Breaking News: Phillies Acquire Joe Blanton

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Thu, July 17, 2008 07:25 PM

The Phillies have traded infielder Adrian Cardenas, pitcher Josh Outman and outfielder Matt Spencer to the Oakland Athletics for pitcher Joe Blanton. The right-hander is 5-12 with a 4.96 ERA this season.

More on the deal later, including analysis.

Posted in Posts | Share This | Permalink | Trackback (0)

207 Responses to “Breaking News: Phillies Acquire Joe Blanton”

  1. Josh Says:

    I’d be lying if I said I was excited about this trade. We’ll just have to see how it works out.

  2. Geoff Says:

    Hell be better in the National League

  3. Greg Says:

    How do you suppose he’ll be better? Yeah the lineups are weaker, but he goes from one of the most pitcher friendly parks to one of if not the most hitter friendly park. Just look at his home/road splits. His era is more than a full point higher pitching away from oakland.

  4. NJ Says:

    Mixed feelings, we got the guy without having to give up one of the big 4 but I really liked Outman to bolster the pen, we may really regret making Cardenas available over Golson somewhere down the line…

    On the positive Blanton’s one of the best middle of the rotation guys in the game despite his down year. Blanton/Moyer/Kendrick at the back-end of the rotation’s going to be something opposing teams wont look forward to, that’s like trying to hike through a swamp.

  5. ActuallyChilled Says:

    phillies felt that they had to do something. anything. thats the only reason this went through.

    in all honesty, it pisses me off a bit. i would rather have the phillies gamble on their young prospects. I’m sick of the team wasting 3 or 4 years of ‘development’ in the minors, while we see longoria ripping it up and age 22, braun, however old he is, etc.

    I am acting a bit on emotions here but im just tired of this front office shit from the phillies. they always get stuck in these positions and over pay guys that won’t perform on the staff. At least i’m not a rangers fan though, i dont know how frustrated I would be with that team. they even have the ex-phillies staff. on that note, i dont think blanton is much different than a padilla coming back on the team.

    either way, phillies will still have to land another big starter sometime in the future, because this isn’t the only year they have to compete.

    I hope that they bring Happ up and keep eaton as a long reliever. that way, blanton becomes a slight improvement over eaton, happ will be reasonable solid but could disrupt, and you plug in meyers and hope he works again.

    even if blanton does well, i just cant imagine that he erupts into better career.

  6. chris m Says:

    rental?

  7. chris m Says:

    What’s his contract? Rental?

  8. Gnomicide Says:

    He’s arbitration eligible after the season I believe, so Phils would have control of him for the next season.

  9. David Says:

    Giving up our top prospect, in Cardenas, and Outman, who was lights out this winter and in Reading before he was moved to the pen, for Joe Blanton is a lot. I’m happy they didn’t give up the farm for Burnett or Bedard, but I feel like bringing up Carrasco and Happ would be a strong compliment to Hamels, Moyer, and Kendrick.

    I agree, I am sure that we will be better in the National League but why not give Happ and Carrasco a chance before making the move. Kendrick had average numbers in AA and was a big contributer last year. We’ll see.

  10. Geoff Says:

    i actually think blanton will improve a bit and be very good next year for some reason. i dont know why. i hope someone teaches him how to throw a sinker though. right now though it looks like beane is the man still. look at the moves hes made in the past year. totallyh amazing rebuilding job.

    ill bet they move outman to starting

  11. Bruce Says:

    Well…. at least Gillick convinced the Phillies’ owners that they can afford to pay Blanton’s salary. (chuckle)

  12. doubleh Says:

    I believe Blanton isn’t a free agent until 2011

  13. Geoff Says:

    blanton is under team control cheaply for two more years, i believe. hes not arb guy. hes signed for like 3.5mm this year, 5mm next year and i think theres an option after that but not sure

  14. randy Says:

    anyword recently on benson??

  15. doubleh Says:

    Benson got absolutely shelled in his last start. He’s not the answer. I think that’s the only reason they went out and got Blanton.

  16. NJ Says:

    The tough pill to swallow is were experimenting with the 2 spot in the rotation, it’s not like it’s the 5 where you just look to get some production. We’re banking a lot on Myers coming back strong.

  17. Thom Says:

    I for some reason like this trade cause outman and cardenes is tuff but he can really help us i mean really who wants to see eaton get on his knees every start anymore i sure as hell dont. I think we got a decent innings eater who is on the b list.

  18. Geoff Says:

    wait, nevermind thats wrong i read the wrong guy. hes an arb guy

  19. NJ Says:

    The tough pill to swallow is were experimenting with the 2 spot in the rotation, it’s not like it’s the 5 where you just look to get some production. We’re banking a lot on Myers coming back strong.

    Remember we need to feel good about this and Blanton was an A list guy in spring, Cincy almost gave up Homer and Votto for him…

  20. Gnomicide Says:

    So we got a pitcher that is better than 4/5 of our rotation all we gave up was two mediocre prospects and a guy who was blocked on his way to the big leagues anyway. Forgive me if I put a positive spin on this trade too soon, but if we really do have this guy for two more years as well, how could this trade not be a win?

    Looking at next year possibly being Hamels, Blanton, Carrasco, Kendrick, Myers. That already looks way better than anything we’ve put out there this year. We didn’t give up our catcher of the future, we didn’t give up Jason Donald, and we didn’t give up Carrasco.

    It was a good trade IMO.

  21. Dave Says:

    Okay between Eaton, Myers and this guy, who’s gonna suck less? We need ONE of those three to show up consistantly.

    … and can we have Adam Eaton just roll his salary over to Cole Hamels? 7.6 million!? Hookers don’t get that much for sucking.

  22. NJ Says:

    your right on the positive slant but he’s not a number 2 but is that perfect number 3. The best thing about that trade is we can slot our guys where they fit best in the rotation now.

  23. Gnomicide Says:

    Joe Blanton’s struggles have not reached anywhere near the levels of suck that Myers and Eaton have reached this season. It’s apples and oranges.

  24. Phil Says:

    The difference between Myers and Blanton vs Eaton is that Myers and Blanton actually have good stuff. They just have to bring it. A rotation of Hamels, Myers, Blanton, Moyer, and Kendrick all bringing their A game could be ridiculously deadly. As much as we all hate Myers, that guy has ridiculous amounts of potential.

  25. Phil Says:

    I agree, Blanton is the perfect #3. He’s not good enough to be a #2, but he can be a great #3. He’ll mow down the NL since the NL has a total of 3 teams with good offenses. Luckily we’re 1 of them, the other 2 are the Cubs and Rox. We don’t even play the Rox again.

  26. tom Says:

    cardenas was our #2 prospect, outman (according to some people) was semi close to carasco… so it’s not like we didn’t over pay.
    but this was bound to happen sooner or later.

  27. doubleh Says:

    And Blanton dominated us when we faced him. 4 H, 1 R, 7 IP

  28. justin Says:

    lol the rox… sure

  29. NJ Says:

    Right on the money on Myers Phil but Blanton doesn’t have plus stuff and that’s what looks to have hurt him this year. He’s the original Moyer 2.0 of a guy who’s just going to frustrate the opposing team. If we use him right this is a good deal but we stick him in as the 2 and were just aggravating the problem by not addressing it properly.

  30. justin Says:

    all of you guys trying to make yourself try and feel better about this trade, just give up because this guy will do absolutely nothing but be a sub-par pitcher

  31. Phil Says:

    Justin, you do remember that the Rox offense was injured most of the year, right?

    Let me just break down their offense.
    Holliday
    Atkins
    Helton
    Hawpe
    Taveras
    Tuluowizki
    Spilborgh
    Taveras

    That’s good.

  32. Phil Says:

    NJ, did you watch the game that Blanton pitched against us? He has plus stuff. He just doesn’t always bring it. He’s never been a great pitcher and he’s never been a bad pitcher. He’s middle of the road, that’s what a #3 is. He’s also going to eat innings.

  33. NJ Says:

    agree with you wholy on that one Phil, was just getting worried we were going to view this guy as a pitcher with plus stuff and end up being disappointed when he seems like isn’t bringing it.

  34. justin Says:

    phil, you do remember that they play in colorado

  35. Gnomicide Says:

    Hey justin, that sub par pitcher is still better than what we are putting out there for the 2-5 spots. Nobody is trying to make themselves feel better about that, it’s pretty much fact. And the fact is Cardenas was bound to go somewhere.

  36. Greg V. Says:

    This is great because I just bought World Series tickets on StubHub! LOL!

  37. Joshua Says:

    FACT: Blanton is BETTER then Eaton.

    that’s all that matters.

  38. Jeremy Says:

    Blanton’s numbers get skewed by 4 of 20 starts with 6+ earned runs. He gives up a lot of hits, but keeps the ball in the yard (but he hasn’t pitched in CBP yet).

    He’s a classic 7 inning, 2-4 run guy (which should be all this offense needs) that should be a Phillie for at least the next few seasons. He’s a low #2 or high #3 starter. Good move by the Phils

  39. Phil Says:

    Something tells me the Phillies aren’t done trading. I think we’re going to try and snag Bedard too.

  40. Geoff Says:

    thye have other needs, they better not be done

  41. Phil Says:

    They can continue to give the farm up as long as said farm doesn’t include Marson and Carrasco.

  42. Bill Says:

    Another gamble. Can’t we just once trade for a sure thing?

    http://myteamrivals.typepad.com/phightin_phils_phorum/

  43. christopher Says:

    cardenas is a mediocre prospect? somebody doesn’t know anything about our farm system.

    we overpaid big time but blanton will be good for the rotation. the question now is what happens with the rest of the rotation? does eaton become long relief? is there a trade brewing involving myers? i have to think there’s another trade on the horizon here.

  44. Geoff Says:

    i think theyre trying to move myers for some kind of other help. i also think theyre preparing to DFA and pay eaton to get rid of him. noone will trade for eaton. blanton is a decent number 3 guy who eats more innings than moyer and kendrick do. its an improvement. not the greatest thing, but a decent improvement. we still got taken by beane though. beane knows all.

  45. Phil Says:

    Oh I agree, they should have dropped Donald over Cardenas. We still have Donald, Golson, Savery, Drabek, Bastrado, amongst others to trade. We can still get other things with that.

  46. Groty Says:

    Cardenas vs. Donald
    Outman vs. Carrasco, Bastardo or Happ
    Spencer vs. Well, where will he pan out?

    Blanton, a bona fide starter, 27 years old, and not a short-term rental.

    Gillick didn’t give away the house. I am shocked!

    No, I hate to see Outman and Cardenas gone, but not as miserable as I’d be if Marson, Carrasco, Donald, or Golson went in the deal.

  47. Phil Says:

    More good news Mets are down 5-4 against the Reds. Reds scored 5 runs against Sucktana.

  48. James Beale Says:

    I know I wrote something to this effect yesterday (http://sportscomplex.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2008/07/16/fire-up-the-joe-blanton-rumors/)

    But I’m a fan of Blanton, he’s a second half pitcher and because he gets so much better as games and ABs drag on (check out his batting average against splits in different counts) he becomes even more effective in the postseason

  49. Phil Says:

    If Harden breaks down we got a better trade than the Cubs, if he doesn’t then they did. One thing you all need to remember is Harden rarely goes more than 6 innings. Blanton rarely goes under 6.

  50. cramer Says:

    WTF
    Blanto could be a setup man if he could lower his ERA. Of course, this would be a backup to Romero. But 5-12? He cant use the ould ” i dont get run support” excuse for his shitty record. He flat out sucks. one year contract: sure. two year: maybe. He’s not a long term guy.

    The 1 good thing about him is we could trade him to teams desprate for a better starter for AAA prospects.

  51. Phil Says:

    Cramer…he doesn’t get run support. The A’s have the worst offense in baseball.

  52. cramer Says:

    christopher: are you fuckng joking!!!
    Eato in long relief. the guy cant go four innings without giving 10+ runs. The guy needs to go down to fucking Lehigh Valley for a month and get a damn grip!!!!!

  53. cramer Says:

    he gets some run support (a’s score an average of 4.7 runs per game

  54. cramer Says:

    and the mariners have the worst offense… most of the time

  55. Gary B Says:

    Tatis just homered, 6-5 Fuggin Mets. I say take that mans urine Specimen…he’s been on fire.

  56. Tommy A Says:

    Dammit!!! Mets just went up 6-5

  57. MIKE FLO Says:

    mets up 6-5

  58. Tyler Says:

    Haha, Lets Go Mets! Nice pick up Phillies, Blanton sucks. He’ll take that 5-12 and record with him to Citizen’s Bank Ballpark.

    Oh man, how’s it gonna be being TIED for 1st place.

    TATIS!

  59. Phil Says:

    Yeah, Tatis is juicing again.

  60. Joshua Says:

    Jucing again? when was he ever ON juice?

  61. Boo??? fuQQ youuu!!! Says:

    Hey…do any of u guys think we still have enough ammo to go after and land holliday, and a solid nother lefty for the bullpen after todays trade? And would u oppose having to part with a jason donald and golson to make those type of trades happen for maybe a sherrill or marte….also, does anyone know when jrolls contract is up….I think he signed a 5 yr 40mill….I just don’t remember when exactly

  62. Mike M. Says:

    This is a pretty horrific trade form my understanding of it. It is true that we will get Blanton at semi-low cost for a somewhat long amount of time because of arbitration meetings the next couple of years; however, I am extremely high on Cardenas. I have always felt Cardenas and Carrasco had the highest value in the farm. It is only a matter of time until Cardendas reaches the bigs and starts producing.

    In return for our second best prospect in the minors, we receive a pitcher who’s home/away (4.78 era) splits are just horrendous. Also, he is no better than what we have currently in the rotation if myers is in it. This argument that Eaton will be DFA’s so the trade is solid is laughable. Gillick just got taken by Billy Beane but I guess that happens all too frequently.

  63. Phil Says:

    Tyler, good job forming complete sentences. I applaud you on your ability to do so.

  64. Tyler Says:

    He was never!

    FUCK THE PHILLIES!

  65. Tyler Says:

    Phil, eat dick you loser!

    Lets Go Mets!

    Is Blanton gonna be the 5th starter?

  66. metsfan Says:

    Get ready guys and take a picture of the standings with the Phillies in first before the Met game is over. Because that is the last time you will see first place alone for the rest of the year! And what a blockbuster trade today! You have a future Hall of Famer with Blanton. HAHAHAHA

  67. ryan Says:

    Blanton’s stats are interesting. he’s had good years and bad years. they are actually quite comparable to Brett Myers. He’s had two years where he finished with double digit wins and a sub 4 ERA. that’s very good. that makes him a very solid 3 in the rotation. He’s been having a bad year this year, but i don’t know if the stats really reflect what he truly is. He could have been dominant in 7 starts and got shelled in 3 others. who knows. we’ll see. i think he will definitely upgrade over Eaton. and that’s all we need from him.

  68. Jeff Says:

    Look out! Mets fan cursing!

  69. Phil Says:

    I’d still take Blanton over Pedro and Tyler, check the Mitchell report you fucking troll.

  70. christopher Says:

    cramer i mean long relief as in the role condrey plays for the team. someone to bring in to eat innings in blowouts, or as a last resort in extra inning games. although in all honesty, i’d rather have condrey in that role than eaton if we only have room for one.

  71. metsfan Says:

    Breaking News! Get you Blanton Jersey’s now they are selling out!

  72. ryan Says:

    jeez mets fans. you are so disgusting and greasy i can actually see the grease dripping off of your garbled sentences.

  73. Joshua Says:

    Phil, you fucking moron, tatis was NOT in the mitchell report in any form.

  74. metsfan Says:

    Your right quick give one of those towels you used during the sweep against the rockies you used to wipe your tears.

  75. metsfan Says:

    Don’t worry I will save you a pair of tickets to the post season at shea so you have something to do in October besides getting ready for Halloween.

  76. Tyler Says:

    http://i.l.cnn.net/cnn/2007/images/12/13/mitchell.report.pdf

    No Fernando Tatis in any part of the Mitch Report you fuckin tool.

    This is also coming from a person who knows what Lenny Dykstra was named in the Mitchell Report. He wanted to take some steriods since the Phillies lost the 1993 World Series.

    HAHA!

  77. Joshua Says:

    Phil, your so fucking dumb, tyler and I both checked and obviously you don’t do research before you post something as “fact’

    and Tyler is right, Dykstra DID do steriods because he wanted to get better AFTER the 1993 heartbreaking season

  78. Mike Says:

    This trade is not what we need to go deeper in the playoffs but rather an upgrade of the number 4 rotation spot when Moyer breaks down in September any day now for his career to be over.

  79. metsfan Says:

    And to those who said Blanton will be better in the National League I quess your right. Just look at Zito! HAHAHAHAHA

  80. metsfan Says:

    Are you kidding you just upgraded your #2 spot in the rotation!!!

  81. Tommy A Says:

    Phil, don’t waste your breath with these theater-seat sniffing, knuckle dragging, Mets fans. They’re incapable of bringing any hint of wit or baseball smarts to the discussion.

    And separate from all that…Mr. Met couldn’t carry the Phanatic’s strap.
    http://www.sportsmansdaily.com/Mr_Met_Does_Porn.html

  82. metsfan Says:

    OK here is my baseball smarts: The Phillies S*CK, The Phillies will finish 2nd & the Phillies are not making the post season! See I know alot more then you think!!

  83. Joshua Says:

    Tommy A., at least Mr.Met does straight porn, everyone knows phanatic is a fudge packer

  84. metsfan Says:

    Hey maybe they traded for Blanton to be the next Phillie Phanatic? They could not of wanted him to be in the rotation. That must be it! Blanton the new Phanatic!

  85. Tommy A Says:

    Joshua — gimme a break. Phanatic worked one summer at the boardwalk in AC packing fudge in a candy store and he’s labeled for life. He’s still a hell of a lot funnier than Mr. Met, even you have to admit that.

    And metsfan, Brilliant comeback.

  86. metsfan Says:

    No that was Utley in AC as the phanatic serving fudge. He was were that shit that said BOO? on the front and FUDGE YOU! on the back!

  87. Chase Mutley Says:

    Q: What’s the hardest part of being a Mets fan?
    A: Telling your parents that you’re gay.

  88. metsfan Says:

    That was almost as funny as the Phillies making the playoffs!

  89. Geoff Says:

    Moyer definitely is going to break down sometime soon

  90. Tommy A Says:

    Chase Mutely!! Nice!!!

    By the way, Mets fans…get ready for Wags to blow it in the 9th.

  91. metsfan Says:

    Q: Whats the hardest part being a Phillie Fan?
    A: Watching the mets pass you in the standings for good!

  92. metsfan Says:

    Well he might its a good thing lidge doesn’t pitch tonight!

  93. Chase Mutley Says:

    Seriously, it’s gotta be pretty tough. Your dad works all day separating glass. Your mom stays home, smoking cigarettes and flirting with the mailman, hoping one day that their son will grow up to share in their love of the Bronx Bombers, the love of New York City, the 26 time World Champion New York Yankees. Then you drop the bombshell — mom, I just bought a bootleg Mookie Wilson jersey, I’m a Mets fan.

  94. Tommy A Says:

    Hey metsfan, you write that yourself — or did that take half of Queens?

  95. Tommy A Says:

    Seriously metsfan — for real here — Wags blew the ASG. Lidge warmed up 6 - count ‘em SIX times in the bullpen to come in - in the freekin’ 15th inning! You’re gonna compare the two? Cy Young couldn’t have won that game after that many false starts.

  96. Robbi P Says:

    I think metsfan has some sort of psychological disorder. He answers his own questions, comes to a phillies website to talk smack and thinks the mets are great cause they swept some suck ass teams. I think that disease is called being a dorkus malorkus.

  97. metsfan Says:

    You just sit in mobile home in your living room on the edge of your folding chair and watch wags close the game on your 3″ black & white tv if you have one and the mets move into first place with you!

  98. Chase Mutley Says:

    There are no trailer parks in Philly. Just saying. Stop trying to cop my style.

  99. Dave Says:

    Boo?

    Fuck you!

  100. Chase Mutley Says:

    I just saw Jose Valetin knock in three runs on my three inch TV. Is that Jay Bruce on the tele now?

  101. Tommy A Says:

    metsfan –

    8-6 REDS!!!

    Nice touch pulling out the trailer park routine. You really lived up to all my expectations with that one.

    Oh, and you were right — Wags won’t blow the save now. You have baseball smarts after all.

  102. metsfan Says:

    When did Lidge start pitching for the Mets?

  103. scot Says:

    I wonder if Santana lasted more than 4 innings tonight if there would be more or less Mets fans here.

  104. Mr. Dude Man Says:

    I think the trailer park comments from ignorant Mets fans comes from watching old episodes of Boy Meets World because Shawn Hunter lived in a trailer park in Philly.

    Only problem is that there are no trailer parks in Philly.

    The Reds just took a 8-6 lead over the Mets, by the way.

    How much I hate ignorant Mets fans.

  105. Robbi P Says:

    All good things must come to an end metsfan the division lead last year and that sham of a winning streak that got your hopes up. Suck it metsfan. Suck it long and suck it hard

  106. Tommy A Says:

    MUTLEY!!!!!

  107. metsfan Says:

    You could only dream you had santana on your team! Santana you be better then any pitcher you have as long as he is on the Mets!!

  108. Chase Mutley Says:

    >> I wonder if Santana lasted more than 4 innings tonight if there would be more or less Mets fans here.

    I think they’re starting to filter out of the building. The last man standing is trying to clown on our All-Star closer who hasn’t blown a single save all year. If that’s all they got, the well has run dry.

  109. Tommy A Says:

    Let’s go Reds! Let’s go Reds! Let’s go Reds!

  110. CZ Says:

    So will Blanton pitch Tuesday in NY? I hope so because I’ll be there. Would like to get a look at him up close. Did I mention that I love Aaron Heilman?

  111. Lewisauce Says:

    You know, even when we’re bitching and arguing, the discussion on here is generally civil and intelligent.

    The disparity in diction, eloquence and intelligence between us and the Mets fan trolls is astounding. I thought all that stuff about Mets fans was just stereotypes, but I was way wrong. They really are that stupid.

    As for the trade, I’m going to take a “glass half full” attitude here. Blanton improves the rotation immediately, no question about that. And he’s under arb control for two more years. All of that is positive.

    The only scary part is, you never know how the prospects will pan out. I’m not worried about the position player, but Outman and Cardenas … I don’t know enough about ‘em. I do know that if Billy Beane wanted ‘em, then they definitely have high ceilings.

    The other negative is that Happ will likely be blocked from the rotation. I would have liked to have seen him get a shot at the No. 5 spot for a month or so. Now, Blanton will replace Eaton and Myers will return, leaving Happ in limbo barring an injury to someone else (and Moyer will not break down … guys who throw 78 mph fastballs don’t break down).

  112. metsfan Says:

    I think the mets have a change of heart and want to give the poor Phillie fans just one more day of enjoyment so their season at least goes on one more day! How nice of those Mets!

  113. pb Says:

    guess who’s taking Blanton spot in the A’s rotation?? none other than that former Phillie and 2 time White Sox Gio Gonzalez

  114. Tommy A Says:

    At this point, I’d rather have Carlos Santana. At least he could play his own “entering the game” music.

    Nighty-night Phils fans. And metsfan, if you find you’ve got a case of insomnia, watch anything on MSG.

  115. J Giuliano Says:

    mets blew their lead…again.

  116. metsfan Says:

    I hope Blanton pitches against NY and would that be great for the mets. To beat him and take over 1ST Place in the division I think that would be get. I HOPE SO CZ!

  117. Lewisauce Says:

    metsfan: Please learn how to type. Or spell. Or at least wash the grease off your fingers so you can adeptly find the correct keys on the keypad.

  118. danny Says:

    8-6 Reds!

  119. metsfan Says:

    Lewisauce, You must be taking a few “glasses full of Vodka” if you think thats a good trade! And I can tell you how your so called prospects will pan out. “SH*TTY! And you should be glad HAP-PY will be blocked rotation have many losers can you start?

  120. danny Says:

    Mets fans-

    You dudes are really desperate for attention, huh?

    Any of you Phils fans go to Mets blogs and talk trash?

  121. Chase Mutley Says:

    metsfan, can you just go back to “Phillies Suck” or “Mets rule” or something? Wit is not your strength.

    I don’t even understand what sort of insulting innuendo you’re trying to make with “HAP-PY”.

  122. metsfan Says:

    I’m sorry about my spelling. I am originally from Phillie so I just figured I would blend in.

  123. metsfan Says:

    Phillie not Philly get it?

  124. danny Says:

    I’m cool with the Blanton trade. I think we go after a bat now..

  125. Chase Mutley Says:

    Ken Griffey Jr. HOF

  126. metsfan Says:

    I’m sorry we just really like busting on you guys I mean when your team is around for 125 years and you have one championship and get swept in the 1st round of the post season its pretty dam funny!

  127. danny Says:

    Yeah, metsfan, I wish we had several more titles.

  128. metsfan Says:

    Well I will give you one thing. If you ever had the chance to do it now is the time! You have the best offense you ever had in a long time or ever.

  129. metsfan Says:

    The problem you guys have is pitching and as you have seen with the yankees you don’t pitch you don’t win! And I would be pissed If I had to settle for blanton. He is not going to be the answer.

  130. metsfan Says:

    A.J. Burnett would of been alot better!

  131. danny Says:

    You never know… he could get fired up and pitch like he did a few years ago. I think he’s as good an option as any of your 2-5 starters.

  132. danny Says:

    I am so happy we didn’t get Burnett…

  133. metsfan Says:

    Mets tie the game! Wright!!

  134. metsfan Says:

    Wright MVP! MVP!! MVP!!!

  135. metsfan Says:

    First of all if blanton was on the mets he would be the #6 starter!

  136. danny Says:

    The strength of the trade aside…

    PHILS FANS-

    Are you as thrilled as I that either Myers or Eaton won’t be starting anymore? I’m just so happy. This is something special.

    Bye bye Myers and or Eaton. BYE!

  137. metsfan Says:

    The reason I stuck around is for times like this. Get the Phillies fan pumped up for a mets loss and then get them disappointed again like always!

  138. danny Says:

    Mike Hampton injured in another rehab start.. someone get that man some steroids!

  139. metsfan Says:

    Tommy A, were you able to see wrights homer to tie the game on the 3 inch tv you admitted to have?

  140. MIKE FLO Says:

    10-8 METS

  141. metsfan Says:

    OH NO, Mets take the lead on delgado’s hit. Everybody “GO DELGADO GO”, “GO DELGADO GO”, “GO DELGADO GO!”

  142. metsfan Says:

    Mets winning 10-8 yea!!!!!!!! Everybody scream!!!!

  143. metsfan Says:

    Quick print the standings its the last chance to see the phillies in first place quickly everybody print!

  144. CZ Says:

    I’ve never been to another team’s blog…I have no intention of ever going to one and I don’t believe my opinions belong there. I believe its pretty despicable to spend one’s evening throwing ill-formed ’sentences’ around to get a rise out of people.

  145. metsfan Says:

    Well it must of worked because all the other fans went to print out the standings or went to watch wagner close the game out! Oh maybe they went to get their white towels to waive around to conceive 1st place!

  146. MIKE FLO Says:

    ouch Phils blow 7.5 game lead in less then a month

  147. Greg Says:

    metsfan is just sad cause his old blog switched to following the Rays.

  148. metsfan Says:

    METS WIN THE METS WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  149. Phil Says:

    Well, we are now tied in 1st place with the Muts. We need to step it up when we go to NY next week.

    I want all of you Phillies fans to remember this. Our trade for Moyer in 06 and Loshe in 07 were both very productive. Hopefully this trade will be too.

  150. metsfan Says:

    PUT IT IN THE BOOKS!

  151. KB Says:

    Huge win for the Mets. Huge.

  152. Phil Says:

    Ouch Mets did it in September when it mattered more.

  153. Greg Says:

    Yes, I guess we’ll never live up to the NY standards of blowing a 7 game lead in two weeks to end the season

  154. Geoff Says:

    Yo, nobody gives a shit about the mets game. this is a phillies blog. id rather watch a bad documentary then watch the mets play someone other than the phillies.

  155. metsfan Says:

    GO BLANTON! HAHAHAHAHAHA!! YOUTHINK THEY WILL LET THEM START ALL 3 GAMES? SO THE METS CAN GO AHEAD BY 3 MORE?

  156. MIKE FLO Says:

    yea you sure did a lot in the postseason there after the mets handed you the division… way to take advantage of the opportunity

  157. Phil Says:

    Yeah, and I’m sure you would have beat the red hot Rox too? Get real.

  158. Geoff Says:

    THey were indeed productve..and this guy is under team control so he cant go to another team and win 12 games in half a season

  159. MIKE FLO Says:

    You know why this 7 game blown lead matters more? bc its this year and not last year

  160. metsfan Says:

    NO YOU BLEW 7.5 GAMES IN LES THEN A MONTH THAT WAS IMPRESSIVE!

  161. Phil Says:

    Yeah, Geoff…Blanton has better stuff than Loshe too. Honestly, I think a lot of Loshe’s production is luck. Also, Blanton is a ground ball pitcher, so I think he’ll be fine in CBP.

  162. metsfan Says:

    WAGNER JUST SHOWED LIDGE HOW TO CLOSE A GAME! AND BECAUSE OF LIDGE THE METS WILL NOT GET HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE IN THE WORLD SERIES!

  163. Phil Says:

    Yeah, but the difference between this year and last year is that this year isn’t over…last year’s blown lead ended the season. You’re tied. Let’s start this 2nd half.

  164. Greg Says:

    Don’t forget Lidle (RIP) was a good mid-season pickup as well. What’s the beat on Matt Smith? I hear he’s back and pitching pretty well in the minors

  165. Phil Says:

    Metsfan…Wagner blew the save.

  166. metsfan Says:

    But the difference is the phillies will not see 1st place again!

  167. Phil Says:

    I’m actually somewhat excited about htis Blanton trade. There were a few guys I wanted more, but he’ll be fine for now. We can sign Sheets in the off-season.

  168. Phil Says:

    We’re still in 1st place you fucking tool.

  169. metsfan Says:

    I’m excited about the Blanton move to. It makes it easier on the mets to gain a bigger lead on the phils!

  170. Geoff Says:

    lohse has just been pinpoint with his command this year. to an insane degree. i watched one of his starts a few weeks ago. just sticking tailing fastballs to the corner of the plate. total contract year focus.

    the mets arent going to stay near the top of the division unless they make a move for xavier nady or someone like that. they have too much old overpaid garbage in that lineup. their hot streak wont last long. excellent starting pitching, but garbage bullpen except for one or two guys. the marlins will move for a veteran bat and a backend reliever and theyll be able to hang around in the division race.

    the braves are done and the nats are only there to annoy people.

    i like blantons stuff. maybe he leaves it hanging over the plate too much because he shouldnt get hit as much as he does

  171. Phil Says:

    Actually, you must be really dumb. It makes it harder because Blanton is better than Eaton. You are so dumb.

  172. metsfan Says:

    See I like that! Sheets in the off-season I like it when a Phillie fan can realize its time to look towards next year already. Good thinking!

  173. Phil Says:

    MArlins need a catcher more than anything.

  174. Phil Says:

    Oh, I’m not delusional like you. I know we can’t win the world series. No NL team will.

  175. Geoff Says:

    once they drug test fernando tatis again hell come back to earth. hes old too. pedro will probably get hurt again.

    the phillies will pick up like a few extra wins just by getting rid of adam eaton. now they need to shore up the bullpen and shore up the lineup.

    they still wont win the WS but theyll be able to perhaps hold onto the division crown

  176. metsfanshutup-from a mets fan Says:

    metsfan shutup, you can come here and watch phillies fans analyze the mets comeback, but it’s there blog and i really havent seen phillies fans over at metsblog or other met blogs posting, so shut up and and stop rubbing it in there face, remember how it felt last year.

  177. Geoff Says:

    the mets wont even sniff the world series because theyre not going to make the playoffs

  178. Phil Says:

    I wonder who is next on the list to trade for? Grabow/Fuentes and who else?

  179. Geoff Says:

    grabow, fuentes is too costly.

    affordable guys? i want willy taveras. i wonder if hes available for a good price.

  180. metsfan Says:

    The only way the mets get over taken for first place is if the Braves make a move. I love it when you think there is a big rivelry between the mets and phillies. The mets and braves have always and will always be the rivelry. They have been the best two teams in the east. Phillies got lucky last year because the mets got tired of beating everybody last year and took it easy at the end!

  181. Geoff Says:

    grabow can gotten for like one B prospect.

  182. metsfan Says:

    I hear Nick Zito is available!

  183. danny Says:

    It makes me happy every time Phil lashes out with expletives at Met fans

  184. metsfan Says:

    I think he is better then barry!

  185. metsfan Says:

    If the mets keep this up he will have all philly fans lashing out with expletives at Met fans.

  186. RiVLez Says:

    Coming from a Mets fan, Metsfan you’re a fuckin moron and need to get lost. Anyway good pick up for the Phillies today. This will definitely straighten out their starting pitching. Blanton is a good pitcher and should do better in the NL. Going to be a fun next couple of months!

  187. CZ Says:

    ‘Oh maybe they went to get their white towels to waive around to conceive 1st place!’

    Concede maybe???? We all speak English here. If you insist on spouting bullshit could you at least read a dictionary first?

  188. metsfan Says:

    How can you have a fun couple of months looking up in the standings at the mets?

  189. metsfan Says:

    Like I said I was born and raised in Philly and was just trying to fit in!

  190. Phil Says:

    Yeah Rivelz, it was a good pick up, but they should have gotten Harden instead. I understand why Gillick didn’t pull the trigger on him, but it is what it is. It was a high risk high reward. Blanton is a low risk high reward. Metsfan, even your own fellow fans are bashing you. You really do make Mets fans look really dumb. You don’t know the difference between than and then, your and you’re, or their, they’re, and there. You really should go back to the 3rd grade, and learn grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

  191. BeatWritersSuck Says:

    Knock Knock…Who’s There?………The Mets

  192. Phil Says:

    I don’t know anyone in Philly as dumb as you, but there are a few trolls that come on here and spout bullshit. If you want to come argue, at least bring intelligent thoughts to the table. As for right now we’re not looking up, we’re looking right in your eyes.

  193. RiVLez Says:

    metsfan your a retard. I will bet that you are one of those gay Mets fans that became a fan in ‘06. Go troll another blog. Go bother the Yankees on their blogs.

  194. CZ Says:

    I move that all Phillies fans ignore these assholes from this time forward. Encouraging them is obviously not doing the trick. I for one don’t think they have the capacity for rational thinking so they may never see the light…

  195. metsfan Says:

    Just trying to keep it at your level sorry.

  196. metsfan Says:

    Just trying to keep it at your level sorry.

  197. Phil Says:

    metsfan that makes sense? We are obviously much more intelligent than you.

  198. Mark Says:

    Blanton? Huh!

    By the way, a lesson for the Phils; Don’t let up or relax with a 3 run lead on the Mets. Grind and grind and grind some more — no lad is safe until the last out of the ninth is recorded.

  199. fred Says:

    I second CZ’s motion to ignore all arsehole mets fans. Let’s just talk Phillies come one this site isn’t for arguing with mets fans who have no lifes, it’s for talking baseball intelligently with other Phillies fans. Good deal for Blanton IMO, Cardenas was blocked and we needed to keep Marson, Carrasco and Golson who aren’t. Outman and Spencer really are low level prospects at this moment in time, Outman has had a poor season.

  200. Vernon Dozier Says:

    I don’t think Cardenas was actually “blocked” in the Phillies organization, as people keep repeating. There was a realistic scenario where Utley would have been shifted to first when Howard became a FA or was traded, and Cardenas would have been the secondbaseman.

  201. rk Says:

    I hope they find a way to work Happ in this season somewhere. Last night was the kind of dominance of AAA they hoped Myers would be.

    07/17/2008 9:44 PM ET
    Happ tosses seven hitless innings
    IronPigs starter strikes out 12 against Yankees

  202. Mike T. Says:

    This is not a bad move.

  203. Metsos Says:

    You guys act like the phillies won the world series last year. You barely made the playoffs. Then got swept. Notice how every one calls last year a collapse and not a comeback. Thats cause the phillies did not comeback they played .500 baseball and the mets fell apart. The phillies have not gotten better they got no one different. They lost there center fielder, just added a bum for a pitcher and there MVP who put up a great year last year seems to have blown his load, for 3 playoff game losses. By the way the mets were 7.5 out on june 13th. collapse or comeback?

  204. metsR#1 Says:

    great post, metsos!

  205. Phil Says:

    Metsos…1st of all, you went out and got Johan and lost Glavine. They’re both going to win the same amount of games. Johan might win less actually. So you didn’t upgrade. As for the Phillies we lost Rowand, yes. But we got Feliz, Lidge, and Durbin. Believe it or not, we’ve scored more runs, hit more home runs, and pretty much beat all of our offensive category from last year by the all-star break besides batting average, so I think it’s a safe assessment to make that our team is better this year than last year. We didn’t play .500 ball last year, and we especially didn’t play .500 ball during your collapse last year. Not to mention that we were a big part of your collapse. We swept you the last 7 games we faced you with 1 month of baseball to play. Down the stretch we won 7 of our last 10 games while you lost 8 of your last 10. It wasn’t that it was just a collapse, but the Phillies played with soul to get there. They were playing for the Wild Card. They had no idea that you were going to collapse and blow a huge lead. We didn’t collapse in June, we let you back into the thick of things. If it was September and the season just ended I would concede the division to you, but there is still a lot of baseball to play. Now I ask you this. Do you not have anything better to do with your life besides troll on a message board and talk shit? You obvi