As you’ve noticed, the left side of the site is messed up. This seems to be a problem across wordpress, so I have no way to fix it. Hopefully wordpress gets this resolved soon. I’ll be back tomorrow with the Reading review. For today, here’s an open question for discussion. What will happen with Lou Marson next season? Will he start out on the 25 man roster? Will he be a mid season callup? Will he spend all year at AA or AAA? Will he be traded in the offseason? Make your case here, and we can re-visit this next winter to see who got it right.
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Phuture Phillies 
I’ll guess that Marson starts the season at AAA Lehigh Valley and gets a mid-season call-up around middle of July.
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Agree with Allentown. AA to the majors is a pretty big jump for a catcher. I’d give him a half season at AAA and see what happens. Coste and Ruiz will be fine for another half season though I suspect by the end of the year that Marson will at least have half the starting job. Ruiz eventually would be the backup (or even Jaramillo if Ruiz becomes more expensive after arbitration).
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Marson will start out at AAA.
Marson and Donald fit needs in our team in the VERY near future. I cannot see them being traded. icould see Carrasco being traded however.
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I think both Marson and Donald(3B) will be up by mid-season and starting(neither make it out of ST). I think they’ll trade Jaramillo away as a throw in to a deal(I hope not though). I would be shocked if they traded Marson after the way Ruiz struggled with the bat.
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Odd Platoon with Ruiz (Defense and Offense?) right off the bat out of spring training. They kept Lou up during the playoffs to send a message to Ruiz that hes got competition next spring.
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Knowing how conservative the Phillies are , Marson will start at AAA and get called up either when he shows he can handle the pitching at that level or if/when Ruiz and Coste continue to be non-productive. Off the subject, did anyone notice that Kyle Drabek pitched in Hawaii last night: 2inn/2H/0R/0W/3K.
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There’s not a doubt in my mind that Marson will start with the big-league club. There’s no other reason they would bring him along for the ride to “experience the playoff atmosphere” unless they were planning for him to make an impact right away next year. He and Ruiz will split time behind the plate next year until/unless one or the other proves to be much better. That would be my guess.
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I think that he’s in AAA just as long as it takes the team to figure out what they want to do with Coste. I’m sure an AL team could see some value in him as a backup catcher/bat off the bench.
I guess it’s a foregone conclusion to us that since we peg Marson starting at AAA that Jaramillo gets trade this offseason?
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I think that Marson and Jaramillo will battle in spring training for the back up job with the loser going to AAA. The winner will be based soley on catching defensive skills. If they Marson is ready to catch in the majors (as I do) he’ll be the back up for the year before starting the following year. This is the same theme I’m supporting for Donald as well. I think they’ll release Coste in the off season and it wouldn’t surprise me if they immediately hire him to be a minor league coach or scout.
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Pat Burrell –
Marson is not up to send a message to Ruiz during this important part of the season. Do you think they’d really want him questioning his ability at this point in the season? Marson is there in a worst case injury scenario, although some of the benefits that come with it is the whole “atmosphere” thing.
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If Coste was released he would immediately find a job as a back up on some other team. The idea he would just become a coach like that is a little naive.
Marson starts in AAA and is on the 25 man by the All STar break.
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My .02: out of respect for Coste as a veteran, they tell him early in the offseason that they are letting him go, and then have a competition for backup between Jaramillo and Marson. JJ makes the job, with Ruiz getting roughly 60-70% of the starts. Marson plays full time down in AAA, and when he looks ready, call him up and dangle Ruiz and Jaramillo and see which player nets you more in return. (Of course, we’re talking about the Phillies, so Jaramillo and Ruiz will platoon in AAA, and Coste and Ruiz will share the duties up in Philly again)
As for Drabek, nice to see him miss some bats – a lot of us seemed concerned that he had a six inning effort with 0 Ks late in the year.
– Jeff
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I’m of the opinion that Jaramillo is traded this offseason (similar to Estrada- although i’d love to know what the percieved difference in talent is)
It’s apparent the Phils like Marson and would love to keep him, but they also know that he needs to improve defensively. Say what you will about Ruiz, but he’s a pretty good defensive catcher- and the PHils love that.
Coste is the odd man. Unless they keep him as a utility guy, I could see him gone too.
I feel Marson starts at AAA, and gets brought up mid-season, whether by injury or “Coste trade” to another team that suffers an inury.
(for what it’s worth- I think Carrasco starts in AAA as well, and is a mid season call-up, per injury or double header etc.)
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Think that Marson/Jaramillo battle in ST to decide who gets the back-up spot behind Ruiz for 09. Marson wins that battle and is groomed to become the full-time starter in 2010.
As a 36-year old defensive liability, Coste’s offense isn’t nearly enough to justify his return.
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I would love to net Manny Delcarmen from the Red Sox, but Ruiz or Coste or Jaramillo wouldn’t be enough. He would definately shore up the pen next yr.
Ruiz handles this staff well, I don’t understand why people want him gone? He can’t hit and Marson can, well there is your duo but the fact that Ruiz is a good defensive catcher and the staff seems to like him. That’s an important part of being a catcher.
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not many catchers can do what he does everytime llidge is in the game…lidge wouldnt be nearly the same pitcher if he didnt have the faith to throw those nasty sliders in the dirt…dont underestimate how much that means to the club
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Ruiz and Coste will be back next year. Between them catching, the staff had the fourth best ERA in the NL and its 3.19 is the second best in post season of all 8 teams except for the Brewers 3.18. Jaramillo will be moved to another organization.
09 starting organization catching: AAA, Marson; AA, Gosewisch; High A, Naughton; Low A, D’Arnaud; split season A, Valle. If injury happens at any level everyone would move up one to the level of injury.
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What value do people think a thirty five year old catcher who can;t play defense is worth. and a twenty seven year old catcher who can’t beat out coste is worth .defensive catcher who can’t hit are a dime a dozen.and old players who have no position and hit 260 aren’t in great demand.
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Last season i was fairly content with Coste as a catching option, but things seemed to regress a little this year. Time to get him back playing other utility positions- his bat still has value.
I’m also ok to go into next year with Ruiz as a starter and see if his numbers improve. Then hope for Marson to be ready if Ruiz stinks with the bat again.
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Einar Diaz was traded for Travis Hafner once upon a time- so it happens. Ruiz and Diaz are virtual clones- though i imagine Diaz may have been a little younger at the time.
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One of the four will be traded and as long as it isn’t Marson I’m happy.
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Spring training will be interesting. A big ST just might do it for Lou but right now the hottest player on the 40 man but not on the 25 man roster is Les Walrond. In his two VWL starts he has outpitched both young prospects Carrasco and Monasterios in their two starts there. In his two VWL starts Les has struck out 12 in 9.2 innings giving up only one run.
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Apparrently this is off topic. But is anyone aware that the current phillies are in the World Series? Why not enjoy the moment.
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Here we go. Since this involves mlb speculation here
it is. I say trade Ryan Howard to Washington (they need)
1b, power, left-handed hitter) for John Lannon, Garret
Mock, and Mike Hinckley. Sign Rocco Baldelli as FA.
Baldellie, Victorino, Werth, OF -backed by Jenkins and
Stairs. Move Dobbs to 1b as LH option. RH option is
Lou Marson. Ruiz starts as C. Coste is back-up.
When Dobbs at 1b, Marson works in as C. Sometimes
Coste at 1b with Marson C. Bruntlett and Donald IF
back-ups alt with 11 or 12 pitchers.
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Ruiz- Starting Catcher
Jaramillo- Back Up Catcher (hopefully to build trade value)
Coste- Bench Player/Reserve Catcher (I see Dobbs playing LF)
Marson- Starts at Triple A. Will be a mid-season call up after the Jaramillo trade.
When does Ruiz reach arbitration? I’m sure that will have some impact on what the Phillies do. He’s a good catcher, but how much are you willing to pay him?
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What i would like to see happen which I dont think anyone has suggested yet is this, let Pat walk and use Dobbs and Coste as a platoon in LF moving Marson into the backup Catcher role. This also opens up the availability of adding a top notch starter if they feel the need to go after 1. I dont think a starter is the main goal of the front office but not using Kendrick and not decided on Moyer leaves a spot and who wouldnt want Lowe, Dempster, or another #3 starter or better?
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Dempster is another eaton. faded at the end .
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do people really think coste has much left. coste is too old and one dementioal. Is this april fool day Walrond why ?who is he .let him ,Eaton .Swindle be the starters next season. I know everybody is joking can’t be serious with Walrond
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“When does Ruiz reach arbitration? I’m sure that will have some impact on what the Phillies do. He’s a good catcher, but how much are you willing to pay him?”
After next year. But even in arbitration at his current production his salary won’t add up to anything restrictive by that time.
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“Dempster is another eaton. faded at the end .”
He went 5-2 with an era a shade above 3 in august and september. I’d love him- just not at the 4 year contract someone will probably give him.
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Rocky, your a little off on Dempster he has been 100% a different pitcher this year because he found what his flaw was and fixed it plus he added a new pitch… Pitchers re-invent themselves all the time.
I dont think Coste has a lot left but I think he will have more in a platoon situation in the OF not at Catcher. The guy can hit but not while putting 50 games at Catcher. I honestly think Dobbs against RHs and Coste against LH in RF will be just fine. Plus this allows Marson to learn on the fly and he wont be hurting us at all!
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Marson will make the team out of ST. Coste will be gone next season. His bat’s not that good to keep around people. Marson gets about 300 ABs next year.
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I’ve got to agree with Rocky and his horrible sentence structure – Walrond is a career AAAA player. Did anyone watch him when he got his shot with the Phils this year? No command at all.
With that said, he has a lot of value to an organization – a guy who you can stash away at AAA, provide some depth, and is a decent #6 starter option in case of an injury.
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NEPP – I still think Coste has a year or two left in him. A lot of people forget that he can play 3B and 1B too. He’s a good 25th man on a team, and a nice right handed bat off the bench in the 6th inning.
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The Phils organization’s best right handed hitting DH today might be found in the desert. DH Jason Donald is 4 for 5 today for the AFL’s Solar Sox.
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Desrepect him ,call him names. throw sticks and stones at him
move him up the ladder, he only gets better. He is
Donald Dog
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To Matt: I think Coste has a couple years left too but I dont see a space for him on the Phillies roster depending how things turn out. If they carry him as a backup 1B, RH bat he’s pretty one dimensional. I see Donald and Marson on the 25 man for most of the season. They’ll sign a corner OF to replace Burrell and probably. Bruntlett might stay as well. The Phillies seem to love those no bat defensive utility guys. So the bench is Jenkins, Dobbs, Marson, Donald & FA outfielder replacing Taguchi (a Baldelli type). Maybe Coste sticks around with the club but they dont really need a 3rd catcher/backup 1B as Dobbs can play 1B and Howard plays every game basically. I see Coste going somewhere else and playing a few more years though…he’s good enough for that. Marson’s a good young bat, a better defender and much faster than Coste….he gives them the best chance to win as a platoon catcher…and they’re not getting rid of Ruiz (They love him)
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Walrond sucks, he’s not a player you have on a winning team. He’s a 2nd division 12th pitcher type.
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The one player who is being mention. That the phillies love is Rocco Baldelli. They tried to get him before. If he is healty then he would be a good choice. My target to replace Burrell is Bradley.Even though he is a flake, he is the type of player charlie usually can handle, and he can play.
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The problem with Baldelli is that his condition is a chronic illness…he likely isn’t getting better and will never be an everyday guy again. Ashame Michael Taylor is a couple years away.
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I bet the Phils are licking their chops at the chance to sign Baldelli, expecially with LaMar now in tow. He’ll the other half of the leftfield platoon they envision after they allow Burrell to walk next month. Cot’s has Baldelli with exactly 6 years of major league service.
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Ruiz had two superior (for a catcher) minor lg seasons just before joining the big club.
Is he too far removed from those days to hope for improvement offensively in ’09 starting with spring training?
However, as disgusted as we may be with his bat at the bottom of the order, the longtime take in baseball has been that the most important responsibility of a catcher is to call a good game….which enhances the pitching greatly.
You remember Lieby? He could hit before he got seriously hurt. But he called a terrible game; i.e., he was not wise in the way of watching each reaction of the hitter in front of him to each pitch and make in-game adjustments. Knowing when to stick to or temporaily amend the gamne plan is the name of a good catcher’s game. I f have one, you don’t dismiss him readily.
That is why Ruiz SHOULD remain as #1 in ’09 and why, despite our love for his bat, Marson needs more time at AAA to refine his defense…and a little more stronger in throws to 2nd base.
Nevetheless, Marson gets praise for leading lots of the phils prospect-pitchers on the way up through the minors….”because he works well with the pitchers.”
So…he ain’t far away.
Finally, the longtime “truth” still prevails:” anything offensively gotten from that better cather is just a bonus”
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I would not platoon Marson. He won’t be on the Phils as a backup. He’ll start in AAA. If Jaramillo beats out Coste, then he’s a good backup (switch-hitting catcher with some defensive skills). If Ruiz and Coste are in Philly and Marson’s at LHV, I hope Jaramillo is traded, for his sake. Marson will be in Philly by the end of the year or at the first hint of injury. Just don’t bring him up to caddie for anyone.
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Would baldelli be a type a free agent.
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Baldelli can’t be an every day player, and he really only makes sense if you can use him to replace Jenkins- but Jenkins is signed for next year and has no trade value, so thats not really likely.
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The scout.com Phillies forums would be a great place to discuss possible major league FA accquistions, we have a great conversation going on about it right now, with an emphasis on payroll consideration.
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Is Marson just in arizona to stay in shape. I can’t find any stats on him. Doesn’t anybody have any info or opinion on why Taylor is struggling in Hawaii. I don’t know the level of prospect that go to that winter league. Is he seeing better pitching than he is used to or what?
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I thought Marson was with the Phills as their bullpen catcher? He was with them in LA.
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Marson is still with the team. He is catching in the bullpen and if there was a major injury to Coste or Ruiz he could still be added to the roster. I saw Golson on tv during warmups. I assume he’s there for the same reasons as Marson.
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on the list I saw Baldelli was not a type A, mostly due
to lack of playing time due to his mitochrondial
issues. It’s a muscle recovery thing, to my understanding
so he might platoon for a while if no change. As I recall
Milton Bradley, Mike Cameron et al. are Type A’s.
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Marfis Thanks.
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Baldelli is definitely not a Type A…he wouldn’t cost us anything in all honesty. I think Ruiz and Marson splitting time would be an idea situation…UC could play the hot hand. I also think Ruiz will be closer to his 2nd half numbers and 07 numbers next season than his 08 campaign. Ruiz isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
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Actually the compensation lists will officially
come out shortly. A Detroit tigers enthusiast
has made some projections which are done through the season, which seem pretty accurate. These were done
after the season (Oct. 18) from Tigers-thoughts.blogspot.
com)
NL Type A- Manny Ramirez, Adam Dunn, Pat Burrell,
Brian Giles (option)
AL Tlype A- Mark Texeira, Vladimir Guerrero, Raul Ibanez,
B. Abreu, Jim Thome, Milton Bradley
Those were Type A’s for 1B, OF, DH’s
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Do you think that Teams, might not want to give compenstation for Burrell.
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The Phillies wanted Rocco Baldelli BEFORE he was diagnosed with a illness that causes him shake when he stands for more than 5 minutes.
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