Phils Sign Gallagher, Release Blanco

No, the Phils did not sign the balding man who smashes watermelons. The Phillies did, however, sign Austin Gallagher, a 24-year old Lancaster, PA native formerly of the Dodgers organization. Gallagher is a former 2007 Third Round pick who was at one point fast-tracked to High-A as a 19-year old in 2008 but has had issues staying on the field and has not progressed past High-A. Gallagher was released by the Dodgers in January after being suspended for a positive test for Methylhexaneamine. He will start the year by missing 50-games for using the popular fitness supplement.

Gallagher has posted strong Minor League career numbers but has spent four of his six seasons repeating High-A. Why he never was afforded the chance at a promotion to Double-A is a bit of a mystery (.290/.368/.447, 10 HR/season), but if he sticks with the Phils, he should compete for time at first base for Reading.

In other Phillies transaction news, the Phillies released Minor League non-roster invitee Andres Blanco this week. Blanco hit .235/.301/.346 for the IronPigs last year and is a career .255/.301/.333 Major League hitter. Blanco was expected to resume the role of starting shortstop for the IronPigs but struggled with injuries over the winter.

Credit: Matt Eddy, Baseball America for the transaction news.