Phillies Nation

Not looking good for Schilling, but maybe Pettitte

Posted by Brian Michael, Tue, November 06, 2007 10:33 AM

Phillies fans hopes to have their prodigal son return to the club are slowly being dashed. We’re talking about Curt Schilling here, and he’s talking about returning to the Red Sox next season on his blog.

Talks with the Red Sox are moving. Theo and I have spoken multiple times daily over the past week and given the current situation I am feeling very confident that we will be able to finalize a 1 year contract to allow us a chance to finish our career as members of the Red Sox organization.

There are some things to iron out and details that must be finalized for both sides but barring something unforseen or outrageously odd happening I feel very comfortable that I will finish my career here.

Although I never really thought he would come back to Philly, I think it would’ve been an unwise use of starting pitching money for the Phillies to try and sign Schill. The Phils need someone for more than a single season. They need to give an Adam Eaton-contract to someone that can perform to it’s standards.

One guy I think that would be worth pursuing is Andy Pettitte. Although that would add another lefty to the rotation, just imagine how much better Cole Hamels would be (in the playoffs) with the all-time leader in World Series victories as a mentor. I mention Pettitte today, mostly because news broke that he is opting-out of his $16 million contract with the Yankees for next season. Most signs are pointing to him either returning to the Yankees under a different deal or simply retiring. It would cost the Phils a lot to lure the 35-year old south, but it might be worth an offer to at least show the public they are at least trying.

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Potential Pitching Trades

Posted by Brian Michael, Thu, November 01, 2007 12:30 PM

After going through a few potential free agents that could land in Philadelphia, today we offer a possible trade for starting pitching.   First off, much of the rotation for next season is already established with Hamels, Kendrick, Moyer and Eaton.  Yes, Adam Eaton is included in there becuase as much as we would love to just erase him from the books and the roster, it’s just not that easy.  The Phillies could try to cut their losses and package him in a trade (and possibly offer to pay part of his salary), but it would have to be a multiplayer deal because I doubt any team would be willing to swap starting pitchers - unless of course it’s one of those “change of scenery” deals.

One trade mentioned out of the south side of Chicago would be for Jon Garland: 

Philadelphia, in the market for starting pitching, was among the teams that scouted Garland in late September. He will earn $12 million next season and is one of the most durable pitchers in the majors. Garland has grown accustomed to trade talks, and getting a Willy Taveras-style player, a serviceable reliever and a major-league-ready position player could move [White Sox GM Ken] Williams’ off-season in the right direction.

The price tag seems steep for a player that will be a free agent after the 2008 season.  It also brings to mind the Freddy Garcia deal, which I think will weigh heavily on Pat Gillick’s decisions this off-season.  The “Standing Pat” moniker may come into play as he works the market conservatively to avoid another waste of starting pitching dollars. 

Speaking of risky business, there are a few pitchers in Japan that could be available too. Would the Phillies ever consider that?

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