Midday: Phillies make three more September call-ups

Following yesterday’s game, left-hander Les Walrond had his contract purchased from Lehigh Valley, while infielders Mike Cervenak and Andy Tracy were both recalled. All three were with the club earlier.

Everyone who reads Beerleaguer is familiar with Walrond, Cervenak and Tracy, so we’ll skip the details. Cervenak and Tracy are likely to assume low-leverage, situational pinch-hitting roles, while Walrond gives Charlie Manuel another garbage inning option and additional left-hander.

Just a note: Every spot on the 40-man roster is occupied, meaning they’d need to make a roster move if they wanted to add someone like Jason Donald, who is not already included. Tom Gordon and Francisco Rosario were transferred to the 60-day disabled list to open roster spots for Greg Golson and Lou Marson. One area of flexibility could be the spot occupied by T.J. Bohn. I’ve spent the last two Septembers trying to figure out why he’s even on the 40-man roster. My best guess is that he’s a Pat Gillick guy. In 316 ABs with Lehigh Valley, the 28-year-old former Seattle 30th rounder hit .215/.280/.326. with four home runs.

Team chemistry: Something I wanted to touch on is this idea that September call-ups change team chemistry. With up to 15 new faces occupying lockers inside the clubhouse, it’s definitely something to consider. Adding bullpen help is one thing, but I wonder what effect someone like Donald would have on Jimmy Rollins ...

Comments

[baxter]

I was afraid of Eaton messing up team chemistry during yesterday's game.

[Ribbies]

Cervenak, Tracy and Walrond are a total waste of space. Just because they can bring people up doesn't mean they should.

[John]

Did Murphy just get bad info on the reported Donald call-up? Or will something happen to clear room for him? Of all the call-ups, I was certainly most excited about his. I'd take a shot with him up there over much of our bench.

[Sophist]

Ribbies - so you're in favor of more Ruiz, Taguchi, and Hamels PH chances and Kendrick pinch-run appearances?

[doubleh]

The better question is what type of effect has Jimmy Rollins had on Jimmy Rollins and team chemistry this year...? I don't see how calling up Donald at this point could hurt more than the multiple benchings and chronic diarrhea of the mouth.

[mike cunningham]

@JW -- the only issue would be if Donald started over Rollins in any significant game.

But if I was JROLL, I would not be looking over my shoulder. And the Phillies shouldn't be thinking that either.

Donald is a nice player. But he should give Rollins nothing to worry about.

[donc]

ribbies: I know our call ups are nothing to write home about, but should we get into another marathon like that game against the Mets last week....well you can't have too many players when one of those games pops up.

[J. Weitzel]

I have no idea whether the information was false. He said Donald was "likely." To me, Donald would be a pretty good bench bat, better than Cervenak, Tracy, Taguchi, Bruntlett, Ruiz.

[Michael Jack]

I'd replace Kendrick with Happ right away. Losing any games to the Nats at this point is unacceptable.

[PHILinBK]

Here's a roster move - can bruntlett and bring up Donald. There is absolutely no way Donald is a worse hitter. None. Zero. Zip.

[Sophist]

The Nats have now won 7 in a row and 9 of their last 11.

[wally]

The Nats are coming for the East. Watch out!

[NEPP]

Kendrick blows...at least he has in the 2nd half and that's all that matters right now. If they want to let him challenge for a starting spot next spring, fine...but he's killing us every 5th day.

[EastFallowfield]

Yo, game thread.

[philsphan]

Ribbies: at this point, why not? I think that what you are saying is that the Phillies farm system blows and we shouldn't have to bring up all this minor league journeymen and independent league alumni, but since they are on the 40 man roster we might as well bring them up. That said I would get rid of some of those guys like Bohn to make room for Donald, Jaramillo, and Carpenter.