Yardbarker: Shane Victorino

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Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:12:00 -0500

This interview with Nyjer Morgan has me laughing out loud, though I'm not sure that's the intended effect.

Don Wakamatsu was hired by the Mariners to be their next manager. He's the first Asian-American manager in big league history.

I fail to understand why a good player on a non-playoff team ...

Yankees Decline Arbitration to Abreu

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:09:43 -0500

Former Phillies right fielder Bobby Abreu was not offered arbitration by the Yankees, hinting that he will not return to the Bronx next season. Abreu came to the Phillies in 1998 for shortstop Kevin Stocker, and had eight strong seasons in the City of Brotherly Love. While Abreu was an offensive machine averaging 23 home runs and 107 RBI's, he defense was sub par (due to his fear of the wall among other things), and his carefree attitude turned the fans against him. His attitude didn't just sour the fans, but also soured the clubhouse. Abreu was dealt to the Yankees along with the late Cory Lidle for Matt Smith, CJ Henry, Jesus Sanchez, and Carlos Monastrios on July 30, 2006. At the time of the trade the Phillies were 49-54, 13.5 games behind the Mets. The Phillies went 36-23 without Abreu (using a platoon of Jeff Conine, David Dellucci, & Shane Victorino) to finsh the season at 85-77. This was Pat Gillick's first big trade as General Manager of the Phillies. He took heat from the fans because no player the Phillies received in that deal has yet to make an impact (Henry actually quit baseball to return to college to play basketball). In hindisght, this deal had a direct impact on the 2008 team as it opened the door for Victorino. While there's still a chance Abreu returns to the Bronx, it's not likely. He has been linked to the Mariners and Cubs. The rumors should continue to swirl. There's one city he won't end up in. That's Philadelphia.

Phillies Gold Glove History- Asvrcek23's Sport Fact for the day

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 20:32:14 -0500

It's my new blog, "Sport fact for the day" Here is the sport fact for the day Phillies Gold Glove history. by position: Pitchers: Bobby Shantz (1964) Jim Kaat (1976) Jim Kaat (1977) Steve Carlton (1981) Catchers: Bob Boone (1978) Bob Boone (1979) Mike Lieberthal (1999) First basemen: Bill White (1966) Second baseman: Manny Trillo (1979) Manny Trillo (1981) Manny Trillo (1982) Shortstops: Bobby Wine (1963) Ruben Amaro (1964) Larry Bowa (1972) Larry Bowa (1978) Jimmy Rollins (2007) Jimmy Rollins (2008) Third basemen: Mike Schmidt (1976) Mike Schmidt (1977) Mike Schmidt (1978) Mike Schmidt (1979) Mike Schmidt (1980) Mike Schmidt (1981) Mike Schmidt (1982) Mike Schmidt (1983) Mike Schmidt (1984) Mike Schmidt (1986) Scott Rolen (1998) Scott Rolen (2000) Scott Rolen (2001) Outfielders: Garry Maddox (1975) Garry Maddox (1976) Garry Maddox (1977) Garry Maddox (1978) Garry Maddox (1979) Garry Maddox (1980) Garry Maddox (1981) Garry Maddox (1982) Bobby Abreu (2005) Aaron Rowand (2007) Shane Victorino (2008)

Morning Extras: What are you Thankful For In Sports?

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:03:00 -0500

With Thanksgiving tomorrow, this seemed like the obvious post today, no? This headline will be draped across the blogosphere asking everyone what they are thankful for. But, in this town, we actually have some really tangible things to be thankful for this year.

We're thankful for the Phillies. ...

Update: Moyer & Burrell

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:53:12 -0500

Phillies.com beat writer Ken Mandel is reporting the Phillies are close to announcing a multiyear deal with Jamie Moyer. Some rumors have circulated that both parties are interested but have had some scheduling difficulties, but Mandel is saying sources close to the Phillies that the deal is almost completed, it's just a matter of the Phillies announcing the signing. It's been assumed Moyer would return, and once this becomes official it's a big signing for the Phillies. For most the signing for a 46-year old pitcher isn't much, but Moyer pitched like the Phillies #2 pitcher last summer and the knowledge he passes off to Cole Hamels, Kyle Kendrick, and J.A. Happ is invaluable. As for Pat Burrell it doesn't appear to be as promising. Scott Lauber is reporting that the most the Phillies will offer Burrell in terms of years is two. Given his defensive issues and the fact the Phillies have 10 arbitration eligible players (including Hamels, Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino, & Jayson Werth), payroll is expected to skyrocket, and handing Burrell a big contract is not in the best interest of the club. Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Angels have Burrell on their radar, but as a Plan B should they not be able to sign Mark Teixeira or Manny Ramirez. Burrell would probably get the type of contract he wants with the Halos, but would primarily serve as a DH, something he's made clear he'd rather not do. While Burrell's status with the Phillies is still up in the air, one thing that is not is who would replace him should he go. Some type of right-handed platoon with Geoff Jenkins would be the obvious choice, but it will not be easy to make up the offensive production (30 home runs 100 RBI's), that Burrell puts up each year.

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Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:03:43 -0500

A Quiet Winter in Philadelphia

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:43:22 -0500

A Quiet Winter in Philadelphia

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:34:49 -0500

From my loft just north of Center City I can hear the crickets chirping at Citizen's Bank Park. The celebrations have ended, the confetti's been cleaned up, and now Phillies fans have to wait another 14 weeks until pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater. That's when the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies (doesn't that have a nice ring to it?), will begin their defense of their World Series title. If you're a baseball fan like I am, you understand that baseball really is a 12 month sport. Although players are only active from March-October, the offseason is a season of its own. Fans look for up to the minute news and rumors about who might be added to their favorite club in hopes to improve the team for the next season. Well it's going to be a long 14 weeks for Phillies fans, as not much is expected to happen. Sure the rumors will swirl about Pat Burrell possibly returning, as Jamie Moyer, but if you're looking for a big splash this offseason, say Manny Ramirez or CC Sabathia, don't hold your breath. It's simply not going to happen. You'll hear about Ryan Dempster re-signing with the Cubs. You'll hear how every closer on the market is Flushing bound. You'll hear how much the Braves love Jake Peavy. You'll also hear how Hank Steinbrenner is going to spend money and overpay for every free agent available, but you will not hear the Phillies mentioned in the same breath as any big name free agents. There are a couple of reasons for this. First you have to look at this Phillies team. Being lucky enough to having only six free agents (two of which, Tom Gordon and So Taguchi, will not return), the core of this team is intact. The entire infield will be back, as well as two of the three starting outfielders. Should they resign Burrell, the outfield is also in check. Where does that leave the Phillies offensively? Possibly an upgrade at catcher? With a thin free agent crop behind the plate, and Lou Marson waiting in the wings, Carlos Ruiz is a fine stopgap (he also showed what he's capable of offensively this October). As far as the pitching staff goes, three of the five starters in the rotation will be back. If Moyer re-signs, the first four spots in the rotation are set. That leaves the fifth spot open for a Spring Training battle between J.A. Happ, Kyle Kendrick, Carlos Carrasco, and dare I say it, Adam Eaton. With the rotation being set, what about the bullpen? Chad Durbin, Clay Condrey, J.C. Romero, Scott Eyre (who recently re-signed), Ryan Madson, and Brad Lidge will all be in red pinstripes next season. With Gordon and possibly Rudy Seanez departing you can see another right-handed arm out of the bullpen, but when you think offseason splash, you don't think of middle relief. The Phillies don't have the glaring holes like the Mets, Yankees, Braves, & Cardinals do. Therefore they don't need to sign a congregate of players. Another thing to look at would be money. Yeah, how could we forget money? Anytime the Phillies pass on a big name free agent, it's because of money (at least that's what some think). Well money is a big factor. Especially when the Phillies have many players up for arbitration, including Jayson Werth, Shane Victorino, Cole Hamels, and Ryan Howard. I don't know about you, but I'd rather see these guys happy and under contract then a former Dodger, who can be the best player in baseball when he wants to be, in left field (with the "when he wants to be" being the big concern). I always laugh when it comes to fans and the money issue. Look at the guys who were cogs in the 2008 Phillies - Shane Victorino, Greg Dobbs, and Jayson Werth. These guys all made minimal money, yet if not for them, there would have been no parade down Broad Street. The biggest names and contracts don't win World Championships. If that was the case, the Cubs wouldn't be going on 101 years without a championship, and the Mets and Yankees would be perennial foes in the Fall Classic. What will we see this winter? The primary focus is going to be on Moyer, and whether or not the Phillies and his agent can come to terms on a contract. Should they not be able to, look for the Phillies to look to add another starter. By another starter, I don't mean Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Derek Lowe, or Ben Sheets. It'll be more like a Paul Byrd, Josh Fogg, or Braden Looper. Once the rotation is set that's when the attention will return to the outfield. Should Burrell not re-sign, the Phillies aren't going to get a full time left fielder. With Geoff Jenkins rotting on the bench, they'll probably end up searching for a platoon partner. The names here won't be too glamorous either. It'll be someone like Emil Brown, Rocco Baldelli, or Juan Rivera. Once the starters are complete, that's most likely when we'll see the bullpen addressed (Juan Cruz anyone?), and right-handed bat off the bench. I'm talking about someone comparable to Eric Bruntlett. If there's any surprises, it'll be more in the form of reclamation projects. A Brad Penny or Mark Mulder could be a diamond in the rough, at a minimal price. This someone like Kris Benson, with the intention that he actually might be able to contribute. So be patient Phillies fans. The rumors will be few and far between this winter. That's not a bad thing. It means the needs for this club aren't as serious as a lot of other clubs out there. Just sit back, monitor the rumors and speculation, and enjoy that fact that your Philadelphia Phillies are World Champions.

What the Royals Should Learn from the Phillies

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:18:11 -0500

It is now the hot-stove season for Major League Baseball clubs. During the next several weeks teams will sign free agents and make trades in an effort to improve. It is also the time of year for Royals fans to begin singing the small market blues, whining to anyone that will listen that because of their small market limitations there is no way they can compete with teams like the Yankees, Red Sox and Angels. These folks need to stop crying because the 2008 Phillies proved that a team can build a World Series championship team without throwing big money at free agents. The following table shows how the 2008 World Series championship team was assembled..........................

HWB to Honor World Series Champion Shane Victorino

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:01:33 -0500

MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com - HONOLULU a?" Hawaii Winter Baseball will honor World Series champion Shane Victorino on Saturday, November 15, 2008, at Les Murakami Stadium...

Checking on the Hot Stove

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:04:43 -0500

Who filed for free agency from the Phillies and what happens if Pat Burrell leaves?

Review & Preview - Vol. 3

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 04:56:59 -0500

Shane Victorino
Review: Does anybody remember when Victorino lost his starting job to Jayson Werth back in May? I do and six months later it was still a dumb move.

I'll admit, I'm a ... Click on URL for full article that includes a Review/Preview for Adam Eaton, Matt Stairs, and Scott Eyre as well.

Sorry Phillies fans, Matt Holliday traded to the A's

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:54:24 -0500

Rumors have been swirling around Rockies slugger Matt Holliday and today those rumors will come to an end. Holliday has reportedly been traded to the Oakland A's for what appears to be a group of 3 or 4 solid prospects. The A's and Rockies make perfect trading partners since the A's have been accumulating young talent, the exact thing the Rockies have been looking for in exchange for Holliday. I never bought into the idea that the Phillies were seriously pursuing Matt Holliday, and that's why I never bothered to post about it..... Click the link for more on the trade and on the Phillies offseason....

Congratulations to The MLB Gold Glove Winners!

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 12:25:10 -0500

Greg Maddux won a record 18th Gold Glove.

The MLB Gold Glove Award Winners were unveiled this week. If you missed it, here is a quick recap of the winners.

National League
P, Greg Maddux, LAD
C, Yadier Molina, STL
1B, Adrian Gonzalez, SD
2B, Brandon Phillips, CIN
3B, David Wright, NYM
SS, Jimmy Rollins, PHI

Morning Extras: Hot Stove Heart Attacks

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:25:55 -0500

The Hot Stove is already on full blast just a week after the World Series. I think this is going to happen a lot this year. The offeseason just sneaks up on the fan base of teams that go to a?" and win a?" the World Series. We know from experience now. Check out this list of important off-season ...