Interest remains mutual for Durbin, Phillies
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Interest remains mutual for Durbin, Phillies
There is little left to happen in the 41 days before Phillies pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater. Any day now, J.C. Romero will take his physical in Philadelphia to complete a one-year contract. Another bench player may or may not be added before spring training.
Just about the only (mild) drama remaining is the case of Chad Durbin. The righthander, one of Charlie Manuel's dependable arms for the past three seasons, is still a free agent.
Much remains the same with Durbin. A baseball source said the Phillies have made a formal offer and Durbin's side countered with a new one. Negotiations are ongoing with the Phillies and several other teams interested in the pitcher.
Philadelphia is still Durbin's first choice. The question is whether both sides can come to an agreement on a salary. Durbin made $2.125 million in 2010 and is believed to be seeking a raise. The Phillies, who have a payroll north of $160 million, could decide money is limited for Durbin.
Last season, the 33-year-old had a 3.80 ERA and struck out 63 in 68 2/3 innings.
The Phillies have five spots locked up in the 2011 bullpen (presuming Romero passes his physical). There is still a need for a middle reliever who can pitch multiple innings -- the very role Durbin has filled before.
Sign him. It's a no-brainer.
Lidge, Madson, Contreras, Bastardo, Romero, Baez, Kendrick/Worley.
Is there room for Durbin?— mcjb35- You don't break the bank for Lee and then cheap out for a dependable and very much needed member of the bullpen. Durbin is versatile...can pitch long, middle, or short innings and has proven himself. Sign him.— ericyshel
- I'd MUCH rather have Durbin, than Baez...Kendrick is the likely 5th starter if/when they trade Blanton. There's always room in the bullpen for quality— ericyshel
- With all the pitchers except Hamels and KKendrick into their 30's and Contreras in his 50's, they are going to need all the arms they can get to make it through the season and have anything left for the playoffs. Why not add another mid 30's pitcher to the mix?????— Mark1npt
- They have to move Blanton first. Baez is aweful, but there's really nothing you can do with him.— Vote for Dickie
Comment removed.- He won't rock the boat. Fits well everywhere. I'm feeling fuzzy and warm, as in Spring training.— Joe at the shore
- #%&! Durbin SUCKS. Is the cupboard THAT bare? Baez and Durbin both back--the Braves are celebrating at that thought.— Rando
- Durbin is rock solid. I want him back. I don't get why some don't like him.
- Sign him. He is better than almost all the other choices out there and is a good presence in both the bullpen and clubhouse. No brainer!— GHK
- Since Dom Brown doesn't seem to be ready, who's playing right field?— mrjarn
- Durbin should have been signed before Romero was offered a contract. Maybe Romero will flunk his physical and then the Phils would have the $$$ to sign Durbin.— pogiepop
- Durbin sucked and so did Baez. I would not keep either one.
- He has given us solid innings. I want him back only if he would take 2y 5.5M + 4M mutual option or less.— illrhyme
