The Phillies traded minor league outfielder Greg Golson to the Texas Rangers for minor league outfielder/first baseman John Mayberry Jr. Both young men were prior first round draft picks of their respective teams. Golson’s main assett is his speed, he has not shown thus far the ability to hit consistently but is a very good defensive player and an excellent base runner. Mayberry is a big man standing 6 feet 6 inches and is a prototypical power hitter that projects to have 30 to 40 homer potential. He is a right handed hitter.

Mayberry was added to the Phillies 40 man roster and was assigned to the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs roster at Triple A.

Hot Stove Cooking

Rumors persist that the Phillies may have interest in free agent outfielder Raul Ibanez. Ibanez would fill the potential hole in the outfield if Pat Burrell is not resigned. Stories are also circulating the the Fightins may have interest in Marlins outfielder Jeremy Hermedia. Hermedia is a left handed hitter who is arbitration eligible thus Florida is willing to trade him for prospects…….perhaps the acquisition of Mayberry is part of that equation.

Chase Utley is going to have hip surgery which will require a 4 to 5 month recovery. Utley will miss the early part of the 2009 season, as much as 2 months worth. The Fightins must consider a short term replacement, Eric Bruntlett filled in admirably last year when Jimmy Rollins went down with injury and perhaps he could do so as well for Utley………… time will tell what direction the team intends to take.