his injury history
JMELL: What will it take to get Hamels in the running for Cy Young?
D. Murphy: JMELL - I think all Hamels needs is a few more wins.
D. Murphy: If he keeps his ERA where it is, and wins 10 games in the second half, he'll be a strong candidate
Utley4Prez: David, will the Phillies make ANY moves before July 31?
D. Murphy: Utley4Prez - I'd be shocked if they don't make any moves.
Ed Wade: Is Matt Holliday a product of the thin air or is he legit star?
D. Murphy: Ed Wade - Holliday's legit, thought certainly he's more legit at Coors Field.
D. Murphy: He's still hitting over .300 on the road though.
JMELL: Do they want another ace with Hamels?
D. Murphy: Yes they want another ace with hamels
Ed Wade: Do people ever mistake you for Jason Bateman?
D. Murphy: Ed Wade - I've gotten that a few times
p: Hamels will be outta here first chance he gets at FA.
D. Murphy: Hamels is under club control through 2012 so he's not going anywhere anytime soon.
scotty82: You really think the Phils will pay Howard what Howard thinks he's worth?
D. Murphy: Scotty - If Howard thinks he's worth what he though the was worth last offseason, then no.
Jim: Did the Brian Fuentes talk completely die? On Sunday it sounded like they were close, since then I've heard nothing.
D. Murphy: Rockies are looking for too much for Fuentes.
SP, RP, : Dave are they looking to upgrade the bench?
D. Murphy: SP, RP - Yes, I think they are. But right now the primary energy is focused on a pitcher
J-Rod: What do they need to do as a team to stay in first in the division?
D. Murphy: JRod - They need to pitch better and hit consistently.
Polo: Murph you look like a kid I used to beat up in 5th grade.
D. Murphy: I probably am.
D. Murphy: I'm ripped now so watch out.
JMELL: Murph, does the team miss the LEADERSHIP of Aaron Rowand. And can Jroll be that guy?
D. Murphy: JMELL - I think they miss Rowand's bat more than his leadership.
Krall: David, will we see Carrasco or Benson this season?
D. Murphy: KRall - Odds aren't good on either Benson or Carrasco but we'll see.
Krall: No hope for a KK repeat?
D. Murphy: KRall - I think if anyone will be KK it will be Happ
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