Photo by Mateocubs
Here are your morning news bits …
Arrieta rumor: Jon Heyman writes that the Phillies and free agent pitcher Jake Arrieta “are having a dialogue.” How long do these dialogues last? Is it a constant phone conversation? Is it one phone call each day for four minutes? Are there texts? How does this work?
Anyway, Heyman says the Phils want a shorter-term contract. Makes sense. I guess we’ll just wait for the next update.
UPDATE: Ha! Todd Zolecki reports the Phils would consider signing Arrieta for three years, and that “a deal seems unlikely at the moment.”
In essence, the Phils don’t want to dole out a big contract to a pitcher, and they don’t want a pitcher they’re not certain will be a difference maker. That’s why you’re not seeing Arrieta, Alex Cobb or Lance Lynn get inked yet (they reportedly want more years) and it’s why you’re not seeing them get a Jason Vargas or Jaime Garcia (not perceived as difference makers).
It’s the whole dang team!: Jason Kelce visited Clearwater on Monday to bring some of that ol’ inspirational pep talk juice to the Phillies. Apparently Kelce cursed more to the Phils than to the assembled throng at the Eagles’ Super Bowl parade. Also, here’s a quote from Gabe Kapler:
“I think there were 8 to 10 (things) to take away, but the No. 1 was it is OK to fall down, be fearless, get back up, be bold and do it all over again. Champions have stories to share and they’re effective for a reason.”
This guy with the quotes.
Team Sharpie: The Phillies will go by a motto this year: “Be Bold.” That’s the Kapler way, put on t-shirts and exclaimed at a Sunday dinner for the whole team that included a big video presentation. Kapler enlisted stars to wish the Phils good luck in 2018, including Carson Wentz, Zach Ertz, Ben Simmons, Claude Giroux and Justin Timberlake.
Yes, that Justin Timberlake. His uncle John is general manager of the Threshers.
Also on the docket for Kapler and his crew: talent shows!
