Tag Archives: Yankees

Latest: Cole Hamels Talks and Trade Rumors

15 Jul

Photo: US Presswire

Here’s the latest chatter on Cole Hamels from around the web:

According to multiple reports the Angels, Dodgers, and Rangers had scouts in attendance to watch Cole Hamels’ start against the Rockies this afternoon.  The lefty didn’t disappoint, dealing eight innings of one-run ball at Coors Field.

Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com tweeted that The Rangers sent Don Welke, the senior special assistant to GM Jon Daniels, to Denver to watch Hamels pitch, and he hinted that Texas wants Hamels bad. Salisbury says that a source told him The Phillies are still “trying like heck” to sign the left-hander.

I hope he’s right.

The Phillies’ offer to Hamels is “expected to be in the ballpark that they know the left-hander will want, this close to free agency,” tweets ESPN’s Buster Olney.

Brian Coulter from PhilaPhans  tweeted ”My only guess on the offer to Hamels: 6 years for $150 Million. 7th year is a vesting option at $30M. Buyout at $15M. Final total: 6/$165M.” 

I think he’s pretty spot on.

Here’s the rest of the chatter courtesy of MLBTraderumors.com -

  • The Dodgers and Phillies have had discussions about Hamels, but the Phillies aren’t thrilled with the players they would receive in return, according to Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com. The Dodgers could become more aggressive in their pursuit with news that Chad Billingsley is suffering from elbow issues.
  • The Phillies have a scout attending the Angels-Yankees game fueling speculation the Halos could be in on Hamels, writes Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. Heyman lists 10 teams that could be interested in Hamels, as well as the Brewers‘ Zack Greinke.
  • In the same piece, Heyman quotes one official who says there’s a 30% chance the Phillies sign Hamels to a long-term extension.
  • Outside executives believe the Phillies will work feverishly to extend Hamels rather than trade him, writes Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Sherman provides three reasons for such a theory, including that it’s harder than ever to land a commensurate package for a star in his walk year given the rule changes in the new collective bargaining agreement.

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Phils Shopping Shane

14 Jul

According to a report from ESPN’s Buster Olney the Phillies are indeed shopping outfileder Shane Victorino.

Rival teams are saing that the Phillies‘ asking price for Shane Victorino is sky high right now.  Last week, people familiar with the club’s thinking told Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com that whether he is dealt before the deadline or plays out the year in Philadelphia, he doesn’t appear to be long for the organization.  Victorino was looking for a 5-year deal at the beginning of the season, and the Phillies most certainly won’t go there.

Victorino has looked lost at the plate, and a change of scenery might just be what he needs to turn it around.

Shane is said to be a fit for many teams including the Indians, Pirates, and maybe the Yankees, but it’s not clear if anyone would give them value equal to the draft pick they would receive as compensation, tweets Olney.

One other fit for Victorino could be the Reds.  They’re currently looking for a lead-off hitter, but their outfield is pretty full with Jay Bruce, Drew Stubbs, and Ryan Ludwick.

Last night’s loss wis the Phillies 11th, in 12 games.  If the Phillies are going to turn things around, they need to start doing it yesterday.

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Phils/Blanton Strong in Win Over Yanks

5 Mar

Photo: Miles Kennedy

Big Joe Blanton looked good in his first tune up of the Spring as the Phillies beat the Yankees 9-3.  With a good bit of help from the Phillies offense they were able to finally put a “1″ in the win column of their Grapefruit League record.  Blanton allowed just two hits in two innings pitched and recorded a strikeout.  He was the beneficiary of 5 ground-ball outs which has always been Blanton’s key to success, as he is a contact pitcher. If he can remain healthy Blanton figures to be the Phillies fourth starter.

Fans will be pleased to know that Placido Polanco had a good game as well, going two for three with an RBI.  Polanco’s bat is going to be a crucial part to the Phillies 2012 campaign, so let’s hope this is just a sign of what’s to come from him. Rollins, and Thome recorded two hits as well.

The Phillies also looked agressive on the bases today.  Jimmy Rollins stole two bags in the same inning which lead to a run, and Juan Pierre attempted a steal as well, but was thrown out.

Phillies prospect Domonic Brown had another defensive mishap in the outfield today when he misplayed a ball that lead to a Brett Gardener triple.  Gardener scored on the same play after an error was committed by Kevin Frandsen.  Brown dropped a ball in the Phillies loss to the Yankees yesterday.  Brown was hoping to turn some heads this Spring, but has had some trouble getting things going.  He’s 2 for 8 so far this Spring and has been caught stealing once.

Cliff Lee takes the mound on Tuesday at 1:05 P.M. as the Phillies will travel to take on the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin. The game won’t be on TV, but will be on 94.1 FM in Philadelphia.

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J.C. Moving Again?

14 Jul

I don’t really want to dive too deep into this since it’s about the Yankees, but since he’s a recently former Phil, I figured I could give J.C. Romero a little air time.

According to Buster Olney, J.C. Romero intends to opt out of his deal with the Nationals and sign a minor league deal with the Yankees if Washington doesn’t promote him to the Major Leagues by Friday.

I guess it makes sense for the Yankees to consider Romero.  It won’t cost them much (as if that ever mattered) for them to give him a look as he would accept a minor league deal.  They only have one lefty in their bullpen currently, and it looks as if Pedro Feliciano won’t be pitching in 2011. They also lost Jobo Chamberlain, who had Tommy John surgery last month, and Rafael Soriano hasn’t pitched since sometime in May.  So it seems they are looking for early options before the end of July.

Boo. Hoo.

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Phillies Weekly Report

12 Jul

Here’s a look at my column I write for PhilaPhans.com.

I’m posting it here so you can check it out, but if you want to read this in the future, I have a new addition every Monday morning on PhilaPhans. Consider popping over to PhilaPhans and even becoming a member.  I’m usually hanging around in the Game Day Thread during Phillies games.  Come join in!

The Phillies Weekly Report

By The Phanatic Addict

It was another 4-2 week for the Phillies. Two more series wins. One against theMarlins, and one against the hotAtlanta Braves. The series win over the Braves sure felt good with them right on the Phillies tail, and the 14-1 pounding we handed them made it that much better. .666 Baseball is nothing to be sorry about.

I do worry a little about the Phillies second half schedule. They played plenty of teams with losing records in the first half, and a lot of their second half games are on the road. The Phillies are 34-15 (.693) at home, but just 23-19 (.547) away from Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies have recently been known as a second half club, but it would be nice not to have to

The Offense – The Phillies offense showed up for five out of their six games this week. I can’t explain what happened on Saturday, but we do have to give a little bit of credit to Tommy Hanson, who pitched well. Cliff Lee managed to hit a homer off him, why didn’t anyone else? A head scratcher indeed.

As much as I see everyone complaining about how bad this offense is, the Phillies scored 39 runs this week. Yes, 28 of them came in two games but we scored these runs off of some pretty good pitchers.

The biggest blow to the team was losing Shane Victorino after it appeared tat he would be coming back pretty quick. Shane should return as soon as he is eligible when the Phillies face the Cubs next week.

Starting Pitching – Heading into the All-Star break things are looking really good. Sure, We’d like to have Oswalt up and pitching well, but the guys that are here are pitching like studs. The Phillies have three of their starters heading to the All-Star game in Arizona. It is the first time in the last 25 years that a team has had three pitchers with more then 9 wins, and ERA’s below 3.00 at the break.

I’m sure that Cole Hamels enjoyed the 28 runs of support that he got this week. It’s probably more then he got in 2010.

The Pen – I’m excited to see that Ryan Madson is closer to making his return. Antonio Bastardo has been just brilliant in his turn as the closer for the Phillies, but the possibility that Madson could be back next weekend is really big for the bullpen.

Brad Lidge has had some rehab appearances this week in his road back, and all have been rather positive. I’ll take a healthy Lidge over Andrew Carpenter any day.

Two straight scoreless appearances for Juan Perez have earned him the right to hang around a little longer in my book. He’s made the Braves hitters look just silly on Friday night, and you can never have enough lefties in your pen.

The Bench – This bench seems to become more important to the success of the Phillies every single game. With Shane Victorino, and Placido Polanco on the shelf the bench players have stepped onto the field and have almost flawlessly filled in.

Michael Martinez turned in seven hits in his last five games. Not to mention four runs, four RBI and a couple of really great catches. John Mayberry Jr. has also been really great in his last few starts. Six hits, Seven RBI, and three runs score. His three doubles on Sunday are proof that he may just have the tools to be considered for a starting job, if not at least as a platoon player in 2012.

Managers- I’d say that my only surprise of the week from the managers would be their decision to pull Kyle Kendrick out of a game that he was winning after just five innings. They turned the ball over to the bullpen and the game was over. The Phillies committed three errors in this game which cost them, and Kyle was the scapegoat.

After a 14 run game, you want to get right back out on the field and keep playing, but let’s be real. This team needs some rest. With the injured players we have sitting, and Chase Utley’s knee problems I think that a four day rest is just fine and dandy.

Again, the Phillies ended this week with two more series victories, and you can’t ask for too much more then that.

On a personal note, I’ve kept this a little shorter then usual, but with a wild work week, and a new addition to our family, I’m pretty spent. Congratulations to my sister and her husband on the birth of their new daughter. Welcome to the family Erin.

If you have time stop by my blog The Phanatic Addict, and I’ll see you in the forums.

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Taking Your Mind Off The Offense

26 Apr

Alright I flipping love this commercial…

This one for Norelco Razors however is just plain terrible.
Could these guys possibly be worse actors… Well, Yes. they can.  It all started here for Pap.
My wife and I are headed to the Iron Pigs game tonight.  I sure hope they have the Flyers game on there.  

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Utley Working – Polanco and Lidge Closer

20 Mar

Everyone is holding their breath when it comes to the health of Chase Utley.  While they sort through the rest of the infield contenders, it’s pretty certain that Wilson Valdez will be the Phillies Opening Day starter at second base.  Some good news though is that Placido Polanco is getting closer to making his return to the lineup.  It’s looking like Polly is probably about out from getting back into games.  Brad Lidge has also made some strides in his road to recovery.

On Sunday before the Phillies took the field against the New York Yankees Chase Utley fielded ground balls while sitting in a stool as he’s not in a spot yet where he’s able to do any foot work.  He did however take a short turn during batting practice.  Utley has said that he doesn’t feel the sort of discomfort he does batting as he does while he’s in the field.  Utley had gone to see a rehabilitation specialist that has advised the Phillies to have Chase to continue a specific rehab regimen rather then seek surgical council.  Ruben Amaro Jr. told Todd Zolecki that “There are a lot of risks any time you have surgery. And especially in
this area with some of the things that are going on with his knee,
there’s a risk it would cause more damage.”
  It’s still very much up in the air if and when Utley will be able resume an unrestricted workout routine. 

Placido Polanco is in a much better position to return to action.  After being pulled from the preseason game last Tuesday after he hyperextended his left elbow. Placido will possibly be ready to return to action as early as this week.  That’s welcome news as Charlie Manuel continues to tinker with his lineup card.  As it is right now Michael Martinez and Josh Barfield are still fighting for roster spots.  Rumors were circulating about the Phillies possible interest in the Mets Luis Castillo, but Phillies Assistant GM Scott Proefrock denied any such interest from the organization. Twenty-four hours later?  He’s a Phillie.  There has been much debate over this signing today, but you have to look at it this way, he’s only been given a Minor League deal, so if the Phillies don’t like what they see they can cut him and pay him nothing. 

Brad Lidge will pitch in a Minor League game on Tuesday.  He has been throwing without discomfort and is satisfied with his progress in his recovery from his bicep tendinitis.   The Phillies are fully confident that Lidge, baring any further injury. 

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Phillies Start Play With Win

27 Feb

cole1.jpgThe Phillies began their Grapefruit League play yesterday in Tampa with a 5-4 win over the New York Yankees. Cole Hamels had 1 earned run in two innings with two strikeouts.  Cole struggled with his command a little bit, but let’s remember this is the first time he’s faced live batters.  Jokingly afterward he admitted that his cutter really isn’t working very well, “They’re going down into the dirt,” Hamels said.  Don’t worry, he’s still got plenty of time to get it right.

Hamels was followed by Vance Worley, who looked pretty strong. Phillies middle releif struggled some but Mike Zagurski and Jason Grilli shut the door for the Phillies after the Phillies rallied to pull ahead in the 8th.

Offensively there wasn’t too much to talk about other then Ben Francisco‘s lead off triple.  Phillies farmhand Dane Sardinha went 2 for 2 with 2 RBI. 

The Phillies were without Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley, but Rollins will be back in the lineup on Sunday when the Phillies open up at home in Clearwater. Utley will not, as he is still sore from this weeks workouts.

Side Notes –

B Game – The Phillies had a B game at Brighthouse Field that wasn’t so good.   Danys Baez was absolutely terrible.  Baez allowed 5 runs on 5 hits and 1 walk in only 2/3 of an inning yesterday. … ugh..

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There’s a Game Today!

26 Feb

uts.jpgIt feels like it’s been forever since the Phillies have played a game, but finally it’s here.  I used to think that spring training was so boring, but this year I am beyond excited to see the guys take the field.  Don’t forget, if you have the MLB Network then you can watch the game at 1 PM. Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley will not play in today’s game.  Utley is apparently still battling some soreness. Charlie Manuel said that Jimmy is out because he missed the last two days of practice. 

Cole Hamels will pitch today.  Where Cole will only throw about 30 pitches, Rich Dubee told the media that he feels Cole is in mid-season form. 

People are already speculating about Chase Utley.  Chase keeps everything pretty close to the vest, so he’s going to come out and tell you that something is wrong.  If Charlie is saying that Chase is fine, then I believe it.  It’s spring training.  It’s a little early to need to hide things.  There’s no reason to push a player into a meaningless game.

OK so here’s today’s starting lineup:

  1. Pete Orr, 2B
  2. Ross Gload, DH
  3. Raul Ibanez, LF
  4. Ryan Howard, 1B
  5. Ben Francisco, CF
  6. Domonic Brown, RF
  7. Jeff Larish, 3B
  8. Brian Schneider, C
  9. Wilson Valdez, SS

Side Notes –

Chad Durbin – Chad signed in incentive laden deal to play with the Indians.  The deal is for $800,000 but Chad can apparently earn up to a million dollars more if he plays well.  Chad had told his agent of his intent to play for a “Contender” … and now he plays for Cleveland. 

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Utley, Rollins Out Against Seminoles

23 Feb

defrat.jpgThe Phillies are prepared for action in tomorrow’s exhibition against the Florida State Seminoles.  With the exception of Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins, most of the regulars are expected to start.  Chase is a little sore from this weeks activities and will sit out. Chase will be a game time decision for Saturday’s Grapefruit League opener against the Yankees.  Jimmy has been invited to attend the The Motown Sound tribute at the White House by special invitation of President Obama. He will miss the teams workout on Friday.

Righty Drew Naylor will get the start against the Seminoles. Also
scheduled to pitch against the Seminoles are Eddie Bonine, Juan Perez, Michael
Stutes, Michael Schwimer, Justin De Fratus and Scott Mathieson.  I’m pretty excited to see what De Fratus brings tomorrow, as he might just be the Dark Horse that makes the Phillies bullpen.  In addition to Thursday, Justin has also been tabbed to pitch on Sunday against the Yankees, as well.  

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