257 thoughts on “Open Discussion: Week of November 19th”

1. Would love to trade for Longoria and sign Carlos Santana. Shift Hoskins to left and use some of our outfield depth to trade for pitching.

   LikeLike

   1. I like that idea, Andrew. When I first saw the interest in Santana, I was shocked but then I remembered how Hoskins was a fairly good LFer.

      LikeLike

      1. Well, TrollU, we lived with Burrell and Ibanez in left for quite a while. Hoskins can’t be worse. And Santana plays a good first base, walks 90 times, 20 homers, 30 doubles. Pretty much a career .370 obp guy. That wouldn’t be bad for 3-4 years. And we could clear some 40-man space with the longoria trade.

         Everybody always knocks down my position player ideas because “we need pitching.” Well why can’t we fulfill other areas AND add pitching?

         LikeLike

         1. Longoria’s contact is starting to outweigh his play on the field. I’m def not giving up too much to get him thats for sure. He’d be a good vet add for a contending team, us? not so much. Just my opinion

            LikeLike

            1. Style guy has averaged a solid 3.5 WAR per year for the last 4 years. He made $13M last year and picked up a gold glove. I’m curious to know how much money you think is too much or how much his play versus his pay “weighs.”

               I also think he would be a good vet to add to a team who could use a good vet.

               It always annoys me when fans worry about how much money a guy costs. Evan longoria will never make more than $20M a season. He will not hinder us from making the moves we need to make down the road. I’m sure John Middleton is thankful for you looking out for his wallet. So yes, let’s pass in a guy who will only make us better not only for next year, but the next 4 years.

               LikeLike

               1. You have a plan that makes sense for perhaps a better offensive run-producing team and generate more wins. and also for beyond next season..
                  But do I think Matty K and Company think like that……nope.
                  You could FedEx your plan to 100 Citizens Bank Way…and you will get the traditional thank you letter in return for your interest.

                  LikeLike

   2. We finally have a good outfield and a first baseman, best not mess with it. Sign a couple free agent pitchers this year and next or rather make a trade for a pitcher with our prospect depth.

      LikeLike

      1. Aaron Altherr can’t stay healthy and Nick Williams might take a step back. If one of those things happens, our outfield will be sketchy. If both happen, and there is a good chance they do, our outfield looks horrible.

         The team needs to add wins. If you can improve several positions to be better, you go for it. You can do that, AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT, add pitching as well.

         I don’t understand you people that are willing overlook upgrades around the diamond just because we need another pitcher or two. Makes no sense whatsoever.

         LikeLike

2. The Phillies 40 man roster stands at 38. There are at least 3 guys they will be added. Kilome, Gomez and Dominguez. I do think we will see some trades made today, very similar to the Yankees/Mariners trade that occurred on Saturday. Appel, Zac Curtis are 2 names that jump out right away as guys who get removed from the 40 man roster.

   LikeLike

   1. Kilome, Dominguez, Suarez, and Taveras are the likely additions to the 40-man roster with Perkins and Curtis likely to be excised. Other transactions Monday (today) will open spots for near future acquisitions and/or a possible rule 5 grab (off the Yankees’ farm?).

      Santana can flat rake but does he really make sense?

      I would offer Darvish 4 years/$120M, front loading the 1st 2 yrs @$35M AAV, then lightening it the last 2 @$25M. (Word over the weekend is his market runs at 5 yrs/$110-115M. If so, make the statement by outbidding what is affordable.)

      I also like the idea of signing lefty reliever Jake McGee. And Tyler Chatwood fits the bill for the 2nd SP acquisition. Splash! If not, then the plan as well discussed ad nauseum here is to trade Cesar & Co. for a TOR arm. Angels make the most sense for both clubs.

      LikeLike

      1. Chatwood’s market is estimated to be 3 yrs/$20M. I would blow that out of the water by offering $25-28M. Why? Because we can. If Darvish isn’t a get, then Chatwood and Skaggs would be okay behind Nola. Next year’s FA market for arms is less impressive than this year’s. Then, we’ll buy a big bat or two.

         LikeLike

         1. I definitely like the idea of making a run at Darvish. Chatwood? Meh. I’d rather give VV and Pivetta the opportunity in the 4-5 spots of the rotation to make good on their promise (immense, in the chase of Velasquez) than sign someone who is just another guy.

            LikeLike

            1. Mike, I would try to sell high on VV (perhaps in a package) now. It’s a bit of a risk, I know, but we might find a buyer (Yankees? Rangers?) for a nice return. Just not feeling him as a building piece. He could blossom later in his career but by then he wouldn’t do us any good. Just a gut feeling on my part. I have higher hopes for Pivetta.

               LikeLike

               1. How do you sell high on an arm that can’t start more than 20 games a season and in those 20 starts can’t throw more than 5 innings?

                  LikeLike

               2. I think we’re sleeping on Velasquez. It’s easy to forget how dirty his stuff is … he had a 10.44 K/9 in 24 starts in 2016! An xFIP of 3.67! Yes, 2017 was a bit of a disaster, but a full, healthy offseason could help to straighten out some of the control issues that reared their head last year.

                  The 2017 postseason was riddled with pitchers who took a little time to develop: Arrieta, Carrasco, Bauer, etc. Velasquez could certainly wind up a washed-out bullpen piece in a few years, but it’s also easy to see him rounding into form as a live arm in the top end of a contending rotation.

                  LikeLike

         2. 8mark,

            I like your thinking. We’ve got the money to make this a two-year staged free agency build. Then, we solid pitching and a Manny Machado or other strong bat or two, 2019 definitely would be fun.

            LikeLike

      2. “trade Cesar & Co. for a TOR arm. Angels make the most sense for both clubs.” What TOR arm do the Angels have to trade?

         LikeLike

         1. Toronto has Stroman. The Angels have Tyler Skaggs among others.

            LikeLike

            1. I’d prefer a LHP like Skaggs to break up the right handed rotation vs another RHP as is Stroman, and who also is listed at 5’8″.

               LikeLike

               1. Hey …. what do you have against people who are 5’8”? Lol

                  LikeLike

               2. Nothing…..I am only a tick or two or three above that.
                  It is just RHP that diminutive, who have talent, seem to have short burst of greatness. Then the decline to relieverhood. Tim Lincecum and Sonny Gray both come to mind recently….and they were around 5’11”

                  LikeLike

            2. Stroman is a TOR. Skaggs? Not by a long shot.

               LikeLike

               1. Well, to have Stroman as the TOR…then Cesar will not be enough to get him.

                  LikeLike

         2. Good point, Aron.
            I do like Stroman but I’m reading Toronto is going for contention next season.

            LikeLike

3. Would any of you do Cesar Hernandez for Skaggs straight up or would the Angels have to throw in more in terms of players?

   LikeLike

   1. I think the Phillies would have to add a prospect pitcher….a Drew Anderson type or similar.
      As good as Cesar’s metrics have been these last two years it is rare any more where a second base player returns a starting young controlled, and LHP MLB starting pitcher.
      Even Logan Forsythe could not do that….it was DeLeon the prospect that the Dodgers relinquished in return..

      LikeLike

      1. with the Angels being interested in Kinsler, I don’t believe CeHe gets a huge haul

         LikeLike

   2. Thus far, Skaggs has pitched like a throw-in in a trade of Hernandez for somebody else. I have never seen Skaggs pitch, but his statistics are bad and he’s no longer young. So unless you’re seeing true TOR potential (I mean like a legit 1 or 2) in Skaggs, trading Hernandez for Skaggs straight up looks to me like a horrendous trade. In fact, putting aside who you trade to get him, I’m not sure I want this guy at all. I mean, really, he’s been a BAD major league player thus far. I don’t get the love for him at all and I certainly don’t get the idea that we should trade Cesar for him.

      LikeLike

4. ” Interestingly, the feeling within the new Braves front office (now led by new GM Alex Anthopoulos) is that “Maitan was [not] worth the money or the hype,” so losing him wouldn’t be a major setback for the farm system.” – from mltbr
   Reading this makes me laugh. Sounds like when someone gets broken up with and they are trying to make themselves feel better about it. Also makes me laugh because there was a poster on Philly.com who is now banned and was obsessed with the fact the Phillies wouldnt sign Maitan

   LikeLike

5. Any chance of trades today? Phillies have to make some room on that 40 man roster

   LikeLike

   1. How comfortable and what is your confidence level believing in Matty K. making creative trades today?
      I can see something happening at the winter meetings in a few weeks….but today when he is up against the gun to clear 39 or 40 space and perhaps pick up something of value…I have my doubts.

      LikeLike

      1. eh perhaps something is already brewing, but no confidence really

         LikeLike

   2. Not a chance sorry troll. Our gm is buying his turkey and fixings for thansgiving

      LikeLike

      1. ROFL!

         LikeLike

6. This is the time of year when I have the most confidence in our analytical nerds. They have tons of data on every player in MLB. They know which of our players are unlikely to advance, and which are under rated on other teams. I don’t expect the Phillies to make a lot of moves, but I expect them to acquire a pitcher of equal value to Nola, and a reclamation project that we can move at the deadline. We also need a lefty reliever.

   LikeLike

7. I would like to have a spot for a Rule V pick. I think the Yankees have a couple of guys I would like. Overall, I am still waiting to see what Klentak is made of. I am reserving judgment, but my confidence level is not very high. The SPs next year, assuming, as I am, that Kershaw re-signs in LA, is not great. So, I am in on Darvish and love the idea of hitting his #, but in a 4 year deal, maybe with a nice buyout for a 5th year option. So, a deal that is 4 years, with an option that guarantees him $120 Million is what I do.

   LikeLike

   1. They only rule 5 option that I would consider would be a left handed bullpen arm. You can stash him in the bull pen. I want the positional players to earn their way onto the roster. Can you look Cozens or Quinn in the eye and tell them that they’re going back to AAA because you have to keep the rule 5 guy.

      LikeLike

      1. yes because Cozens, as of now, strikes out too much, and Quinn would probably be on the DL

         LikeLike

8. One Phillies player who shined in the AFL:
   https://www.milb.com/milb/news/philadelphia-phillies-righty-jd-hammer-nearing-end-of-breakout-season-in-arizona-fall-league/c-261840950

   LikeLike

   1. The Phillies screwed up a bunch of things last offseason, but the Kendrick and Neshek signings were excellent and flip of Neshek for Hammer appears to be a really solid one. I like the players they obtained for Kendrick too.

      LikeLike

   2. Nice read. Thanks Romus.

      LikeLike

9. Phillies designate Appel and Tirado for assignment ………pick up Giant infielder Engelb Vielmo ?

   LikeLike

   1. How big is he (Vielmo) ???

      LikeLike

      1. 5’11” and 155

         LikeLike

         1. … and he’s a giant ?

            LikeLike

            1. Sorry, RU. Just thought it sounded funny.

               LikeLike

               1. GOOD ONE, Hinkie !

                  LikeLike

10. Appel and Tirado DFAd, Eln. Garcia outrighted to AAA.
    Phils claimed Engelb Vielma (who?) from SF.

    LikeLike

    1. Vielma was a Twin original LA signee 6 years ago for $90K.
       Do not get this signing one iota.
       He couldn’t hit at Rochester…..Jesmuel Valentin is a better option.
       And also with Eli Alvarez obtained from the Cardinals a few months ago, do not see the need for this.

       LikeLike

    2. I suspected Tirado’s spot was in danger, but I home they can sign him to a minors deal

       LikeLike

       1. I doubt he gets picked up.
          And you are probably correct he gets re-signed to a minor league deal….someone will do that he may be more comfortable either with the Jays or Phllies org.

          LikeLike

11. Tirado and Appel DFA’d. Elniery Garcia outrighted. Dominguez, Suarez, Kilome and Taveras added to the 40. Infielder Engelb (sp?) Vielma claimed from the Giants. Phillies Facebook post.

    LikeLike

12. Kilome, Taveras, Suarez and Dominguez added to 40. Tried to post this earlier but don’t know where it went,

    LikeLike

13. Engelb Stalin Vielma is a 23 yo SS from Maracaibo VZ. He played last year in Sacramento (AAA) and Fall league in VZ. Hit .275 in AA. .206 in AAA. http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t105

    LikeLike

    1. I wonder if his parents were dedicated communists? (Engels and Stalin) LOL Maybe they just liked the way the names sounded.

       LikeLike

       1. How about Lenin Rodriguez, our GCL catcher?

          LikeLike

          1. Well we do know of one player that there is no Russian mystery behind their name …Anton Kuznetsov

             LikeLike

    2. Not Sac. , he played 84 games for Rochester (Twins) , Phils played against him most of the year (he had a few AA games) so they must have seen something.

       LikeLike

       1. You are correct. The Giants claimed him off waivers from the Twins and and assigned him to Sacramento. He played all his AAA games for Rochester. It was close to my bedtime. What can I say? I’m old. 🙂

          LikeLike

14. By my count we are right at 40 after today’s moves? I suspect they eventually turn around and see if Vielma clears waivers.

    LikeLike

15. I was wondering.
    Is this the date to finalize the 40 prior to the Rule 5.
    Or can they still make changes to the 40 thru Dec 13th….since the Rule 5 draft is on Dec 14th?

    LikeLike

    1. I believe they can continue to make changes but all 40-man players after tonight would have to clear in order to be removed from the 40. I view today’s deadline most about protecting the new from the (r5) draft.

       I believe this may be evidenced by prior year’s transactions the first week of December. If I recall, teams are maneuvering right up to the day if the rule 5 draft. I suspect then it is possible that any of the newly added players, say Kilome for example only, could be ‘waived’ prior to the draft in order to accommodate another acquired player

       LikeLike

       1. That is what I thought also…thanks Steve.

          LikeLike

16. Sources: #Mets, #Tigers have had preliminary discussions on an Ian Kinsler trade. @MLBNetwork @MLB

    — Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 20, 2017

    Good news for the Phillies if the Mets can pull off a deal for Kinsler. Would take away a 2B option for the Angels. Come on, Matt Klentak … get CeHe to LA.

    LikeLike

    1. Hinkie – who you looking for in return? Angels have an interesting but limited system

       LikeLike

       1. I’ve been hoping for Tyler Skaggs for a few months now. Maybe it would take CeHe and an upper level prospect for Skaggs and a lower level prospect.

          LikeLike

          1. The Angels have several intriguing young outfielders (17 to 20 yo) in their system. One of them plus Skaggs for Cesar and an excess AAA arm would work for me.

             LikeLike

       2. Bridwell… haven’t seen a lot of him, but what I have seen I’ve liked. Unfortunately, with the Angles having such a thin system, they are probably placing a higher value on him than another team might. Could argue that they need Bridwell in the rotation more than they need Hernandez at 2B. I would love the deal, though.

          LikeLike

17. You gotta’ love Brian Cashman. For the second time this week, he’s flipped possible 40 man excess (guys who could be lost to the rule 5) for assets. This time he even got some J2 money. This is what I’ve been calling for Klentak to do. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/11/marlins-acquire-garrett-cooper-caleb-smith.html
    Hopefully, I’m wrong, and Klentak plans to ship off an excess arm or two for comp pick(s) in April.

    LikeLike

18. I don’t get Garcia Appel I’m ok with.

    LikeLike

    1. I believe his uptick in “stuff” was the result of PED’s (which he got hit for 80 games [?] this season). Wasn’t the same pitcher after his return from that suspension.

       LikeLike

    2. Tim:
       Garcia did not do well in the AFL and coming off the suspension was not the same or didn’t get his rhythm back.
       I believe he is a minor league free agent if he wants to be just not sure.

       LikeLike

       1. I thought Garcia was left-handed.I know without a trade the Phillies would lose some players. I’m happy with Suárez and Travares.

          LikeLike

19. Why would we possibly need to make this move with Vielma? No offense to him, but how does he compare favorably to Valentin? We already have Florimon and Galvis will end up being the Super Sub in the Majors. I think it is a waste of a roster spot. I would rather have the roster flexibilty to add a guy in the Rule V.

    LikeLike

    1. Agreed, Matt.

       LikeLike

    2. Plus Eli Alvarez is also on the 40 who the Phillies got from the Cardinals.
       i cannot figure Matty K out.
       He should be making moves like Hinkie said to get more J2 money or just prospects that need no protection.

       LikeLike

    3. Vielma? Dare I say fungible.

       LikeLike

    4. Welcome to the world of analytics?

       I’m assuming he shows something on the analytical side because he doesn’t appear to show anything from a scouting perspective based on physical size, standard numbers (BA, rbi, hr), age vs. level, etc..

       LikeLike

       1. The way I look at it….is having a age24 season in 2018 Vielma more advantageous than either Tocci or Pullin sitting in LHV?
          And Vielma doest have approx 300PAs at the AAA level…but will need to return there since with Rochester it was a below average performance
          I must be missing something…have to also assume Valentin is history in this org..

          LikeLike

20. On Vielma there must be something we do not see. He was just claimed by the Giants on 15 Sept.

    LikeLike

21. Hinkie – get ready……MLB is in a meetings now with international free agents who the BRAVES SIGNED to inform them of their circumstances going forward. MLB Trade Rumors is reporting that MLB is in the process of telling the individual players of their ” signed” / unsigned status.and their options going forward. Get ready for some deals ?????

    LikeLike

22. Who do you want ???? Maitan ? or others ?

    LikeLike

    1. Maitan and Gutierez are the top guys who may/probably will be let go. However, I think Minnesota has taken steps to be the front-runners to land one/both of them. Last week, the Twins rescinded an agreement they had (this summer) with 16 YO Dominican SS Jelfrey Marte. Minnesota claims the kid failed his physical because of vision problems. The move returns 3 million dollars of J2 money to the Twins. IMO, sounds like the Twins “better dealt” Marte for Maitan and Gutierez. What kind of vision problems could Marte have that allowed him to perform well enough to be a top 2 international prospect, and couldn’t be fixed with contact lenses or laser eye surgery ?

       LikeLike

       1. Could be for a run to add Ohtani??

          LikeLike

          1. Looks like Ohtani is going to the Yankees….Matsui is wooing him for them and with tanaka staying everything appears he will be headed for NY.
             At least he is not in the NL and the AL-east will have to deal with him.

             LikeLike

             1. They were always the leading choice.

                LikeLike

23. ROSENTHAL article – per subscription – discusses further about the BRAVES PENALTIES AND CONSEQUENCES – do not have it here…..

    LikeLike

24. Hinkie – Abraham Guttieraiz rumored as possible player signed by BRAVES to be returned to the a international signing pool……among others. Braves may be forced to forgo signings i several international signings going forward ???????

    All I care about is that the Phillies will benefit one way or another……

    LikeLike

25. There’s a part of me that gets frustrated and infuriated when the Phillies seem to stand by and idly watch the stud prospects go to the more aggressive clubs like the Yankees, Braves, even the Twins with whom we share a developmental facility in Venezuela where we’re supposed to have a larger presence. Everything we need, we have. Money. Depth. An owner who supposedly aches to win. When will we clang our big balls and sign a blue chipper?

    LikeLike

    1. 8mark…Jhailyn Ortiz…2015….$4.4M.

       LikeLike

       1. Your lips to God’s ears, Romus!
          True he COULD be!

          LikeLike

          1. Wait til you see him play 8mark. Very advanced for his age – 19 to start this upcoming season which will more than likely be in Lakewood.

             LikeLike

    2. 8mark..largest signing bonuses for 16-year old LAs:
       1. Lucius Fox…’15…SFG…Bahamas…$6M
       2. Nomar Mazara…’11…TEX…Dominican…$4.95M
       3. Jairo Beras…’12…TEX…Dominican…$4.5M
       4. Michael Ynoa…’08….OAK…Dominican…$4.25M
       5. Jhailyn Ortiz…’15 PHI…Dominican…$4M

       Philies finally did break the bank for one signing.

       LikeLike

       1. As a reminder, how many real stars are there from this list to date? Quantity might be the way to go…..

          LikeLike

          1. I was just thinking the same thing. In other words, it looks like the Phillies have been sensibly reluctant to put too many of their eggs in one basket.

             LikeLike

          2. That may true….but the latest BA top ten prospects has eight LAs names on the list of ten..
             Acuna, Rosario and Robles are the three below the $300K penalty threshold, if you want to use that as a measuring stick.for rather inexpensive signings.
             Where as, Moncada, Vlad’s son, Torres, Jimenez , and Devers were well into the million dollar ranges.

             1 Yoan Moncada 2B White Sox
             2 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 3B Blue Jays
             3 Gleyber Torres SS Yankees
             4 Amed Rosario SS Mets
             5 Eloy Jimenez OF White Sox
             6 Rafael Devers 3B Red Sox
             7 Brendan Rodgers SS Rockies
             8 Victor Robles OF Nationals
             9 Nick Senzel 3B Reds
             10 Ronald Acuna OF Braves

             LikeLike

             1. What I’m not going to excuse them for is their failure to sign international players when there were no such limits. That was just stupid, but is one reason that those management personnel are no longer in charge.

                LikeLike

                1. Same ownership as today though as the Phillies have not been signing young talent since Ruly Carpenter owned the team(1980’s).

                   LikeLike

                2. No, not really.

                   Middleton has slowly taken over the team and he wants to spend money – in fact, the President has had to fight him not to spend money now.

                   This is not Bill Giles and a bunch of smug self-satisfied guys anymore who never dared push the envelope. In fact, it’s pretty close to the opposite of that.

                   You can question their choices, but I believe they are truly trying to do the right things at this point.

                   LikeLike

       2. The irony here was that Ortiz was only considered to be the 16th best Int’l prospect that year. (earlier he had been considered the 3rd/4th. but concerns about weight and pitch recognition saw him drop. At least he has already performed better than Pujois or Encarnacion

          LikeLike

          1. I saw almost all his home games last year. No worries about either one of those concerns in my mind. He does need more work on pitch recognition, but he is far more advanced in that area than most 18-19 year olds. Not concerned about his weight either. For one thing his body is still maturing, and you should see him run. He covers RF quite well, enough so there should be no more talk of moving him to 1B.

             LikeLike

    3. @8mark, the shared development facility is in the Dominican Republic.

       LikeLike

26. Many of the players affected could come from this 2016 class. Also, if wondering why there’s suspicion regarding Bae, remember the Braves managed to sign him despite having this $300K cap https://t.co/VMNPdUDu4t

    — Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) November 21, 2017

    LikeLike

    1. MLB may announce the Braves’ penalties later today. This punishment is expected to be severe. The club could lose many of the international prospects signed within the past two years.

       — Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) November 21, 2017

       LikeLike

       1. I think the Phillies still have 900 thousand dollars of J2 money. Even if that’s not enough for Maitan or Gutierez, I think Sal A can still probably land an x-Brave pitcher prospect (or two).

          LikeLike

          1. Hinkie, I don’t know if this is correct or not, but Ken Rosenthal this morning on Hot Stove MLBN was saying that signing one of these guys would not count against a team’s international (J2) money. If so, I guess they would be considered FA’s for anybody to sign. Isn’t that how the Phils got Simon Muzziotti las year?

             LikeLike

             1. Hari S … I’m almost certain teams would have to use J2 money to sign any international prospect released from the Braves. The Phillies used J2 money to sign Simon Muzziotti after he was released from the Red Sox by MLB. Maybe Rosenthal means teams can use 2018 J2 money. I didn’t hear it so I’m not sure what Rosenthal meant.

                LikeLike

                1. Hinkie….so you do not see the Phillies being in play for Maitan?
                   He may settle for less for more opp at a third base position in 2/3 years.
                   http://www.prosportsdaily.com/articles/braves-will-forfeit-rights-to-prospect-kevin-maitan-490288.html

                   LikeLike

                2. Romus … I think the Twins end up with him. They just picked up 3 million J2 dollars by backing out of a deal they had with 16 YO Jeffrey Marte.

                   LikeLike

                3. Phillies will do better with Atlanta pitchers (Contreras) selling them on their history of developing LA arms. Contreras has the tools, but struggled with control this year.

                   LikeLike

                4. Hinkie….I think that would be a good get.

                   LikeLike

             2. Hari, it counts against international money. Confirmed on mltbr

                LikeLike

          2. Here’s a kid who could be attractive to the Phillies if he’s cut loose from Atlanta by MLB.
             https://www.mlb.com/video/top-intl-prospects-contreras/c-652744283?tid=26271672

             LikeLike

             1. I could see us chasing him

                LikeLike

27. With Phils losing 15 minor league Free Agents, LHV looks like they may not have too many wins. 1B Kyle Martin, 2B Jesmuel Valentin, SS Engelb Vielma, 3B Mitch Walding, Utility Eliezar Alvarez, OF Carlos Tocci, Zach Coppola, Andrew Pullin and C Logan Moore.

    LikeLike

    1. You have Cozens gone!

       LikeLike

       1. Cozens is the DH, sorry about that.

          LikeLike

    2. The Lehigh pitching staff will be the best in AAA.

       LikeLike

       1. Eflin, Lively, Eshelman, Anderson, and Thompson rotation. Taveras will be here or at AA also.

          LikeLike

          1. Kilome should get there sometime in 2018 also.

             LikeLike

          2. If this were the Eagles all of those guys would make the team out of Spring Training and half would make the All-Star team.

             LikeLike

    3. Wow that’s ugly. Well, that’s what happens when half your AAA team becomes half your major league team. Plenty of time to refill that bathtub.

       LikeLike

    4. Most of those 15 FAs are veteran 4A guys. Some may re-sign as did Pedro Florimon, Logan Moore and Mitch Walding. Others not. Plenty more where they came from.

       LikeLike

28. I’m glad that the Birds and Sixers kick ass. These McKlentak duo continued to beffudle me…..unfortunately for cash supporting fan like me, the McKlentak duo are the ones running the show…..

    LikeLike

    1. Kuko…for now they are running the show
       Their hopes are on Hoskins, JPC, Kingery, Herrera, Williams and hopefully Franco, with Nola and cast of pitchers, start to make things better at the Park.

       LikeLike

29. From Longenhagen’s chat today on Fangraphs:

    Bobv: Anyone not protected from the Rule 5 draft that surprised you?
    Eric A Longenhagen: O’Hearn, Tocci, Strahan

    GPT: I’m looking at Rule 5 eligible centerfielders for the Giants at the #2 pick, so far identified Charcer Burks and Carlos Tocci. You wrote up Burks in season, Tocci last offseason. Who do you like more?
    Eric A Longenhagen: Tocci. Better defensive profile.

    LikeLike

    1. I’ll have to drop a note into Eric (Longenhagen) then. Tocci may not OPS .500 in the NL West next year. Not joking. He’s a gifted defender, but he’s not Pillar or Buxton type of gifted. For past three off seasons I maintained there was a 0% chance of Tocci being selected – this year there’s maybe a 1% chance.

       LikeLike

30. From mlbtraderumors . Braces are getting hit hard – 11 players, can’t sign into player until 2021…. wow if true

    LikeLike

    1. To me it looks like they lose three of their top 30…which is not a killing blow for them right now…perhaps in 3/4 years with the future restrictions it may come intio play.
       The three I think are Maitan, Guiterrez and not sure on Pache.
       http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/news/prospects/index.jsp?c_id=atl

       LikeLike

31. From MLBTradeRumours the Blue Jays have signed Jim Benedict to a Front Office job.

    LikeLike

    1. I Am wondering is Benedict a big signing I Don’t know who he is or what he has done.

       LikeLike

    2. He’ll probably work with Toronto’s minor league pitchers and be based out of Florida (his home).

       LikeLike

32. Is anyone concerned, as I am, that there is no Pitching Coach yet? I would like to know who that is and I think the agents for Pitchers woukd too before looking to come here. Things are heating up, although not for the Phils, and I expect action to happen soon.

    LikeLike

    1. No. I actually view it as a positive sign they are trying to nail this and take it very, very seriously. Much better to wait and get the right guy than hurry up and just get someone.

       LikeLike

       1. But how do you know who the right guy is…….Kapler knows Honeycutt of the Dodgers, but he isn’t coming anytime soon I do not think.
          It is almost like a shot in the dark.
          The so called noted ones are entrenched in their current positions.

          LikeLike

          1. Dave Righetti was let go by SF. Is he too old school?

             LikeLike

             1. 8mark….old school, new school, reformatory school!
                Who knows what you can get.
                Coaches are so hard to rate or rank it seems.
                Bill Belichek was the worst coach in the NFL with the Brownies…now he is one of the best coaches in NFL history after he met Mr.Brady.
                Honeycutt of the Dodgers…..was just another PC, until Kershaw shows up.

                LikeLike

       2. Well, it’s a good question, but I think the randomness of it all is why they may be digging so deep. The known good ones always have a job and are rarely let go.

          So all they can do is probe and investigate and make the best decision the information available to them permits.

          LikeLike

33. Braves lose 12 prospects, future international signings, and at least some of the prospects for next year that they may have a handshake deal due to restrictions now in place. Teams with lots of money left may jump o this especially if they lose out on Ohtani. Phils may be able to manage 1 or 2 of these guys with 900K still available

    LikeLike

34. It appears that MLB is going to set out certain rules for the Atlanta Brave’s prospect “draft.” $$ may be applied against what is left over from this year and teams may also be able to use 2018/19 pool. More details to be released. For what its worth the ruling makes having traded anybody and anything for international monies even that more valuable. Would love to see the Phillies grab at least 2 or 3 of these guys – but I doubt they have the $$.

    LikeLike

    1. Unless they are allowed to dip into their 18/19 pool.
       However, the penalized teams for this year may also have an opportunity if their penalty does not carry into the J2-18/19 period.

       LikeLike

35. Per Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, teams going after Maitan could either use their remaining bonus pool money from the 2017-18 pool or use next year’s. He reports, however, that they can’t draw from both.
    https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/thanks-to-braves-penalties-theres-a-major-free-agent-available-in-kevin-maitan/

    LikeLike

36. And here’s the statement from the commissioner. http://m.mlb.com/news/article/262279086/mlb-issues-braves-penalty-for-signings/
    Phillies were aggressive last year going after Muzziotti. Hopefully they will do the same with Maitan. There are a few teams out there like the Orioles that like to trade their J2 money. Klentak got some extra J2 already this past season. Maybe he will make a few more trades that get international $ as part of the return.

    LikeLike

    1. Hari S……pitching prospect seem to bring back good chunks of int’l monies on the trading front.
       And what I have seen…..some of the prospects traded are not premium prospects.
       The Phillies let go of basically four who could have at least brought back some money….Elniery Garcia, Brandon Liebrandt, Tirado and perhaps even Mark Appel…especially from teams like the Os who have no interest in saving their int’l monies…last year and next season.
       I am willing to bet a pitcher like Drew Anderson could bring back a million or more from a team looking for immediate prospect pitching help at the major league level.
       Phillies can go up to $8.3M on their J2 18/19 pot if they wanted to.

       LikeLike

       1. Romus, the first two are unprotected but they still belong to the Phillies for now and thus can be traded. Tirado and Appel are DFA. They could clear, then be traded also. You’re probably right about Anderson. They should be listening also on offers for Lively, Velazquez, Thompson, Eickhoff and Eflin. I’m not saying trade them all, just that’s the available pool.

          LikeLike

37. First, there’s a pretty good article by David Murphy (highly verbose – keep your Webster’s handy) on the hire of Kapler and its significance on the direction of the club.

    Second, if Cesar and/or Odubel are traded (presumably for a TOR arm), I can see an ’18 lineup of:

    Kingery 2b
    Crawford ss
    Hoskins LF
    Santana 1b
    Altherr CF (RF)
    Williams RF (or Herrera in CF)
    Franco 3b
    Alfaro/Knapp c

    With a rotation of:
    Darvish, Nola, TOR acq., then Eickhoff and/or Pivetta and/or Velasquez (who I would look to deal if possible)

    My sense is that they’re really serious about positional flexibility. If Machado wants to play SS and is still a FA target next winter, we may see JPC at 3b (or in another uniform). And I would prefer to have another lefty bat with power at CBP.

    LikeLike

    1. FWIW – the Murphy piece was posted on philly.com yesterday afternoon, but may be in tomorrow’s paper, not today’s.

       LikeLike

    2. Forget Santana. He’s not coming to Philly. If he doesn’t re-sign with Cleveland he will go to another AL team where he can also DH. Hoskins will be on 1B with Williams LF, Herrera CF, Altherr RF. Rotation will be 2 arms acquired via trade or FA, Nola, Pivetta, Lively. Eick and VV traded (because you don’t get something for nothing). Probably neither one of us is correct though. 🙂

       LikeLike

       1. Hari S…maybe Santander will like more $$$$$$! 🙂

          LikeLike

          1. Cleveland is willing to re-sign him. Probably not for as much as other teams, but Santana is likely to consider a home discount as well. Also, given his age (32 in April), the end of his new contract would see him more fit for the DH role. The only time you’re going to see Carlos Santana in Philly is at a rock concert.

             LikeLike

             1. He has skills that will age well. He’s never relied on speed or insane power. The guy may have put up his best defensive season in 2017. In 3-4 years he will be crap? I don’t buy it.

                LikeLike

38. It was a good article, and I was in favor of Kapler. I like the progressive thinking, and I am waiting to see that diverse Staff that gets put together. Like the PC, I expected to see that staff announced by now. I would like to see Klentak act “outside the box” on talent acquisitions like he did with the Mgr. I am still holding out hope for that. The overall off season has been very slow. Maybe, waiting for Ohtani has stalled the Pitching moves?

    LikeLike

39. Zolecki says this morning that the Phillies are taking a run at Maitan and probably a few of the others.

    LikeLike

    1. Well that is some encouraging news.
       Maitan , if the Phillies do get him, goes right into our top ten prospect list somewhere…and may be the future third basemen if Franco falters and Machado is not signed or obtained in someway.
       Perhaps Matty K will garner more J2 money from a trade or two…..Ruebn was able to do it for Ortiz in ’15, surely Matty K could do something similar.

       LikeLike

    2. This should be interesting. Before yesterday, I felt Maitan was headed to Minnesota because they had the most J2 money after rescinding a 3 million dollar deal with 16 YO Jelfrey Marte. With the news that clubs can use either 2107 or 2018 international money to ink former Braves prospects, things suddenly open up for the Phillies (and most other teams). Maybe the Phillies use their remaining 900 thousand dollars to offer RHP Juan Contreras as much as 1.1 million dollars (200 thousand goes uncapped, according to MLB rules announced yesterday). Then Klentak and Sal Agostinelli decide to dip into their 2018 J2 budget to make a bigger offer to Maitan. I know the Phillies already have some 2018 J2 dollars earmarked for 15 YO RHP Starlyn Castillo (and probably a few lesser players), but they can certainly put together a competitive offer to Maitan (or even Abraham Gutierez). If they fail to land either of those two former Braves, there’s always flame-throwing Cuban teenager Osiel Rodriguez (turns 16 today … Happy Birthday, Osiel !) who is available to throw money at next summer. https://www.baseballamerica.com/international/15-year-old-cuban-pitcher-throws-96-mph-showcase/#UCQ4qwOhY8wyakeY.97
       Either way … let’s trade some excess arms to acquire either more international money or comp picks for next year’s draft and keep restocking the farm !

       LikeLike

       1. Romus … I’ve been a believer for some time now the Phillies won’t be denied when it comes to Manny Machado. If/when they do sign him, Klentak will almost certainly have to include an “opt out” after (probably) five years. The Phillies should have at least one high end 3B prospect in the pipeline as insurance. Maitan would be nice. They should also think long and hard about drafting Nander De Sedas, Nolan Gorman, or Jeremy Eierman at 1-3 next summer.

          LikeLike

          1. Hinkie…makes sense on their third base options and Machado.
             Though I think they will still lean right now with a college pitcher at 1-3 in June.

             LikeLike

40. Time for klentak to step up and drive the dagger even further into the hearts of braves fans. Taking one of their former top prospects … Having them hit a walk off against them … Would be bring me so much joy after years of watching that darn tomahawk chop…. I still hate the braves with a passion after all these years. Kick them while there down klentak!!!

    LikeLike

    1. I’m a bigger hater of the Nationals but I’m okay with what you propose :).

       LikeLike

41. Kapler has made 28 yr old Pedro Guerrero his asst hitting coach, having spent last 2 seasons with Dodgers’ A club. Interesting.

    LikeLike

    1. …that’s as a bench coach with Ogden Raptors in rookie league.

       LikeLike

    2. Well that is the Latin coach that some were anticipating and also wondering who it would be.
       And he is still older than most of the positional players!

       LikeLike

42. Another sports media pundit weighing in on Maitan. Jim Salisbury this time. Includes the entire list of available former Braves prospects.
    http://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/phillies/phillies-well-positioned-make-run-freed-braves-prospects

    LikeLike

    1. Not much conversation on this thread today about how the Braves aggressiveness in signing LA players is so admirable and about how the Phillies are saps for playing by the rules. Maybe the good guys will benefit.

       LikeLike

43. At the end of the season, Santana said he hoped to stay with the Indians.
    “I don’t know what’s in my future. I’m hopeful that I can come back,” Santana said. “This is my house. This is my family. I know everybody. Everybody knows me. So, we’ll see.”

    Mike Chernoff has said several times that he would like to re-sign Santana.

    http://m.mlb.com/news/article/262036452/santana-declines-indians-qualifying-offer/

    LikeLike

    1. Hari S…..with the new CBA, since Santana rejected the QO, is he not allowed to re-sign with the Indians until June 15th?
       I think that was the old rule under the previous CBA.
       If a player declines their club’s QO, they had to wait before re-signing with that club.

       LikeLike

       1. I think you’re correct Romus. The main thing to note though is that there is a QO. If the Phillies signed him they would have to give up that draft pick. Combine that with his age (paying for past performance), the length of contract he is likely to want, his preference to stay in Cleveland, and the fact that we already have Hoskins on 1B and no DH in the NL…well, it’s just a real long-shot to think he might end up in Philadelphia.

          LikeLike

          1. NO SHOT!

             LikeLike

       2. I knew there was something about QOs and June 15. A player who accepts a QO cannot subsequently be traded until June 15th.

          LikeLike

          1. Ok …I think you are correct on that aspect of the QO issue..

             LikeLike

       3. Romus – I do not recall any rule forbidding a team from signing a free agent who previously rejected a qualifying offer from the same team who is now attempting to sign him. I want to say this actually took place last year with a player who signed for ‘less’ than the amount of the qualifying offer. Can’t recall which player though

          In any event, with regard to June 15th, this is the date before which players cannot be traded if they accepted a qualifying offer. I don’t recall if there was an articulation of this rule, but I view it as a good-faith gesture forced upon any club intending to extend a qualifying offer to one of it’s free agents, i.e. we’ll extend you this offer, and if you accept it, we pledge not to immediately trade you – well, at least not before June 15th

          LikeLike

          1. Thanks Steve for clarifying.
             .

             LikeLike

             1. FWIW, here is the list of players who rejected a qualifying offer last year. Bautista in particular rejected the offer from the Jays, but later in the off-season he resigned with the Jays on a 1-yr deal worth $18mm which was slightly above the amount of the qualifying offer

                LikeLike

                1. • Jose Bautista (Blue Jays)
                   • Yoenis Cespedes (Mets)
                   • Ian Desmond (Rangers)
                   • Edwin Encarnacion (Blue Jays)
                   • Dexter Fowler (Cubs)
                   • Kenley Jansen (Dodgers)
                   • Mark Trumbo (Orioles)
                   • Justin Turner (Dodgers)

                   https://www.baseballamerica.com/majors/eight-players-reject-qualifying-offers/#fo3veD2Gzeo0oZ6W.97

                   LikeLike

44. Yes or No. Do you think the Phillies will make a trade, or sign a FA before Dec.1st?

    LikeLike

    1. Neither before 12/1, at least of any significance. It’s a slow winter because of Stanton and to some degree, Ohtani.

       LikeLike

    2. No. The Phillies will not make a trade or sign a FA before Dec.1st … this winter. I do predict the Phillies come to agreement on a contract with Manny Machado on Friday, November 30, 2018.

       LikeLike

       1. If that happens Hinkie. Romus told me I have to run naked down the lakes. with one of romus big women he dates.

          LikeLike

          1. rocco…..don’t diss full figures!

             LikeLike

             1. Romus 4ft 9 and 300 lbs isn’t full figure

                LikeLike

                1. rocco…hey…saves on the heating bill in the winter.

                   LikeLike

45. USA Sports predictions :
    Yu Darvish…….. .No club blends the need for Darvish’s services and the resources to pay for them quite like the Chicago Cubs, who are losing Jake Arrieta and John Lackey from their rotation. That’s nearly a combined $32 million coming off the books, which should more than cover Darvish’s annual salary.
    Lance Lynn……..Lynn, who turns 31 in May, saw his walks and strikeouts move in the wrong direction, but not at alarming rates, and it’s possible he’ll be stronger in his second season back from the surgery. That will be one of the considerations for teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins, who could use a veteran like Lynn in their rotation.
    Alex Cobb………….At 30, that makes him a strong candidate for teams looking for middle-of-the-rotation help, such as the Twins and Phillies.

    LikeLike

    1. Phils will not give up a high 2nd round pick for Lynn or Cobb. At least, I hope not.
       Chatwood sure looks like a guy they’ll pursue but with lots of competition.

       LikeLike

46. I read that Tanaka was the 5th most desirable FA. I thought he was off the table.

    LikeLike

    1. Yes…he exercised his option to stay.
       http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/masahiro-tanaka-returning-yankees-title-caliber-rotation-article-1.3610039

       LikeLike

47. Can anyone substantiate the rumor that Chase Utley (whom Kapler praised up one side and down the other at his press conference) will be named bench coach?

    LikeLike

    1. Hold the phone – I just saw that it’s an Eskin tweet. Take it with a grain of salt until it’s announced.

       LikeLike

       1. I read that Utley story here a few days ago https://thatballsouttahere.com/2017/11/16/phillies-gabe-kapler-holding-chase-utley-coaching/. I’ll believe it when I see it.

          LikeLike

          1. Eskin said if Chase Ultey retires he will be a PHILLIES bench coach. I said this 2 yrs ago.

             LikeLike

48. I don’t want Lynn and Cobb will end up with Cubs. I would not give up a draft pick for either. I think they do something during the Winter meetings and that is after Dec 1

    LikeLike

    1. matt13…agree.
       It would be plain dumb to give up the 2nd pick in the early 40s for either Cobb or Lynn…both 3s or even 4s.
       When you could break the bank for Yu D., a TOR, and still maintain current draft status.

       LikeLike

49. Dave Cameron of Fangraphs lists his top 5 FA values, among whom Santana is #1, while in his 5 FA “landmines”, he has Lance Lynn at #3 and Hosmer #1.

    If you mentioned Santana to me a week ago, my initial response would be similar to many on this board, but I have to admit he’s an intriguing option whom the Phillies can both afford and desire his plate discipline. The idea of three batters at the top of the lineup posting OBPs of .360+ (him, Hoskins and Crawford) is pretty compelling. Yes, his profile shouts AL DH type, but I didn’t realize he doesn’t turn 32 until April.

    I believe Darvish will sign with the Cubs, who are shedding more than enough payroll to overpay him. I think the Phillies will try to sign Chatwood and trade for either Stroman or Skaggs, leaving Nola (IMO) the opening day starter.

    LikeLike

    1. I think the one drawback that the MacKlentak team would have with signing Santana is the loss of the 2nd pick.
       That is something i am sure they would weigh heavily before making their decision.
       And even over the span of 4 years…..you are probably looking at pretty productive numbers from him in the middle of that lineup.
       it really is tempting.

       LikeLike

       1. Let’s take it easy worrying about a second round pick. You have a chance to sign solid, consistent major leaguer, you do it and not worry about a second round pick.

          LikeLike

50. I would love a power bat to go with Hoskins. and a young pitcher like cole. but I don’t see it happening this year. Minor moves I believe will be what they will do.

    LikeLike

    1. Roccum,
       We may well already have that power bat to go with Hoskins. Don’t forget that Franco led the team in home runs and RBI’s last year. I, like all Phillies fans, had a problem with Pete’s insistence on batting Freddy #2. Another problem that I had was the way that he jerked Franco all over the batting order. He hit 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th when he wasn’t being benched or blamed for failing. I spent 50 years playing, coaching, and managing baseball teams, and I’ve seen my share of Franco’s. He’s comfortable in being a piece, but not The Big Piece. I think that Kaplan is smart enough to know that his success is directly linked to Franco’s success.

       LikeLike

51. I am against signing anybody that moves Hoskins off 1B. His experience in LF is very limited and he is a natural first baseman. He could be a star 1B so don’t mess around and leave well enough alone.

    LikeLike

    1. I believe luzinski was a first baseman and he played left field.

       LikeLike

       1. rocco….good memory….played 1B all thru minors (466 games) then Phillies moved him out to LF after just a few games at 1B in Philadelphia. No way he was gong to beat out defensively Tommy Hutton at first base in the early 70s.

          LikeLike

52. Speaking of 1b, That Balls Outta Here suggests a package of TJ and Cozens to Cleveland for 25 yr old lefty Ryan Merritt. If Santana moves on, Tribe could use a cheap 1b option.

    LikeLike

    1. The guy must be a Indian fan down deep….Merritt, is Jamie Moyer lite.
       Merritt throws a 4Smr @87mph, a cut FB@85mph and change@82mph, also on occasion a curve ball @ 72mph.
       The delta between CU and FB is negligible at only 5/7, and really is not enough to inspire any swing and miss.
       I would try to ask for something more to that deal…like their CBA pick.

       LikeLike

       1. I think the last thing the Phillies need is another fringe starter who they would need to find room for on the 40. Not to mention, while the floor for Cozens is somewhat low, he still maintains a high ceiling. I expect a better season from him next season, and similarly to Franco, I would be hesitant to sell low on such a young player

          LikeLike

53. Home/Away splits for Cozens (2017). This is a legit 40 homer bat. He’ll take the field in 2018 as a 23 year old (5.31.94).

    SPLIT G AB HR BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS
    Home 67 230 17 32 78 .270 .363 .530 .894
    Away 68 246 10 26 116 .154 .240 .313 .553

    LikeLike

    1. That is so weird.
       i can understand a batter having varied differences in splits between RHP and LHPs….but ball parks!
       He Ks way too much…43%… in away parks for some reason.
       Of course 29% at home is not too great either.

       LikeLike

       1. I Couldn’t never explain or figure out this kids splits. Why such a difference to me is nuts and makes no sense.

          LikeLike

    2. I’ve thought for some time now that Cozens will play up as a platoon in a corner OF. 2018 would be a good time to bring him up and find out. An outfield of Williams-Herrera-Altherr with Cozens and Quinn mixed in. Then we’ve a better gauge of what ’19 should look like regarding adding bats.

       LikeLike

       1. Cozens age24 season a Triple AAA is very important to his future.
          I looked at Aaron Judge’s age24 season at Scranton he put up a slash of 270/.366/.489 with 19 HRs in 410 PAs and 24% K rate and a 11% BB rate.
          If Cozens can come very close to those metrics next season in LHV, then i will have some measure of hope.

          LikeLike

          1. K rate needs to come down for Cozens but doubt he gets down to 24%. Promising is his BB rate – 10.7% in 2017 at LV and 10.4% in 2016 at Reading. I think he’s fine. Was not surprising for him to have some challenges at this level. Look for improvement in 2018 – in particular, he needs to get that K rate under 30%. I would have loved to pair him up with Stairs this spring . . . .

             LikeLike

             1. Yeah, it’s funny, I was as disappointed (but not entirely surprised) about Cozens’ season as the next person, but his walk rates were encouraging and he did show power. He could have a very big bounce-back season this year and I’m sure he will be working his rear end off this winter.

                LikeLike

       2. 8mark,

          As big a fan as I am of Roman Quinn I no longer think of him when looking to the future. If he makes the team based on merit, fine. If he stays healthy and becomes a regular or 4th outfielder, even better. But for now, for planning purposes, no.

          However, more to your point, I wouldn’t mind seeing Cozens tried in a platoon role this coming season. I think we pretty much know what Cozens is, so instead of more AAA at-bats, let’s see if his platoon power can translate to the Phillies.

          LikeLike

          1. Totally agree, Frank.

             LikeLike

          2. SWFL Frank.
             I agree with you on Quinn and Cozens. Potentially, they’re Stars, but haven’t shown enough yet.
             I’d have to take it a step further and say that the same thing applies to Velasquez and Eflin. In a perfect world they’ll all reach their potential next year.

             LikeLike

             1. 2018 is a make or break year for these high ceilings – Franco, Velasquez, Cozens, Quinn – as far as the Phillies should be concerned.

                LikeLike

54. You know who would look great playing 2B for April and May and then go to the bench as the unofficial bench coach? He could act as the 8th coach, one more than other teams have. How’s that for out of the box thinking?

    LikeLike

55. My lineup for 2018:
    1) Utley for April/May and then Kingery
    2) Altherr
    3) Herrera
    4)Hoskins
    5) Williams
    6) Franco
    7) Alfaro
    8) JP
    9) Nola, Cole, Chatwood, Eickhoff, Pivetta
    Closer – VV
    Set up – Neris

    LikeLike

    1. Murray,

       Yes. if they’re going to hire Utley as a coach, then letting him play until Kingery arrives is a great idea. Imagine the ovation on his final day as a player.

       Interestingly, I met a fellow a couple months ago who said he was an assistant manager of the Dodgers’ grounds crew. I didn’t mention Utley or my Phillie fandom to him to him, but, on his own, he started talking about how Utley owns the locker room. Only Clayton Kershaw commands similar respect, he said.

       LikeLike

       1. He is The Man

          LikeLike

          1. I may be wrong on this , but I think there hasn’t been a player manager/coach in the big leagues for twenty years, and there were only four in the twenty years before that: Frank Robinson (1975-76), Joe Torre (1977), Don Kessinger (1979), and Pete Rose (1984-1986). There were 15 from 1945-1975, but it was much more commone before that. One hundred and thirty men served as player/managers from 1871-1899, and another 99 from 1900 to 1944.
             I don’t know about the authenticity of this, but Bernie Williams was listed as player/manager in the Yankees last regular season game of his last year. Obviously, it was a one game thing, so I don’t know if it would be included in any player/manager stats.
             Officially that game counted against Torre’s record. Torre has made a habit of letting a long time vet manage the last game of the season, if the game had no meaning. Paul O’Neill and Chili Davis are two players I recall managing last games. I think Joe Girardi had one also, but I am not as sure.

             LikeLike

             1. I know one thing if romus says only 4 there are only 4. The man has a phd from southern on broad and Snyder. I cant believe this gm isn’t getting more money like the yankess did to sign some of those braves kids.

                LikeLike

56. I just love that Utley idea!

    LikeLike

    1. At a glance, it’s a very nice gesture and actually fits the Kingery time line, but I doubt Utley would agree to bowing out mid stream of the season. No matter how fan friendly that move would sound, this FO doesn’t seem inclined to play the sentimental nods. Either Chase is deemed fit to be a bench coach now or he isn’t.

       Jason Martinez (MLBTR) expects the hot stove season to pick up in ernest today. 16 days until the winter meetings, but I wonder how much more the Stanton/Ohtani dilemmas will keep tying up the market.

       LikeLike

    2. One issue with Utley as apart-time player/cpach and only for a few months at the start of the season….is the ‘wasted’ 40 spot for just 60/75 service days.
       He has to be carried on it and then DFAed…gets claimed and away he goes to another team perhaps, and you are left with a void and no BC.
       it is a crazy idea…….either player or coach at the start for the duration of 2018.

       LikeLike

    3. I don’t know why everyone is so excited about Utley becoming a coach. I guess he could be okay, but history tells us that great players tend to be not so great coaches and awful managers. Exhibit A – Ryne Sandberg. And he’s the norm.

       LikeLike

       1. Dusty Baker,Davey Lopez, everyone wanted Doc Holiday as the Pitching coach. Don Mattingly etc no one said he’s going to be a manager . He might become a hitting coach. Seager ,Galvis , have said how much he helped them .

          LikeLike

          1. Yeah, we’ll see. My point is that being a successful major leaguer doesn’t make it more likely he will be a good coach or manager, it actually makes it less likely, especially given how taciturn he is.

             LikeLike

             1. http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2016/08/31/chase-utley-corey-seager-dodgers/89668166/ good read on Utley .

                LikeLike

       2. Yeah – I’m completely indifferent to the notion. Sure it will be cool initially, but I’m no more convinced Utley can add value as a bench coach as I am for anyone else

          LikeLike

    4. http://www.phillyvoice.com/time-chase-utley-asked-pitcher-hit-him-teach-teammates-lesson/ here u go Matt.

       LikeLike

57. If the Rockies can get $500K in int’ monies, for Konner Wade who was not in the Rockies Top 30, from the Os….just think what a Drew Anderson/Tyler Viza or an Edgar Garcia could get in return, if Matty K ever decides to start to think outside the box.

    LikeLike

    1. Frustrating as hell!! Let’s sell off a piece or two and see if we can garner an extra $1M or so!

       LikeLike

58. Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, who was signed by the Phillies in 2013 to a three-year, $12 million contract, died in an vehicular accident in his native Cuba on Thursday, according to multiple reports.

    Gonzalez, who originally was rumored to sign a six-year deal with the Phils, joined the club in spring training 2014 but failed to make the major league roster. He was placed on the 60-day disabled list, then bounced around the system during ’13 and put up a respectable 3.13 ERA across three levels. In September of that season the Phils called up Gonzalez; he appeared six times to a 6.75 ERA.

    In 2015 the Phils outrighted Gonzalez to the minors, where he put up a 4.86 ERA. The Phils released him in 2016.

    LikeLike

    1. Yea just saw that RIP.

       LikeLike

    2. I saw that- only 31. Way too young. RIP Miguel.

       LikeLike

59. HELLO!!!…hello…hello…

    Man, if these aren’t the deep, dark and silent days of the cold stove season!
    Hinkie, where are you? C’mon, dude. Give us something to argue over…

    (Btw, the longer it takes Miami to find a buyer for Stanton, the better the Phillies’ chances of being involved…IMO)

    LikeLike

    1. In the end, Marlins front office will prioritize moving as much of Stanton’s contract as possible. I think this is where the Phillies may be one of the few teams who can really be players for Stanton. Those offering better prospects are also expecting Miami to assume a substantial percentage of the contract amount through the opt out year.

       I was initially a ‘no thanks’ on Stanton, but I have warmed significantly. Phillies have as much money to spend as any team in baseball right now, and 5 WAR players simply do not become available very often. While I wouldn’t give up top prospects to acquire him, I would certainly trade a package of controllable buy unexciting players (e.g. TJoseph, JThompson, ZEfflin) at the same time assuming the entirety of that contract.

       LikeLike

       1. Steve….I may be more inclined to just trade two players….Doobie and one of the prospect pitchers like Kilome or Eshelman or Taveras or Seranthony and take on the contract.
          Altherr then goes to CF or who knows maybe even Quinn if healthy , at least, until AH or Mickey Mo. come along.

          LikeLike

          1. Romus – I’m thinking Odubel’s trade value has to be approaching that of Adam Eaton’s in 2016. If I’m taking on all of Stanton’s contract, I don’t think I’m moving someone of Odubel’s caliber. JThompson paired with SDominguez type of offer I’m thinking.

             If I’m moving Doobie, I’m moving him for a controllable starting pitcher

             LikeLike

             1. Not quite sure it’s approaching Eaton’s contract, but it certainly is desirable. And if the Phillies took on Stanton’s whole deal, then we can almost call the shots. I think Thompson, Kilome, and Cozens would be more than sufficient.

                Thompson will be 24 and is a year removed from being a top-50 prospect, Kilome has a strong, projectable ceiling. And Cozens still has value to teams as a 25-homer, platoon type.

                But yes, Steve from Tampa, when you have a chance to add an MVP for little more than peanuts, you go for it! Don’t be fooled by the morons that think Altherr and Nick Williams should get a fair shot when you can have 50-homers in your lineup. Or the other idiots who will pass on Stanton because “we need more pitching.” One has nothing to do with the other. Just imagine we nab Stanton and swing Machado next offseason. That would be a deep freaking lineup.

                LikeLike

             2. Steve…..the issue is that Derek Jeter is not buying on teams ‘taking on the whole contract’ so we do not need to give up many players/prospects.
                He wants his cake and wants to eat it too.
                So right now Jeter wants quality assets in return for Stanton…..and even like Stanton says….every team has the money

                LikeLike

       2. It was stated about a week ago Marlins wanted a heavy price for Stanton . I love Stanton but noway he’s worth 2 or 3 top 10 Prospects plus that contract.

          LikeLike

60. This has been a real ice cold Hot Stove season. I think it has to be, in part, due to the Ohtani and Stanton issues.I am not sure exactly when the Winter Meetings opens up, I think the week of December 4th?, so I expect it to get busy then.But, it is the whole league, so I can’t blame the Phils.

    LikeLike

    1. matt13…Dec 11th start the meetings…Rule 5 on Dec 14th.

       LikeLike

61. Thought I would get the juices flowing…not going to write much about this here since I just posted a long posting on Philliesphans.com about this but…Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe writes a weekly baseball column and although Red Sox heavy, its excellent and he is well connected and rarely writes things with no basis.

    In the column he discusses teams that could be in on Stanton and mentions the Angels…because Mike Trout may leave after the 2018 season. Now it seems to me that I recall a few posters here talking about a little known or used law here in California that allows workers on long term contracts to end contracts early if they wish and after a certain amount of time…and the comments were always that this would allow Trout to leave the Angels as a free agent after 2018.

    Cafarfdo doesn’t expound on Trout, the column is about Stanton and not the Philly native, but this sure seems like something he has heard through the grapevine and my guess would be McPhail and Co. have heard the same thing…which might be why they are encouraging Middleton to stay financially patient for one more season.

    Phils may indeed be in on a $400 million dollar player next year, but his name might not be Machado or Harper…but Trout. We shall see and please add to my limited knowledge on this law if you know more about it since I am sure someone on this site has touched on this before.

    LikeLike

    1. CalDream – that’s some heavy speculation on your part. I recall reading posts on this site regarding that CA labor law months ago. Sounded more like a technicality that would have to be fought over through the courts for who knows how long, by the time it was said and done, Trout would still be an Angel come 2020. I would also think that if there was any movement afoot, somebody in this social media intensive culture would have sniffed it out by now. But hey, it’s fun to talk about it. Please let us know if you come across anything tangible about this. Thanks.

       LikeLike

    2. While this is a fun and exciting scenario, there is no way Mike Trout is going to disrespect Arte Mareno and the Angel fans by trying to use this little known/seldom or never used provision to escape LA. Yes, Trout (his soon to be wife [on December 9], his family, her family, and all their friends) is looking forward to the day when Mike moves back to Millville (full time) and plays for the hometown team. That day is coming after 2019 (through trade) or after 2020 (via FA).

       LikeLike

62. Ohtani wants it in writing.
    http://www.prosportsdaily.com/Headlines/ExternalArticle?articleId=490788

    LikeLike

    1. Romus … my two takes after reading that story:
       1. It is just unbelievable how New Yorkers feel the Yankees are the favorites to ink Otani. Nobody has a clue where he wants to go. I’m betting he signs with Seattle.
       2. Otani’s agent (Nez Balelo of CAA Baseball) could supplement the Japanese superstar’s miniscule signing bonus/salary by creating a “Bachelor” type reality show. Otani would live with 30 MLB GM’s attempting to woo him. Each week, Otani would hand out roses to lucky GM’s who would still have a shot at landing the future Cy Young award winner.

       LikeLike

       1. Among those seven items that his agent laid out, not one eliminates the Phillies, especially the ones specifying their progressive development philosophy and training facilities. Cultural assimilation would be one they’d need to creatively address (but Hinkie, you have that covered – have you sat down with MacKlentak yet?)

          Other than a club’s historical success with Japanese players, I don’t see a disadvantage. Whatever is written in their proposal, however, better be supported by what they will show him and his camp when they arrive for a tour/”love fest”.

          LikeLike

          1. I have to go along with Hinkie…I think Dipoto and the Mariners eventually get him.
             Though the Yankees are the so called favorites…..and they have Tanaka and Matsui to woo him even more…..Seattle seems like a good fit, and it was for Ichiro anyway…but Seattle could reasonably get him, .for at least the next two years anyway.

             LikeLike

63. Real good read on modern hitting.http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/mlb-gms-power-now-abundant-whats-toughest-find-skill/

    LikeLike

64. Angels Assistant GM confirms 2B is the team’s priority this offseason. Story also mentions the Angels have had interest in CeHe and Dee Gordon in the past. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/11/latest-on-angels-infield-plans.html

    LikeLike

    1. Also heard him interviewed by Jim Bowden on Sirius radio and I was going to call and ask Bowden to mention CHe but figured it would take an hour or more…gave up. The Asst GM kept pointing out their pitching is better than all think as they are awaiting pitchers to return to better health. Could be a long wait.

       LikeLike

65. Twins are said to be making both Darvish and Ohtani “priorities”. Would be good to find out if they’re joined at the hip in this process.

    LikeLike

    1. TWINS.? I cant believe that they would spend that kind of money

       LikeLike

       1. Target has a 25-year deal with the Twins for the naming rights of their ballpark facility, Target Field….so there is some cash coming in for them…probably in the millions per year. That helps.

          LikeLike

       2. rocco Citizens Bank pays the Phillies:
          They pay $57.5 million over 25 years, or $2.3 million per year, to put its name on entrances, scoreboard, concourses, parking lot banners and behind home plate, The bank l also pays $37.5 million for advertising on Phillies radio and television broadcasts.

          LikeLike

          1. The bank I ….’think’….also pays

             LikeLike

Comments are closed.