Phillies Nation

Report: Rays Interested In Werth

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Wed, July 30, 2008 12:34 PM

According to Mike Tingle of ESPN 840 in Charlottesville, Va., (hat tip MLBTR), the Rays are going to scout Jayson Werth, saying he may be available if the deal is right.

It was reported earlier in the season the Phils asked about reliever Dan Wheeler. It’s possible the Rays could make either lefty Trever Miller (5.13 ERA) or lefty JP Howell (2.54 ERA) available in a trade. But I’d assume the Phils would need to get win-now value in return for Werth. (Unless the Phils are serious about getting Manny Ramirez, spinning Werth for prospects and trading away those or their own.)

And as expected, Greg Maddux said no to a trade to the Phils.

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For Myers, It Comes Down To Sunday

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Wed, July 30, 2008 10:53 AM

Today in the Daily News, Paul Hagen writes about Brett Myers’ start yesterday, a 7IP, 0 ER performance against the Nationals.

He writes:

In some ways, Myers was in a lose-lose situation last night. If he didn’t pitch well, the wolves would be nipping at his heels, demanding that he be removed from the rotation at once and maybe be made to stay after school and clean the erasers as well.

If he did, the cynics would be quick to say, sure, but he did it against a Nationals lineup that had scored a total of two runs in its previous four games, batting .133 as a team in the process. A team that has been shut out 15 times already this season. The only club in the National League to have scored less than 400 runs going into last night.

So all eyes will be on Myers when he makes his next start, Sunday in St. Louis. In the meantime, though, allowing just one unearned run on four hits defused what could have been a tense situation, which allowed him to talk freely about his hellish season.

This was a good start, just like Wednesday night was a cautious start. Hagen is right that all eyes will be on him Sunday night, but I see Sunday as the true indicator. If Myers goes out Sunday night, pitches seven and gives up a run, maybe two, we know we’re getting something better out of Myers.

But if he struggles Sunday, and if I’m Charlie Manuel, I shouldn’t be afraid to pull the plug yet again on the Myers carousel. A game like Sunday’s is a game the Phils will be playing 50 more times until the season ends, and they can’t afford much less than quality.

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Trade Deadline Reset

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Wed, July 30, 2008 06:48 AM

We’re a little more than one day from the non-waiver trade deadline, aka the most hyped in-season day in any sport. The Phillies, obviously in contention, are close to — if not, the top team in the midst of trade talks. To put everyone on the same page, I’m resetting everything we know, don’t know and kind of want to think we know.

July 17: Phillies trade Adrian Cardenas (IF), Josh Outman (P) and Matt Spencer (OF) to Oakland for Joe Blanton (SP)
A major deal, netting the Phillies a starting pitcher for a top-five prospect, a top-10 prospect and a low-level pseudo-prospect. As a Phillie, Blanton has been somewhat inconclusive (8 IP, 7 ER, 11 H, 4 BB, 2 K) but it currently doesn’t look promising. Cardenas, about two years from Major League impact, was seemingly blocked by the Phils middle infield stars. Outman, converted to a reliever after a rough patch as a Reading starter, was a fastball/changeup lefty close to becoming an MLB-level player. The jury, however, is still out on this trade.

Rumored: Phillies trade Shane Victorino (OF), Carlos Carrasco (P), Lou Marson (C), JA Happ (P) to Colorado for Matt Holliday (OF) and Brian Fuentes (P)
An absolute blockbuster that surfaced by the usually truthful Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports, the Phils would’ve gained a studly outfielder and solid back-end reliever for a big bounty. Supposedly the deal was nixed late. It would’ve cleaned out the Phillies farm system, with the No. 1 prospect, catcher-of-the-future and potential No. 3 starter heading west with the starting center fielder for at least another year. An absolute win-now move. Fuentes has since been taken off the trading block, and Holliday seems to be off, as well.

Rumored: Phillies trade Jason Donald (IF), Adrian Cardenas (IF) and JA Happ (P) to Cleveland for CC Sabathia (P)
According to Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro, the Phillies were the backup plan for Sabathia. Ultimately, he went to the Brewers, where he is currently 4-0 with an ERA under 2.00. This seemed to be the deal, but the Phils weren’t willing to part with Carrasco or Marson for Sabathia, who is under contract only until the end of the season.

Rumored: Phillies trade Jason Donald (IF) to Kansas City for Ron Mahay (P)
According to Jayson Stark, his sources (other general managers) said this deal was almost done. That was a little before noon Tuesday. In about an hour or so, Stark refuted his original claim and Rosenthal backed it up. Currently the Phillies are not the team in the lead for the left-hander.

Rumored: Phillies trade Lou Marson (C), Jason Donald (IF), JA Happ (P) and PTBNL to Toronto for Roy Halladay (P)
This came from Howard Eskin on 610 WIP Tuesday — not a great source, but it opened discussion. Supposedly the Phillies found out what it would take to get the all-world starter, and made an offer late today. Toronto rejected it, asking to put Fabio Castro in the deal. I’m not sure if Toronto wanted Castro or if Eskin misread Carlos Carrasco; either way, this deal would significantly reduce the farm system, though it would give the Phils maybe the best pitcher in baseball. I don’t expect anything to come out of this.

Players Inquired About

Starting Pitchers

AJ Burnett, Toronto (P)
Before the Blanton trade, Burnett seemed to be the Phils major focus. The Phils scouted him and talks evidently occurred, but Toronto wanted one of either Carrasco or Marson (really, Marson). The Phils said no.

Erik Bedard, Seattle (P)
Along with Burnett, Bedard was a top prize for the Phillies. Bedard seemed to be high on the trading block with the Mariners sinking fast, and the lefty even went on 950 AM in Philly to discuss his situation with the Mariners. But no rumored deal ever came to fruition, nor was there any indication the sides were talking. Once Blanton came through, this talk went by the wayside.

Bronson Arroyo, Cincinnati (P)
The Phillies “kicked the tires” at the righty who is having a poor year in Cincinnati.

Jarrod Washburn, Seattle (P)
Another tire-kicker, Washburn almost seemed set to go to the Yankees, but that has stalled.

Ben Sheets, Milwaukee (P)
The Phils scouted the All Star, but Milwaukee wasn’t looking to give up Sheets.

Greg Maddux, San Diego (P)
The Phils also scouted the Hall of Famer, but indications are he’d prefer either Los Angeles, Arizona, the Cubs or Atlanta.

Roy Oswalt, Houston (P)
The Phillies evidently scouted Oswalt, but the Astros don’t seem intent on giving up Oswalt, instead thinking they somehow have a shot this year.

Outfielders

Manny Ramirez, Boston (OF)
“Manny Wants Out of Boston Part XXIV” has somehow dropped the Phillies deep into the chapters. There should be truth to the rumor the Phils have asked about him. SI.com’s Jon Heyman is saying the Phils lead the charge to trade for the Hall of Fame hitter, but Heyman can’t be trusted as far as I can throw him (which isn’t far). Rumors have Ramirez coming here for Pat Burrell — a lateral move, and a dumb one from where I sit. Burrell is perfect for this team; Manny is the antithesis of Burrell.

Left-Handed Relief Pitchers

John Grabow, Pittsburgh (P)
The left-handed reliever seemed high on the Phillies’ list of left-handed relievers, but a recent injury has said to have scared the Phils off. Don’t be so sure, however.

Arthur Rhodes, Seattle (P)
Once a Phillie — and a bad one at that — Rhodes has found somewhat of a renaissance with the Mariners. Pat Gillick has a long work relationship with him, so it’s possible the Phils could strike an easy deal for the lefty.

George Sherrill, Baltimore (P)
The lefty is having a nice year with the Orioles, and the Phils have been said to be asking about him. Still, heavy thought is the O’s aren’t giving him up.

Other Possibilities

Starting Pitchers

Probably none at the non-waiver. Blanton was the move, and unless a ridiculous blockbuster with Toronto for Halladay occurs, the Phillies seem finished for now. Don’t count out a waiver move, however, especially if Brett Myers falters again or Blanton doesn’t pan out.

Outfielders

Something tells me the Phils won’t make an outfielder move unless it’s a big bat, a la Holliday or Ramirez. Even then the Phils would have to give up an outfielder (Victorino, Werth or Burrell) to get one. They haven’t been attached to Jason Bay, Adam Dunn or Raul Ibanez, and didn’t seem like runners in the Xavier Nady/Damaso Marte race. Look for a waiver claim, but then again, I could be shocked.

Just to add, the Phillies did show interest in Cleveland infielder/outfielder Casey Blake, but the Phils supposedly finished second in that sweepstakes.

Left-Handed Relief Pitcher

Not much else out there, as the Phils inquired about everyone worthy of inquisition. One other name: Jeremy Affeldt, who the Phils have asked about in previous seasons. Lefties are hitting slightly worse against him, but he has an ERA over 4.00 this season. If I had to point blindly at a target, I’d say the Phils overpay for Mahay or Grabow.

Other

A relief pitcher in general is a possibility, and Dan Wheeler of Tampa Bay has been mentioned. Can’t see the Rays giving him up, however. Look for a small pickup (maybe an infielder) after waivers. Gillick has a nice track record with the Phils in this arena (Jamie Moyer, Kyle Lohse).

Commentary

From almost day one, the Phillies said they were making Carlos Carrasco and Lou Marson untouchable. They’ve stood by that assertion (except for Holliday, if that’s true), and it makes sense. While it would’ve been nice to see the Phils go all-in to win now, their farm system isn’t as rich (allegedly) as other contenders’ (Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs). Truth is, you can’t deplete your entire farm system, especially when you’ve taken a couple years to rebuild it.

It was hard enough giving up Cardenas and Outman, and at this moment it seems like too much for Blanton. But they were strategic moves, better or worse, and don’t really harm the Phils’ long view. They tried for Sabathia but just couldn’t give it all up for a guy who they weren’t even sure they could re-sign. That’s the way it goes — when you empty your system in the past, you pay for it in the future.

The Phillies will almost definitely grab a left-handed reliever before the deadline passes. It would either cost them a Jason Donald (Mahay, Grabow) or a little more than cash (Rhodes). I’m hoping more cash than Donald, but then again, I don’t want Rhodes, I want Mahay. Don’t bet on a big deal for a Halladay or — forbid — Ramirez. I’m sorry, but Manny is bad news for the Phillies. They should — and probably have — stay away. Anyway, add a waiver claim or two and a later deal for a hitter and the Phils will be all set. In their eyes. Is it enough to go the distance? It’s possible.

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Myers Impressive In Win Over Nationals

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Tue, July 29, 2008 10:15 PM

Brett Myers pitched well in seven innings, giving up no runs on seven baserunners in a 2-1 Phillies win over the Nationals. Myers lowered his ERA to 5.46 in the process, and the Phils remained 0.5 games back of the Mets for first place in the National League East.

Myers threw only 88 pitches, an astounding 63 for strikes. He got ahead of hitters, used his curveball and slider to perfection and his fastball looked pretty good. Of course, the Nationals are a horrible offensive team in the middle of an epic slide (one run in their last 28 innings). Still, give Myers credit for throwing strikes, something he didn’t do at all against the Mets in his first start back from the minors. His next start at Saint Louis will be a more appropriate indicator, but this time out he was very effective, and there should be room for promise.

Chase Utley stroked his 27th home run of the season for the Phils only runs. They let up a run in the eighth, also thanks partly to Utley. He blundered a possible double play ball and put two on for the Nats with no outs. Upon Myers’ exit, JC Romero got the next two outs, letting a run score on a give-it-up grounder. Chad Durbin got the last out. Yet again the bullpen shuts the door — what would this team do without them, especially Durbin?

Brad Lidge — don’t forget him — shut the door for an easy 1-2-3 save, his 25th in as many chances, extending the franchise record.

If the pitching doesn’t go as well, we’re talking about the offense’s inability to score off rookie starter Collin Balester, who was asking to get punched around. Instead, it’s a win against a bad offense, and we’re talking about a big performance for a guy who needed it bad.

Associated Press photo

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Gamenight: Phillies (56-49) At Nationals (38-67)

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Tue, July 29, 2008 05:39 PM

The Phillies begin a six-game road trip tonight against the Nationals.

Brett, Take Two: Less than a week ago Brett Myers walked five with his fastball, but struck out two with his curveball. It’ll be interesting to see how he fares with the former, and if the Nationals can hit the latter. With JA Happ’s addition to the big league roster, Myers will have to perform well to remain in the rotation.

Burrell Blasting: Pat Burrell has homered in 28 different ballparks, a franchise record (Bobby Abreu is second). He can make it 29 by homering in Nationals Park this week.

Eastern Pitch: The Phillies have a 4.05 ERA against the NL East this season, best of all teams intra-division.

Not Feliz: Pedro Feliz is on the 15-day DL, which will give both Eric Bruntlett and Greg Dobbs more playing time.

Phillies: Brett Myers (3-9) 5.82 ERA
Nationals: Colin Balester (1-2) 5.75 ERA

Gametime: 7:10 p.m. EST
Weather: 89, partly cloudy
Lineup:

MLB TV
MLB Gameday Audio
MLB Gameday

Your gamenight beer: Dogfish Head, which makes many find beers, brings forth 90 Minute IPA, which is stronger than your 60 Minute, but it really tastes good. Between its nine percent content and superior satisfaction, it reminds you of a good Belgian brew. Perfect for a mild night like tonight. Eat some pork with it.

Go Phillies!

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Feliz Goes To 15-Day DL

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Tue, July 29, 2008 05:11 PM

Pedro Feliz was placed on the 15-day disabled list today. He has lower back inflammation. In his place the Phillies have called up Mike Cervenak, who had an at bat for the Phils during a cup of coffee earlier in the month.

Feliz (12 HR, 46 RBI, .256/.304/.424) had been giving the Phils stellar defense from the hot corner with a mediocre bat. He sat out the past couple games, with Eric Bruntlett taking his spot in the lineup.

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Happy Anniversary Phillies Nation

Posted by Brian Michael, Tue, July 29, 2008 03:34 PM

This past week Phillies Nation celebrated its 4th birthday.  It was on July 25, 2004 that Eric Milton took a perfect game into the ninth inning, before Doug Glanville misplayed a blooper to center…and Phillies Nation was born.  Here was that first post:

What a game! Supurb pitching by Eric Milton, and Doug Glanville won’t have anything funny to say about this nailbiter. Phils funnyman nearly cost his team the win, which brings the unofficial total of 5 defensive mistakes in centerfield in the past week.

It was nice to see the Phillies’ young stars, Ryan Madson and Chase Utley, perform well today. Utley had the Phils first two RBIs including a HR. Smoltz just got the save up in New York, that means the Fightins’ are still a half game out.

Those were the days. Thanks to everyone who makes this site so great.

Also, there are only 5 spots left for the Bus Trip to Washington, DC. If you still want to go, reserve your spot now.

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Could Myers Return To Bullpen?

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Tue, July 29, 2008 02:18 PM

Today it was made official that JA Happ is back with the Phillies. He returned with Adam Eaton being sent down to AAA Lehigh Valley.

Meanwhile, the Phils are still searching for pitching help, mainly in the form of a left-handed reliever capable of getting outs late in games.

Happ’s performance both as a Phillie and in the minors make for an interesting subplot that could alter the team drastically. Yesterday on ESPN Radio 950, Jayson Stark told Jody Mac anything was possible with the Phillies’ pitching situation. The thought remains: Could Brett Myers linger back to the bullpen?

While it seems risky and an absolute backtracking, it could solve the Phils very real problem about the bullpen.

Currently, nobody knows the condition of Tom Gordon. He has thrown pitches and is “on the way back,” but there’s no indication he’ll be close to a late-innings guy when and if he returns. Moreover, he wasn’t much of a late-innings guy when he was healthy this season.

JC Romero, being shuttled as a pseudo-all fields-reliever, is ineffective against right-handed hitters. He has to be going against lefties 90 percent of the time.

Chad Durbin, while outstanding all season, shouldn’t be called upon too much in all types of roles. He thrives in the swing position, and you don’t to blow out what has been the Phils’ most reliable arm.

Ryan Madson, as we’ve seen recently, is not a money late-innings pitcher. He was best used in middle relief and is unfairly categorized above that spot in the depth chart.

By placing Myers back in the bullpen, he instantly becomes the eighth-inning bridge. You hope he can channel his best stuff and utilize it for one inning — that is, a lot of curveballs, mixed with some well-placed fastballs and changeups. Obviously, the risk is you basically have a guy as effective as Gordon out there. But all things considered, Myers could thrive in this role.

That move alone pushes the chart back. Romero is your lefty specialist in the late innings, Durbin gets the top middle relief spot and can be used in swing situations, Madson falls into middle relief and Clay Condrey retains the mop-up post. When and if Gordon returns, he could become an experienced fastball/curveball guy for backup purposes.

The Phils can choose to still upgrade with a left-handed reliever, and he would be used along with Romero in an interchangeable situation.

Then, of course, the Phils would have an absolute five-man rotation with not much room for error. Adam Eaton becomes your insurance policy — not the best one to have — unless the front office wants to take a gamble with Carlos Carrasco or someone of that ilk.

There are clear possible benefits and possible pitfalls with moving Myers back to the bullpen, but the question should be raised? Is it worth it?

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Update: Mahay Trade ‘Not Close’

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Tue, July 29, 2008 12:49 PM

UPDATE (2:41 p.m.): Jayson Stark has now taken back his original report, saying the teams are not close to a deal. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports backs it up.

***

The Phillies are very close to trading infielder Jason Donald for left-handed pitcher Ron Mahay.

Mahay, 37, is 5-0 with a 1.81 ERA this season for the Royals. Donald, 23, was in AA Reading and ready to play for the U.S. olympic team in Beijing.

This would solidify the Phillies campaign to get a left-handed reliever. Lefty JA Happ, originally figured to be joining the Phillies after Adam Eaton’s demotion, is still in limbo.

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Update: Happ Added To Roster

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Tue, July 29, 2008 11:50 AM

UPDATE (1:17 p.m.): And not long after I post this, David Murphy reports the Phillies have added Happ to the roster. But be warned: Things may change if Ron Mahay is inked.

***

Just to update everyone, JA Happ has not been recalled to Philadelphia yet. In fact, yesterday on Daily News Live Asst. GM Ruben Amaro said Happ has not been informed of anything.

It’s likely the Phillies would make a roster move within the next few hours, so be ready for something.

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