Opinion

Week In Review – Valdez, Pierre, Lidge

It has been somewhat of a slow week in Philliesville with some minor transactions involving some once major players.  Brad Lidge finally inked a deal this offseason agreeing to a one year contract with the Washington Nationals.  The closer spot in Washington already belongs to Drew Storen and he has proven to be a big time finisher.

Lidge’s main role for this coming season will be to secure the later innings before Storen closes it out.  Also, he will be a veteran guy in a clubhouse full of young players.  I think Lidge will help on and off the field for the Nationals.  Pat gave a little Fare Thee Well for Lidge.  We will all remember that 2008 season.

The front office sent Wilson Valdez to the Reds this week for left-handed relief pitcher Jeremy Horst.  It’s a little ironic he ended up in Cincinnati, the same team he pitched against in the 19th inning of a marathon of a game.  PN’s Ian Riccaboni and former PN writer, and current Crashburn Alley guy, Mike Baumann blog battled it out email style about what this trade means for the Phillies and the future of Michael Martinez.

The Phillies added another reserve type player with a Minor League deal.  Juan Pierre presents as a low risk, high reward type guy.  He is not going to hit home runs, and while his numbers around the base paths have dropped Pierre can still provide some excitement at the plate.  It’s a good pick up for the Phillies who are trying to fill in all the gaps heading into Spring Training.  By the way, only 20 days until pitchers and catchers report.

Looking at the fifth starter spot in the Phillies rotation, our own Jon Nisula asks the nagging question, ‘What if Joe Blanton isn’t ready?‘  It’s a fair question to ask for the team and fans.  Blanton is coming off elbow surgery after one of the worst half seasons of his career.

With 38 of the possible 40 roster spots filled, the front office will look to add a couple more guys before Spring Training starts in a little over a month.  Get excited, baseball is back!  Almost.

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