Phillies Nation

Phillies News: Blasts from the Pasts

Posted by Brian Michael, Fri, October 21, 2005 08:43 AM

Larry Bowa has been contacted by the Yankees, mostly likely concerning their vacant bench coach position or 3rd base coach.  I bet Larry and the Boss would get along famously - just like with Billy Martin!

In other more relevant news, Mike Lieberthal had his right knee scoped on Wednesday but thankfully should be fully healed in time for Spring Training (which is only 5 months away!).  There has been talk about the Phillies shopping the 33 year old around, but a trade is unlikely for two gigantic reasons.  First, Liebs has a no trade clause since he’s been with the team for so long and second it is unlikely that anyone will want an aging catcher with rusty bionic legs.  It’s not like we have Mike Piazza on our hands who can easily transition to a designated hitter. 

Still, as much as speculating where Lieberthal could end up is an exercise in futility, that never stops us Phillies fans.  My immediate thoughts were towards sunny SoCal, where Liebs grew up.  The Dodgers would seem logical but they have a solid core of catchers in Dioneer Navarro, Russell Martin, and potentially Paul Bako; not to mention their own “Lieberthal” in the under-performing Jason Phillips.  So moving further south to San Diego, this could be a possible stop, and if not, we’ll keep peddling our wares in Tijuana where there’s sure to be some takers.  The Padres are, in fact, devoid of a veteran catcher, but also - like the Phils - are searching for GM.  So while they should be on the top of the new GM’s list for places to shop Lieberthal, I could only imagine the reaction in San Diego if their new GM announced his first move was to pick up Mike Lieberthal.  Therefore, unless the new GM lists hypnosis under the skills section of his resume, is it looks like Mike will finish his career in Philadelphia.

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A Letter to the Editor

Posted by Brian Michael, Thu, October 20, 2005 06:50 AM

So if you’re on the phillies.com mailing list, you might have received this letter from the desk of David Montgomery.  I’d like to think it was personally addressed to me, but I doubt it.  I hear it came via snail mail as well, probably to season ticket holders.  If you don’t have you’re own copy, read this one: 

Dear Brian:
On behalf of the entire Phillies organization, I want you to know that we appreciate your passion and loyalty. We know full well that without our fans there would be no Phillies baseball. I am writing to give you a brief update on ballclub matters.

As I am sure you are aware, a search for a new General Manager is underway. Our intent is to conduct a thorough and intensive search in order to select a General Manager who will get us to the postseason and bring a championship to Philadelphia.

We know that we have work to do this offseason. Getting the right person as the General Manager is step No. 1. From there, we need to make the necessary improvements to get our win total over 90 games, capture the division title, and play in the postseason.

Looking back on the 2005 season, although we didn’t achieve our goals, we believe that there were very positive signs for the future. The players played hard to the very last day in Washington. They never gave up and battled to the end for a postseason spot. Some individual performances were outstanding. Jimmy Rollins’ 36-game hitting streak during the pressure of a pennant race was a remarkable feat. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard — two young players who excelled in clutch situations and fed off the energy of our passionate fans — provided great excitement. Many other achievements and strengths could be mentioned, but we recognize there is more to do and we intend to do it.

Thank you for your support throughout the 2005 season and past seasons. Our entire organization is very appreciative of the dedication exhibited by Phillies fans. We will not take that for granted and we will work hard each and every day to earn and keep your support.

We look forward to providing you with further updates as we proceed during the offseason.

Sincerely,
David Montgomery
President

Wow, he admitted the Phils failed to achieve their goals this season - something Ed Wade might not have done.  I also like that he flat out said we need to win more than 90 games.  While that certainly won’t guarantee a playoff spot, it is a definitive measure of success; and Dave, we’re gonna hold you to that, especially since you tie it to the GM search in which you are directly involved.

It is also interesting that he only mentions three players: Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, and Chase Utley.  It was a subtle note bestowing the untouchable tag on these three players…everyone else is up for grabs! 

Although a “From the desk of David Montgomery” mass email might be superficially corny, I appreciate the show of leadership and responsibility.  But that’s just process, we need to see results in substance, meaning a quality GM with fearless yet productive offseason moves.  Though it might all just be a ploy to keep retain season ticket holders so they have the cash to pay Billy Wagner. 

It seems Wags was pleased with the Phils latest offer.  “They made a nice offer. It’s the one we expected would be the first offer,” said Wagner, whose price tag went from $24 million at the All-Star break to $27 million after the break, then rose to $30 million when the season ended.  You can blame Ed Wade’s incompetence for that, so there goes his $6 million severance pay.  Still Wagner is going to think it over for a while and test the market.  These players aren’t stupid, Wags knows how to play more games than just ones involving a baseball.  Too bad the Phillies front office is still at the AAA-level.

Great Breaking News: Leo Mazzone leaves Atlanta for Baltimore. Though it has yet to be confirmed in Atlanta or Baltimore, the Dirty News seems be sure the deal is done.  Finally some relief, it’s the beginning of the end for the Braves dominance!

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Uggie Takes Some Hacks

Posted by Brian Michael, Wed, October 19, 2005 06:40 AM

It has been reported in the Inquirer, the Daily News and the Venezuelan El Universal (in Spanish) that Ugueth Urbina has been involved in a machete attack on a 21 year old worker at his mother’s home as well threatening as others.  Ricardo Osal, the pool boy, was allegedly brutally attacked when Uggie and other members of his staff confronted him about a missing hand gun while he was sleeping.  After the hacking with a machete, the vigilante posse of 6 to 8 members doused the man with several flammables and set him ablaze, severely injuring his back and right arm.  Click here if you can handle seeing a picture (by Ana María Pérez).  It also appears that Urbina may have assulted other members of the group.

The latest news is still inconclusive as to Urbina’s precise involvement in the incident; however, the D.A. responsible for the case may levy charges on Uggie due to the fact the attack occurred on his property.  It is not the first time Urbina has been involved with the police.  In 2004, he was investigated for firing a gun on a crowded street in Chacao and in 2000 he was involved in a bar fight.  Also last year, Urbina’s mom was kidnapped and held for ransom - as is the style in Venezuela - so this may have entered Uggie’s mind when a handgun went missing.  I’m no expert in the Venezuelan legal system, but it might be 3 strikes and you’re out for the Phillies setup man.

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Read These Articles

Posted by Brian Michael, Tue, October 18, 2005 08:34 PM

I’ll admit, I got nothing today other than to let you know we are continuing to investigate Jim’s unnamed source to Jim Tracy.  So while Dave Montgomery’s taking his sweet ass time finding a GM, read these two posts from fellow Phillies blogs.  They are extremely interesting.

From Beerleaguer: The Phillies fielded a surprisingly efficient offense in 2005.

From The 700 Level: The now infamous temper of axed GM Ed Wade

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Matt Yaloff, Our New Centerfielder

Posted by Brian Michael, Mon, October 17, 2005 07:32 AM

Since we’re in the habit of occupational cross-overs, why not?  If you don’t already know what I’m talking about, you may have missed the Fox broadcast between the two LCS games last night.  There was Kenny Lofton smack in the middle between Jeanie Zelasko and Kevin Kennedy.  I’m not sure if that was his debut, but it was new to me.  It was disheartening to watch him go on about his experiences in the playoffs back while in Cleveland.  Because that is exactly who Kenny Lofton is and will always be remembered for: he was the Indians’ centerfield during their sustained, albeit unsuccessful, playoff run from 1995-2001 (except for the ‘97 season when he was with Atlanta).  Fortunately for him, he has ridden that wave the past 4 years, though 6 different ballclubs.  Unfortunately for us, that wave has washed ashore in Philadelphia.

Sure, Kenny has the experience the Phillies lack and from what we’ve heard he’s helped Jimmy Rollins out a lot.  But I don’t like the guy.  Why? Because he has yet to come to terms with the twilight of his career.  He went from making $8 million in 2001 in the last year of his contract with Cleveland to making just over $1 million the following year in Chicago (AL).  The Phils have him on the payroll for $3.1 million, but I’m not sure if the Yankees are paying any of that.  Regardless, the pay cut in 2002 alone should have been a wake up call to him.  He often misplays balls in center because he plays at depths he used to when he was worth $8 mil.  If he can wake up and recognize his limitations and play within them, he will be a better team player and worth the spot on the Phils roster (read: bench).  Otherwise, there’s no point in keeping him around to platoon.  Although he had a decent season with .392 OBP and 22 stolen bases, there’s no improving on those numbers with each passing year.

Not that Kenny Lofton can’t help the team, but the Phils need a legitimate everyday centerfielder.  Of course, Torii Hunter’s name has surfaced this off season.  However, besides the Twins insistence that he isn’t available, the talk in both New York and Minneapolis is of him being traded to the Yankees if anyone.  So moving on, check out this trade gossip from the NY Post:

Jim Thome to the Yankees for Carl Pavano, Jaret Wright and Tony Womack. Thome is due $43.5 million over the next three years and the Yankee trio is owed $42 million. This is the crossroads of desperation and inspiration.

Ha! I like that last line.  There you go, Tony Womack could be our centerfielder.  Though my friends in New York absolutely hate the guy due to his suckiness last season, but he would be no worse than Kenny Lofton.  Plus not only has he won a World Series, we’d get two mediocre pitchers to add to our bunch AND send Thome packing! The Phils would certainly be no worse off than they are now.

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Posted by Brian Michael, Sat, October 15, 2005 12:35 PM

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More GM News

Posted by Brian Michael, Sat, October 15, 2005 08:38 AM

Did anyone catch Ruben Amaro, Jr. on Comcast the other night?  I was listening to 610 and they read a transcript; it was essentially pitch by Ruben to take over as the new GM.  Now, I know we’ve been talking about Ruben and his candidacy a lot here, and its not because he is a serious contender, but it’s funny because he thinks he is.  His case started with him introducing himself saying, “I’m Ruben Amaro, Jr.”  then went on to announce, “I know David Montgomery and he knows me and I know that he knows I’m qualified.”  That’s something of a paraphrase, but you should be able to immediately glean why Rubs would make for a bad GM.  The Phils will have to go outside the organization for this one, that’s pretty much a given; maybe there’s a place for Ruben in Baltimore.  When the decision will be made however is another story.

The Phillies organizational meetings are expected to be held in the coming days.  Annual planning meetings without an integral member of the front office?  That could be impractical to say the least.  But despite Monty’s claim that he’s only involved in about 15% of the day-to-day operations, he will have to take the reigns here and the spotlight.  This is a bad idea.  There is nothing more I hate in the professional world than someone assigned to a job they are not qualified for.  That’s why I didn’t like Ed Wade, Paul Abbott or several of my past bosses.  Thus, like I’ve said before, the Phils need to choose a GM first, before anything else happens.  Not only will they get the pick of the off season litter (Hunsicker is already interviewing with Tampa Bay and Jim Duquette is in Baltimore), but their business will run as it’s intended.

So, how will they choose the new GM?  That’s another question wrapped in mystery and then again in bacon.  I would love for Monty to make prospective GMs to submit a plan for the 2006 season as well as a long term strategic plan.  Over here in England, they’re big on soccer management video games - they’re like a combination of fantasy football and ‘dynasty’ mode on Madden games.  A baseball variant of this game, or at least a paper version, would make for an interesting GM assessment and show some real progressive thinking by the Phils.

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Instant Replay

Posted by Brian Michael, Thu, October 13, 2005 10:58 PM

I know we all should be focusing on the Phils and their search for a GM, but I feel compelled to ask a simple question thanks to last nights Angels White Sox game.  If you missed it, shame on you.  Just because the Phillies did not make the post season does not mean playoff baseball is not fun to watch.  Anyway there was a questionable call that allowed the Sox the opportunity to win the game in the ninth.  My question is this:

    ”Should MLB adopt instant replay to aid the umps on close calls?” 

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Ruben Sits At the Big Boys Table

Posted by Brian Michael, Wed, October 12, 2005 09:25 PM

The Billy Wagner meeting went on as scheduled.  David and Ruben caught the Acela down to Richmond and had a preliminary discussion with Wags and his agent.  According to the assistant GM, the two sides are still far apart.

“We made a proposal, received feedback, understand we have ground to cover and plan to have further discussions.”

Good, they’ve bought themselves some time to begin the search for a new GM.  While this is certainly a good move to lengthen the contract talks, a protracted negioation might cause Wagner to reconsider his options and either ask for more money or start shopping around at other clubs.  Maintaining the right balance with these dual timelines will be a crucial test left in the hands of  owner David Montgomery. 

That said, I hope he realizes that Ruben Amaro, Jr. would be a bad choice for the next Phillies GM.  You know he’s still upset over the snub in the ‘93 postseason.  The speedy Tony Longmire made the roster despite playing in less than half the games as Ruben on the season.  This could be his chance to sabotage the Phils with ice cold revenge aged 12 years.  Not that he could do much harm as GM; but regardless, I’m fairly sure that Montgomery is wise enough to go with someone with a little more experience.

To keep tabs on the grab bag of other potential candidates, keep an eye on the ‘probables’ table to the left.

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Search for GM Waits for Wagner

Posted by Brian Michael, Wed, October 12, 2005 12:36 PM

Wow, in exactly the opposite of what I thought should happen, David Montgomery will pause the search for Ed Wade’s replacement until after the meeting with Billy Wagner.  Marcus Hayes reports Wagner is searching for a 3-year, $29 million deal with a no-trade clause.  Hmm, I coulda swore that figure was $27 million last week.  Hayes’ colleague Rich Hoffman, however, supports making the search for a new GM deal the Phillies top priority of the off-season.  The Phils need to sign a GM soon and spare us the charade of last year’s managerial interviews.  The New York newspapers still see Cashman leaving on October 31, when his current contract expires.  Ohh, imagine a Halloween night press conference at the Citizen’s Bank Ballpark.  All the players could wear costumes; they could all go as a baseball team!

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