Manny finally signed a contract, woohoo!  Seriously, does anyone outside of L.A. care ?  When alot of folks in the real world are either struggling to find work, worrying about losing work or working for not enough to pay their bills do we really care about this guy “struggling” to get his $45 million over two years ?  Manny being Manny wore thin last season and even more so this offseason.

Phillies Spring week in Review

The Phillies went 3 and 1 during the last four spring games beginning 3/1 with a win over the Atlanta Braves.  They then beat WBC Team Canada and the Toronto Jays but fell to WBC Team U.S.A.   Pitching highlights of the week were the spring debuts of Brett Myers and Cole Hamels.  Kyle Kendrick, J.A. Happ, Chan Ho Park and  Carlos Carrasco all threw during the week albeit none stood out with superior outings. 

On the offensive side Marcus Giles had a couple knocks against his old team, the Braves.  Ryan Howard belted a true bomb against the Jays while Raul Ibanez smoked a couple of doubles.  John Mayberry Jr. belted a dinger against Team Canada as did non roster invitee Jeremy Slayden.  Howard added another blast against Team U.S.A as did Jason Donald.

Injury Updates

Chris Coste continued to battle hamstring woes while Jayson Werth is taking it slow with leg issues.  Brad Lidge experienced shoulder tightness and also was taking a slow approach.  Better now than when the season starts!

Chatter

Nomar Garciappara signed a contract with the Oakland A’s ending speculation that he might become a Phillie.  That would seem to leave that right handed bat spot open to the likes of Ronny Paulino, Chris Coste, John Mayberry Jr. or perhaps Jeremy Slayden ???   Ok, maybe Slayden is a stretch but he is having a good spring at the least. 

Let me tell ya the Cal Ripken Experience baseball facilities in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina are top drawer!  Spent the week there and if the weather had cooperated it would have been great.  It was in the high 30′s for most of the week so not so great baseball weather.  I would recommend the site however to any college or high school team looking for a spring site for a great baseball experience!

The Fightins once again struggled offensively in this their second game of the spring.   They were limited to six hits by the Blue Jays, one each for Jimmy Rollins, John Mayberry Jr., Greg Dobbs, Andy Tracy, Pablo Ozuna and Jason Ellison.   On the hill  Carlos Carrasco,J.A. Happ and Gary Majewski each threw two scoreless innings but Blaine Neal got tuned up for four earned runs in two thirds of an inning. 

Chatter

According to Mlbtraderumors.com the two primary lefty relievers still on the free agent market are cognizant of the need to lower their contract demands and are willing to do so.  Will Ohman seems to be very interested in pitching for a contender and specifically the Phillies.   Nomar Garciappara evidently will be making a choice soon between the Oakland A’s and the Phillies.  Also heard scuttlebutt that the A’s might be looking to relocate out of Oakland in the near future….. what about a return to Philly ?  Could we handle two big league teams again like back in the day ?  Chicago, L.A. and New York have two clubs, why not Philly ?

Non roster invitee Jeremy Slayden led the FIghtin’s offense in their Spring Training debut as he stroked two hits, one a double, in his two game at bats.  Slayden was the mid game sub for starting left fielder Raul Ibanez who stroked a RBI single in his Phillies spring debut.   Jimmy Rollins, Geoff Jenkins, Gregg Dobbs and John Mayberry Jr. had the other Phillie hits in the contest.

Jamie Moyer started the game on the hill and threw two scoreless innings. Joe Blanton pitched one inning and gave up a run.  The Pirates scored the other seven runs off middle relievers Joe Bisenius and Scott Nestor.

Chatter

Last year’s # 1 draft pick Anthony Hewitt saw action at third base and went hitless in two at bats.  Chris Coste, Ronny Paulino and Lou Marson split duty behind the plate.   According to Todd Zolecki of mlb.com the Fightins are still in the hunt for Nomar Garciaparra but GM Ruben Amaro said there is a less than 50% chance of him signing.   They are also still open to signing an additional left handed reliever if possible.    Hearing rumors that fan favorite, Mr. Coste may be traded to the Mariners if Paulino proves worthy of a major league spot……. still think the team may carry three catchers if Nomar does not sign, guess if folks like Marcus Giles, Mayberry  or perhaps Miguel Cairo have decent springs they could serve as the right hand bat off bench….. we will see.

The Phillies open the home spring schedule in Clearwater tommorow against the Blue Jays. This first game was in Bradenton which is about an hour’s drive south of Clearwater.  Regular players are allowed to drive to the games rather than ride the bus if they so choose, apparently Jimmy Rollins was a bit late for the  pre game warmups as he got lost and his teammates gave him a  good natured razzing for it.

Ryan Howard agreed on sunday to a three year $54 million contract thus avoiding arbitration.  The Phillies avoided arbitration with all players who were eligible for such.  In order to do so they increased payroll by over $30 million as compared to last year!   In my humble opinion the signing of Howard is a great thing for both sides, albeit no ill effect was noticable  last season from the arbitration hearing I had doubts that an annual ritual would have not been adverse to both sides.

The $54 million dollar three year deal will be paid $15 million for this season, $19 million for next and $20 million for 2011.  If  Big Brown continues his consistent pace of home run and RBI production it is my opinion he could have claimed in the $22 to $25 million dollar area for 2011, this deal is fair for both in that it gives Ryan security of knowing what he will be paid and the Phillies do not have the uncertainity of arbitration……. it allows all to concentrate on the task at hand, defending a championship and attempting to win more!   Good job Ruben Amaro and staff!

Chatter

Rich Aurillia apparently has a minor league contract offer from the San Francisco Giants and is considering accepting it.  The Phillies seem intent on waiting out Nomar Garciaparra in hopes that he decides to play this season as a right handed bat off the bench for the Fightins.  Rumblings also are that the Florida Marlins have a sincere interest in Chris Coste and that the Phillies may be receptive to a deal pending how Ronny Paulino looks this spring.  I am a huge Coste fan so I indeed hope that he sticks with the Fightins!   Rumors also are that the Atlanta Braves have pulled  the offer they made to left handed reliever Will Ohman.  Ohman reportedly had been looking for a two year contract in the $8 million dollar range, the Phillies and Mets have both seemingly expressed interest but at a much lesser payrate.  Ohman would be a nice addition to the pen especially in light of J.C. Romero’s suspension for the first 50 games of the season.   Pitchers and Catchers at weeks end, can’t wait!

As spring training approaches GM Ruben Amaro and staff are still in search of a right handed bat off the bench for skipper Charlie Manuel.   Rumblings are that Nomar Garciaparra is still the primary target but Nomar is uncertain that he is in physical shape to warrant a position.  He must decide whether he will retire or attempt to play another year.  Rich Aurillia is also an apparent option that the club is considering.  If neither of those two are signed then perhaps Marcus Giles or Jason Donald might earn the spot.   In any regards adding a right hand bat would mean that either Geoff Jenkins or Matt Stairs would be dispositioned from a roster spot, rumors are that the team has marketed Jenkins but has found no takers due to the size of his contract.  Worst case scenario is not so bad in that the Phillies bench might just have three lefties, Jenkins, Stairs and Greg Dobbs.  All are proven hitters so it may work out in that regard.

Notes

My book ” The 2008 Philadelphia Phillies – A Poetic Season” has been purchased by the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs for sale in the stadium store!  Bravo to the Iron Pigs merchandise staff for giving me a shot!  The book is also available locally in the Philly area at Chester County Bookstore in West Goshen Shopping Center , Kennett Bookstore in Kennett, Brothers Pizza in West Chester, Caln Pizza in Thorndale, Giordanno’s Sports Bar in Kennett Square, Neumann College Bookstore in Aston  and soon in three Big League Haircuts establishments in West Goshen, Exton and Drexel Hill!    Please patronize these fine businesses!

I will be doing a book signing at the Kennett Bookstore on April 4th from 11 to 3, if in the area please stop in and lets talk baseball!

I had a chance to be in Clearwater this weekend on personal business, actually was there to finalize arrangements for my daughter’s wedding in May at the Clearwater Beach Hilton.  The Hilton is right on the beach and is a great place to stay for Spring Training, it is also next to the Palm Pavillion which is a known local hang out for many Phillie players during Spring Training as well.

  While I was in town I swung down to the Carpenter Complex to see if the store was open in hopes of working a deal to get my book on display for spring training!  The store was closed but I stumbled accross Fantasy Camp in full bloom!

The Phillies have a fantasy camp each January at the complex for fans like myself that want to “play ball like a big leaguer”.   I actually attended the camp some 14 years ago when I was 35 and had a blast!  You get to play games against other campers, get “coached” by ex Phillies and at the end of the week play a “fantasy game” against the ex phils at the stadium. 

My wife, daughter and I walked down to Carpenter Complex from the stadium and took a look around, we found old Phillie heroes like Mitch Williams, Larry Anderson, Kevin Stocker, Warren Brusstar, Gary Matthews, Dave Cash, Dickie Noles, etc.   My daughter got her picture taken with Kevin Stocker which was cool!

You could tell that the folks participating in the camp were having a great time,  I would definitely recommend it to any Phillie fan who wants the experience of playing with old heroes !

Chatter

According to recent rumors the Fightins are looking at Ty Wigginton and Rich Aurillia as potential right handed bats off the bench.   They are both good hitters, Wigginton is a true gamer and would be an especially good addition!

On the historic day of the swearing in of our 44th President of the United States Major League Baseball players eligible for salary arbitration exchanged figures with the major league clubs they play for.  Ryan Howard submitted a new record number as he asked the abitrator to award him a salary of $18 million dollars for the 2009 season, the Phillies countered with an offer of $14 million.  Jayson Werth and Chad Durbin were the other two Phillies that failed to reach agreement on a contract before the abritration deadline.   Werth asked for $4 million per year while the Phillies offered $3 million.  Durbin requested  $1.975 million while the Phillies countered with $1.375.

Shane Victorino and Joe Blanton settled on one year deals prior to the deadline.  Victorino will receive $3.125 million while Blanton will get $5.475 million.

Howard is the most intriguing case and will certainly garnish the most discussion.  My thoughts are that if Mark Texeira is worth the over $20 million per year the Yankees spent on him the Mr. Howard is a bargain at $18 million!   Howard has led the majors in home runs and RBI’s twice in his short career, has been a MVP and carried the club on his back for the stretch run last year in earning a championship.   TIme will tell what the abitrator awards but I think that big Ryan has a very good shot at getting his number!

Chatter

What a proud day to be an American!  The inaugriation of a new President is always a special day but the historic day of January 20, 2009 will forever be special.   I am a huge fan of our 44th president Mr. Obama and am indeed very excited of the path he will lead us forward on!  God bless the United States for the unity that has been shown over the last few days and the forthcoming nature of our new commander in chief!  We are on the right and proper path now fellow Americans and we have the right man for the job!  Let’s share in his exuberience and willingness to address hard pressing issues and support him in his endeavors, a huge huge day for all in the world !   God bless our collective spirit and President Obama in this challenging time!

Rumor has it that the Phils were willing to trade Brett Myers in order to clear payroll space to make a run at signing Derek Lowe.   I am not sure I like that logic if indeed true, how bout now making a run at big Ben Sheets ?  Sheets is apparently asking for $9 million per year, if so then he is out of the Phillies bounds but if willing to take a three year deal similiar to Cole Hamels he may indeed be an option!

Ruben Amaro Jr. is in Las Vegas this week attending his first winter baseball meeting as the General Manager of the Fightin Phillies. The entire setting is not new, however, for Amaro as he was given plenty of responsibilities in his role as Assistant G.M. under recently retired Pat Gillick in times past.

The Phillies are in search of perhaps two starting pitchers, a long man for the bullpen, a utility man and an outfielder to either start or platoon in one of the corner spots. It appears they have decided to part ways with Pat Burrell as it would seem that he will get higher offers from other teams to either DH, play first base or left field. Burrell may end up with the Giants or Angels I have been reading. I like him alot as he is one who always got what Philly was about and actually liked playing here for us “passionate” type fans! Same goes for Jamie Moyer and albeit it seems as if the Phillies want him back it may be perhaps not at his price or length of contract. Moyer seems to want more than one year and the Phillies seem to only want to sign him for an additional season. They seem a bit apart on money as well. I am hopeful they can work it out but would not be surprised if they do not.

That being said other outfield options are Raul Ibanez, Rocco Baldelli and Juan Rivera as free agents. My question is if the Phillies are willing to sign a lefty like Ibanez why not take a run at old buddy Bobby Abreau ? Abreau could play right field and Jayson Werth could switch over to Left field in that scenario.

In regards to pitching it has been rumored that the Phillies have talked to Derrick Lowe but it does not seem likely that they would meet his length of contract or money demands. Lowe reportedly wants five years at around 90 million total! We are in a recession right ? More probable to me would be Bradon Looper or perhaps a deal with Texas for old buddy Kevin Milwood.

Nick Punto has been rumored as a name the Phils might pursue as middle infield support but how bout that Damien Easley ? Russ Springer is a name that I have read as a potential add to the bullpen.

I have always liked that Ryan Freel from Cincinatti, wonder if Ruben could work something there for that guy, he would be a great sparkplug type for the Fightins. It seems that Jason Donald is somewhat of a hot commodity in regards to potential prospects to be dealt. The Baltimore Orioles apparently have some interest but not sure what Donald would fetch in a deal.

In any regard the week should be fun and interesting for us “Hot Stove” followers. The big names should go first, Sabbathia, Rodriquez, Ramirez, Burnett, Texieria and Lowe… after that then the deals should move a bit. I don’t think that money will fly as freely as in past years albeit Major League Baseball is coming off a record setting revenue year where gross receipts gained the league around 6.6 billion dollars!

Let the stove fire up, go get them Ruben! We are the champions but sure would be sweet to set us up to stay there!

The Phillies search for a left handed bat off the bench has apparently ended as Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that the team has acquired 40 year old first basemen/outfielder Matt Stairs from Toronto for a player to be named later.  Stairs has 11 homers and 44 RBI’s thus far this season.  He is a good hitter that should help fill the bench void.  Stairs is a native of Canada and had hoped to end his career as a Blue Jay.  Hopefully he can help his new team, the Phillies, reach the playoffs!  Now all we need is a set up man,  Brian Fuentes anyone ?