Phillies Discussion 7/18/2025

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The Phillies start the second half of the season tonight with a 6-game homestand against the Angels and Red Sox.  This is the second season that the Phillies made it to the All-Star break in first place in the division.  Here are a few mid-season facts.

This year the Phillies finished 55-41 (.573), fourth best in the National League and tied for sixth best in the majors.  Last year they were a league-leading 62-34 (.646).

After a stretch in May where the Phillies won 4 consecutive series winning 11 of 13 games, they closed that out with a series win over the Braves and had a 36-20 record.  Since then, they’ve won 7 of 13 series and posted a 19 and 21 record.

The Phillies played .500 ball last year after the break going 33-33, finishing 95-67 with the second-best record in the National League and the majors.

The Phillies have 21 series in the second half, 66 games again. Twelve of the series are against teams that have losing records.  However, 14 of the series are against teams that are reasonably in playoff races.

Right now, the Phillies are the third seed.  They hold tiebreakers over the Cubs and Rockies, have lost tiebreakers to the Cardinals and Giants, have completed season series tied with the Pirates and Padres, are badly trailing the Brewers (0-3 with 3 games remaining), and lead the Dodgers. Reds, and Diamondbacks (2-1 with 3 games remaining against each).  The Mets hold a 4-2 lead with 7 games remaining.  The Phillies are ahead of the Braves (5-4), Nationals (4-2), and Marlins (5-2).  They play a total of 13 games against their division foes each season.

The Phillies were remarkably fortunate on the injury front last season.  Suarez missed a month in the second half with back pain.  None of the offensive core (Realmuto, Harper, Turner, Castellano, Schwarber) spent time on the injury list after Realmuto was activated on July 20th.  Bohm played thru a bone chip in his wrist that sapped power and recently the announcers have mentioned that Stott had an injury that he played through.  But otherwise, the Phillies were pretty lucky regarding injuries second-half injuries.

The Phillies enter the second half this season with only Aaron Nola on the injury list.

This is your Phillies discussion.

Important Dates

  • April 4, 2025: MiLB roster limits decrease from 175 to 165 players
  • July 22, 2025: Opening of Eagles camp for rookies and veterans
  • July 24, 2025: End of FCL regular season
    • July 26, 2025: One-game FCL semi-final
    • July 27-29: Best of three FCL finals
  • July 28, 2025, 5:00 p.m. ET: Deadline to sign some 2025 draft picks
    • Deadline applies to players drafted out of 4-year colleges and HS
    • Players drafted out of JUCO are under a draft-and-follow policy, they can sign between the end of their JUCO season and the beginning of next year’s Draft for up to $225,000.
  • July 31, 2025: MLB trade deadline at 6:00 P.M. EST
  • August 19, 2025: End of DSL regular season
    • Playoffs TBD: 8 teams, 3 best-of-three rounds
      • 6 division winners, 2 wild cards
  • Note: These dates will be used unless/until notified differently.

Transactions 

July 2025
7/17/2025 – Phillies traded C Andrick Nava to Milwaukee for cash considerations
7/17/2025 – RHP Anthony Hiraldo assigned to DSL Phillies White
7/16/2025 – Phillies signed free agent RHP Anthony Hiraldo to an MiLB contract
7/15/2025 – Jersey Shore sent SS Devin Saltiban on a rehab assignment to FCL Phillies
7/15/2025 – RHP Gabriel Martinez assigned to DSL Phillies White from DSL Phillies Red
7/14/2025 – Reading transferred OF Hendry Mendez to the Development List
7/13/2025 – Lehigh Valley transferred RHP Nabil Crismatt to the Development List
7/13/2025 – Reading Phils transferred RHP Mitch Neunborn to the Development List
7/13/2025 – Jersey Shore transferred RHP Braydon Tucker to the Development List
7/12/2025 – RHP Cam Brown assigned to Jersey Shore from FCL Phillies
7/12/2025 – Jersey Shore sent 2B Trent Farquhar on a rehab assignment to FCL Phillies
7/12/2025 – Jersey Shore sent SS Devin Saltiban on a rehab assignment to Clearwater
7/12/2025 – Jersey Shore transferred LHP Wesley Moore to the Development List
7/11/2025 – Lehigh Valley activated RHP Brett de Geus from the 7-day IL
7/11/2025 – Reading activated C Andrick Nava from the Development List
7/11/2025 – Reading placed RHP Koyo Aoyagi on the temporarily inactive list
7/11/2025 – Reading placed RHP Griff McGarry on the temporarily inactive list
7/11/2025 – Jersey Shore placed C Luis Caicuto on the 7-day IL
7/11/2025 – C Guillermo Rosario assigned to Jersey Shore from FCL Phillies
7/11/2025 – Clearwater sent LHP Camron Hill on a rehab assignment to FCL Phillies
7/11/2025 – Clearwater transferred C Eduardo Tait to the Development List
7/11/2025 – Clearwater activated C Yhoan Escalona from the Development List
7/10/2025 – Lehigh Valley transferred RHP Gabe Mosser to the Development List

474 thoughts on “Phillies Discussion 7/18/2025”

  1. Though I’m not a big fan of him, is Ramon Laureano the best RH option?

    On the draft side of things the more I read/watch about this Phillies class the more hyped I am. And it’s not just the names I’m fascinated with, it’s the strategy of what they drafted and where using the constraints of the rules of the draft.

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  2. Catch mentioned that Kepler has had a season where he started slow in the first half before having a good second half, so I looked into it.

    The good news: Catch was correct. In 2023, Kepler started off to a miserable .207/.279/.409 line with a 86 wRC+ (those numbers look eerily familiar…) in the first half. He then exploded for a .306/.377/.549 line with a 153 wRC+ in the second half. Not too shabby.

    The bad news: 2023 is one of only two seasons in which Kepler had a stronger second half (the other being 2018 in which is was just slightly less mediocre during the second half). He typically FADES in the second half for his career. Uh oh.

    So who’s feeling lucky?

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    1. If Kepler is going to do anything in the second half, it will start with him batting 8th. Stott is batting 9th.

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  3. I think Aidan Miller will get traded this dealing. Here’s my take on him:

    I like him as a prospect. I think he has a lot of tools. He will be a good, not great defender at short. He has good speed (Stott-esq base stealer) with good pop. I am not sold on his hit tool. I have seen him in person a few times. I am no pro scout. So take this with a gain of salt, but to my eye, he handles any pitch inner half really well and struggles with anything outer 1/3. He is a great athlete so he may make adjustments. And I do hope that we keep him. But like all prospects, he is no sure thing. I can definitely see a scenario in which he hits like Volpe.

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    2. I too, have seen him a few times and I’m not really all that excited about him. I agree, he is no sure thing and think he’ll only be average at best.

      I don’t think he’s a particularly good fielder and maybe better at 3rd.

      It won’t bother me if we trade him.

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    3. I’m glad you said that. I’m ready to go get Rooker and Miller from the Athletics. And if it takes Miller and even Painter, I’m ready to go for it. We made it to the World Series with Schwarber in LF with a bad knee, we can do it again with Schwarbs playing two months on the grass.

      Screw it. Let’s go for it while we still have an open window. Can you imagine Rooker in the lineup?

      Turner

      Schwarber

      Harper

      Rooker

      Bohm

      Castellanos

      Marsh

      Realmuto

      Stott

      And add in Miller to the back of the pen. It might just be the one-stop shopping that we need.

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      1. Rooker would be a nice insurance policy if you cant resign Schwarber. I’d only be worried about losing him to the Reds, if he wants to go “home” for his last big contract. Other than that, I think Middleton will pay him what he wants to stay. It’ll hand tie them but… I also do like adding Rooker and Tucker to the lineup going forward if Schwarber decides to go elsewhere. Hopefully you’d still have Crawford & Painter as well.

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      2. If we get Rooker and put either Rooker or Schwarber in left then I think you have to use a Rojas in center and just live with his weak bat out of the 9 hole. But our corner OF defense with Casty in RF and Schwarber/Rooker in LF would be by far the worst defense in MLB. So you need an elite defensive CF to cover some of their weaknesses.

        In that scenario, I can see Marsh going to Oakland in a deal. Something like:

        Marsh, Aidan, Abel, Crawford (or Tait) + 2 others in 11-25 for Mason Miller + Rooker.

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      3. I think there’s a 0% chance the A’s would package Rooker and Miller in the same deal. Not convinced they’re moving either guy but would give up a large package for Miller.

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    4. I think he’s out best, most movable piece and they’re looking to sell high on him. I think he’s shown a great ability to adjust at each level but a prospect is a prospect and his value may never be higher than it is now and they need to fill a major need.

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  6. As I wrote at the end of the previous thread, 9 teams are vying for the 6 playoff slots in the NL. The Phillies just might need to win the division to qualify the way they have been playing of late. They really need to win these coming two games with the Angels. And you know what? It’s WALKER time!!!!

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      1. Either Red or Double Black to fit the mood. Double Black is a little Oakley, so if there is a lot of barreling going on may be a better choice!😉

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  7. I was Thinking, if this team has a bullpen. They would be up at least 6 games or more. DD has done a terrible job in the office season. Now as I mention before I hope Middleton makes sure to save his hide. He doesn’t trade away good prospects for aging players. I know it won’t happen now. But I love to see him fired today. I just don’t trust his decisions.

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  8. DD has been much better with the prospects in Philly than his prior teams. If you don’t think this team is good enough even with the possible trades then maybe sell off some veterans for younger players. I don’t want to see another decade of bad baseball for a last WS run. Remember there will probably be a lockout next year and this core is not getting younger.

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    1. They showed Bohm after trotting out one of his ground balls last night. He reached for his side where he was hit with a pitch last Saturday. TMac and Kruk speculated that it was still bothering him.

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      1. Bohm will undergo more testing this weekend and an IL stint is not out of the question. I wonder if Crawford will finally get called up if Bohm heads to the IL.

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          1. Yikes. I’m assuming Kemp will get the bulk of the starts at 3B so he’s now getting another extended opportunity.

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  10. The Phillies have begun some transactional housekeeping prior to signing and activating drafted players and UDFAs.

    There is a July 28th deadline for signing draft picks. These signees will count against the stateside player limit 15 days after signing their contracts (August 12th at the latest) unless activated on a roster before then. UDFAs count as soon as they are signed.

    The recent moves are –

    On July 18th, Reading transferred LHP Braeden Fausnaught from the 7-day IL to the FS IL and RHP Luke Russo from the 7-day to the 60-day IL; Jersey Shore transferred RHP Micah Ottenbreit from the 60-day IL to the FS IL and RHP Ethan Chenault, RHP Aaron Combs, C Luis Caicuto from the 7-day to the 60-day IL, and FCL Phillies transferred RHP Alexander De Los Santos and SS Nolan Beltran from the 7-day to the 60-day IL.

    On July 17th, the Phillies traded C Andrick Nava to Milwaukee for cash considerations. For those wondering, Nava isn’t the type of player who would command international money in return. International money is traded in $250K increments. When the Phillies are prepared to release a player, they try to find a place for him. They will exchange a player for cash, usually a nominal amount, most often just a dollar. His roster spot is more important to the Phillies than big cash or a player in return.

    By my count, the Phillies 182 players on stateside rosters with 165 players as the in-season limit. They have 14 players on the 60-day Injury List, 10 players on the Full Season Injury List, and 1 player on the Military List. These 25 players don’t count against the in-season player limit. Therefore, the Phillies have (by my count) 157 players who count against the player limit.

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      1. Nope. They haven’t announced any signings yet and won’t until after physicals are passed. But once the signings are official, the UDFA signings will count against the player limit.

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        1. Ah ok. That means in order to sign the 6 UDFA and 18 stated players (i assume 2 don’t sign) they need 24 spots. Your figures have them with 8 open spots.

          That means 16 MORE openings will need to be created…ouch

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  11. The Guardians are listening to offers on both Emmanuel Clase and Cade Smith. Predictably, the asking price will be high for both players as Clase has 3 possible years of control, and Smith is pre-arbitration. In my opinion, it will have to start with either (Miller or Crawford) and Abel just to get the Guardians to pick up the phone.

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    1. rocco…even Dave D will not give up three top tier guys….but you can bet one will go, maybe two, and then probably an A ball guy. For sure, a pitcher will be in the mix.

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    1. Hang on……Big John has spoken:

      “I could see Abel coming back up if he’s not up before that for some other reason,” Middleton said. “I could see Abel in the bullpen, coming out at 97 mph with a really good curveball. Painter might be up here the same way. So, you never know.”

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          1. Cade Cavalli was a 2020 first round pick (like Mick Abel) and former top 100 prospect. He had TJ surgery in March 2023. Developing prospects is not easy. Mick Abel’s career minor league numbers is actually worse than Cade Cavalli’s.

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        2. Here is my take on Abel, for what it’s worth. The fastball up in the zone , the guys tonight could t hit it. But that’s the pitch, I believe he had trouble with in majors. He has really good stuff. I believe just needs better location

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  14. 6 IP, 0 runs, 2 hits, 2 walks, 5 Ks for Abel tonight. That’s 12 scoreless innings since being sent back to AAA.

    He had some speed bumps with the big club, but his stock is definitely up. Now we just wait to see if we sell the stock for short term gain or hold onto it for more potential long term profit.

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  15. Given Walker’s uncertain outings and tonight performance, isn’t it time for Abel to take Walker’s slot in the rotation.

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    1. Walker has NEVER inspired any level of confidence his previous years on the Phillies, but for me the problem is that this year he has been so very much better than Nola!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. So, I want to fully understand this, we are saying that Walker who is the Crown Prince of underformance for his entire time with the Phillies is better than an injured pitcher…. uh ….. ok.

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  16. I saw last inning of mets game..2 on Soto hit shot just misses foul pole. Would have tied game then gets called out on check swing. Which was really close. They lose

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Regarding NIL money in college baseball, basically there is very little. Jim pointed out a few outliers but for the large majority, there is no real money that should entice a top prospect to not go pro. Outside of the SEC, there is really no money. Some stats:
    – The top 25 NIL earners in baseball are making an average of $45,000 per year.
    – The average estimated annual NIL spending per SEC baseball team was $820,000 to $920,000.
    – The average NIL spending in the ACC is half that of the SEC but still ranks second among all conferences.

    https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/college-world-series-capitol-hill-donor-fatigue-nil-blitz-keller-m4ese

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  18. Out in Left Field question – say the left fielder is tracking the ball back the fence. He can tell that he wont be able to jump high enough to rob the home run…

    What if the Left fielder threw his glove at the ball, it hits the ball, and the ball stays in play… If it hits the ground, I take it would be in fair play? The hitter would likely get a double…. What if outfielder caught the ball after the glove came in contact with the ball? Would this be an out? One last asterisk. Say when the OF throws his glove it hits the ball after it went over the fence? Woudl it be a home run or back to the other 2 outcomes…

    Sorry was letting my mind wonder back to Incaviglia watching Carter’s home run sail over the wall. Im working on a Time Machine in case anyone wants to know!

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    2. All runners including the batter are awarded two bases for violation of the detached equipment rule.

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      1. ahhh… i did not know that rule. Them old timers thought of everything! It’s little surprising since you can throw your equipment (glove) with the ball in it to 1st base to get the force out to the 1st basemen. I guess the obvious distinction is that you already have the ball, not trying to prevent the ball from going by you. Thanks for the info!

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  19. With the increase of batters who are hit by pitches going on the Injured Lists, is it fair to keep the pitchers who hit them to be suspended for the same length of games/time? This would help prevent most team brawls and keep order.

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    1. There’s really not a lot of team brawls. I can’t really remember the last time the Phillies were in a brawl.

      The fact is, players are throwing harder than ever and sometimes, the balls goes everywhere. That’s the state of the game right now. So if Schanuel goes on the IL with a fractured wrist, Ranger is out for the same amount of time?

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    1. Many Many years ago I was playing right field. Threw my glove at the ball to stop it. Automatic triple. I didn’t know it . Back then

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  21. Ranger just seems too lackadaisical in his approach when pitching. There has to be a fine line between being poised and calm, versus halfhearted ,casual or just too relaxed and not focused.

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    1. Did not Ranger Suarez follow this pattern last year – fast start and late year collapse. If they don’t right the ship maybe they should shop Suarez if Nola is healthy.

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      1. Oh give me a break. He’s now had like 1 bad start since his second start of the season. Talk about an overreaction. At least wait until 4 or 5 starts until drawing broad conclusions like this.

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        1. Catch, Ranger’s velocity has been down lately like last year. I truly hope he rebounds but the Phillies probably will lose him in Free Agency. You can sell and buy at the deadline unless you just want a compensation draft pick.

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  23. Kemp about the only hitter showing life today. Really nice opposite-field HR.

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  25. All 3 starters 4.x inning pitchers this Angels series. Ranger 8 Hs 6 Rs 6 ERs 4 BBs 4Ks 1 HBP velocity still down. What do you think since 2nd half perf. is not his strong suit? Is he hurt or just tired and low on fuel.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. The Phillies laid an egg today and it smelled. Maybe if the umpire doesn’t squeeze Suarez on that not 3rd strike call on Trout, the game stays a little closer. However, if the team doesn’t hit, they can’t win.

    The Angels really racked up a ton of hits over the weekend. I believe the Phillies have now lost 3 series in a row. With the Red Sox coming in and the Yankees on the horizon, our boys better wake up.

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    1. Can’t wait for the ABS system to take effect next year. The Giants game and now today were effected by bad calls.

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  27. First move. Phillies are signing Robertson to a FA contract to provide some bullpen help. Physical pending.

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      1. guess we will see. He was solid last season overall and appears there were several teams with interest.

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        1. yeah…..hope he can come in and help……years ago he felt bad because he got hurt and missed a lot of time after signing with the Phillies. And he will be good for the club house….a good character guy.

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    1. 6 weeks a less than 500 team. At one time thought needed only bullpen arm. Now need at least two bats. Getting nothing out of Rojas, and Kemper. Stott can’t hit, Realmuto lately has shown some life. Really not a true contender for championship.

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      1. I feel your frustration. Teams do struggle thru the year at different times….Dodgers are now 5-10 in July and have loss some ground to the Padres who are in second place.

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    1. Well the Rockies have basically no talent worth trading for (Freeman and Goodman would cost too much to even get the conversation started). So I guess we know which team’s relievers we’re focusing on currently.

      Willi Castro could also be interesting. Maybe the Twins will take Kepler back (for nothing… just as an alternative to just straight up cutting him).

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes I would be very happy with Duran/ Jax and Castro to play 2b and Laureano from Baltimore plus maybe Seranthony if they would want him back.

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  31. A few more housekeeping transactions:

    7/19/2025: Reading released RHP Travis Kuhn, Jersey Shore released RHP Cam Brown and CF Elio Prado.

    That’s 154 players who count against the player limit.

    There has been a rule change. UDFAs now also count against the stateside player limit of 15 days after signing their contracts unless activated on a roster before then.

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  32. I’m glad my buddy picked Saturday’s game for us to attend. The other two were clunkers. And even Saturdays game was a yawn event until some late inning heroics by Kyle and Bryce.

    I guess DD thinks hanging onto Kepler instead of the dreaded DFA shields him from any type of scrutiny.

    Hiding behind some veil of “win now” or “the window is closing” is the most ridiculous or ludicrous thing fans seem to buy into.

    We’re not some small market team that can’t spend

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    2. Trading kepler now would kill any trade value he has, hard as that may to be believed. I think right after the deadline if him and crawford are still in the org, he’ll be gone

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  33. Kepler had such a good spring training. I really thought he was going to have a productive year. Oh, well!

    Good news for the Phillies. They won’t have to face Bello or Crotchit in the series versus the Red Sox,

    Saw the two strike calls on Harper late in the game on X. Terrible! Didn’t see the two errors committed by Kemp. How bad were they and do you think he can be a major league 3Bman?

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    1. Kemp: One was bad, one wasn’t IMO …….. jury is out on whether he’s a 3rd sacker or not.

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        1. Agree completely, and Bohm’s down time should be a fair time test of his competency there.

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          1. Really? Why do we always want to draw snap decisions on younger players? Bohm was terrible when he started at third and now he’s more than decent. Even Turner has worked with Dickerson to improve. The test will show where he is right now, not necessarily what he could become. On the whole, I’d give Kemp every chance possible to succeed (and Thomson, I think, is trying to do that). I think he’s going to become a well above average major leaguer. If they trade him for a reliever, shame on them – he’s how you get salary relief in the future while maintaining a good team.

            Liked by 1 person

            1. I don’t disagree with you, put him out there for as long as you want. It’s Rob who will be quick on the trigger because he’s in a pennant race. Personally, I would like our daily lineup to be solidified. I think we make it very difficult for new players to settle into the lineup and the lefty/righty platoons are beyond ridiculous with the guys we have on the team.

              I think Kemp has been satisfactory so far considering he has been ask to play outfield, 3B and 1B ……. and Sosa too and I’m not really a fan of his, but he’s growing on me.

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            2. I think Thomson has given most of the younger players (with the exception of Sosa, perhaps) a pretty fair chance and then some and, as a group, they’ve let him down. I think Kepler will be displaced fairly soon, so expect Kemp to get more ABs in left and all around the diamond, even when Bohm gets back.

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            3. Agree with you, Catch. Kemp has held his own and he is young enough to improve. With respect to Sosa, he’s 29, no longer young.

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  34. On Kemp’s defense yesterday. He hadn’t played there since his first weekend up, and moving rookies around is not a great way to develop their confidence at a position. The first error I expect to be reversed to a hit, because it was a very hard-hit grounder that suddenly leaped up; Turner has had far worse errors ruled hits. I didn’t see the second.

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  35. The Phillies are paying David Robertson a LOT for a couple of months, but even if he is just okay, it will be helpful. They are trying hard to keep things under control and trade as few prospects as possible. I expect Abel to end up in the BP for the stretch run – and Painter too, IF he takes another step forward in his development. I still think their biggest acquisition will be a bat unless they simply strike out on that front – but that’s I think what they want and that’s what they should want first and foremost.

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    1. He was great last year. 72 IP, 128 ERA+, 12.4 K/9, 1.111 WHIP. If his numbers are close to that, it’s a meaningful addition to the bullpen.

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      1. Looking at his 2024 in greater detail, last year was a weird year for him……he was great thru 1 August, then when the Rangers were battling for a wild card down the stretch in August he kind of lost it, he picked it up in mid-Sep but by then the Rangers were entrenched in third place in the West and out of the wild card race.

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  36. Saw reports this morning that Phils are in discussions on Mason Miller and Jalen Duran. Question…would you empty out the farm for both?

    I would. I actually would go all in on elite, controllable players. No rentals. But I would sell the pharm for Miller and Duran.

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    2. I’m still where I was. I’d trade anyone but Crawford Painter and Escobar for a stud controllable back of the BP piece or power hitting RH LF.

      But as I see it this LU doesn’t warrant for them to be all in on Bullpen arms.

      I actually prefer not to do anything and just let the season play out. Maybe having these players go into the playoffs with a chip on their shoulders provides the spark.

      This offseason with the money coming off allows them to really reshape and improve this team.

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      1. How high is your confidence level on this FO being able to reshape the roster this offseason if in fact they were to stand pat?

        Liked by 1 person

    3. imo Painter and Escobar off the table. My offer for Miller is Abel. Miller and Anthony or cabera

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    5. I saw the article on Miler. If he becomes available, I am sure Phillies will think long and hard. I do not know how many prospects go but they need someone for the 9th inning that is most likely going to get the 3 outs you need.

      Agree on the NO rental path. They need someone who is going to be around, and I realize that is more expensive. Believe it said Millier has 4 more years.

      A year ago, Miller was mine and Romus favorite guy. Not as good this season but believe in a pennant race, he most likely regains that dominance. Everyone will know in a few days the direction.

      Not very high on the Robertson addition. But he will fit in with what they have now.

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      1. Mick Abel gets one maybe two starts at LHV before the deadline….if he has exceptional performances, then he alone, or maybe a him plus a lower tier prospect, may bring back a good reliever.

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        1. Why not have those 2 starts in Philly rather than Walker? Makes sense to me.

          Romus. I have learned lots on the elbow surgeries in recent weeks. I will have to mention sometime. Grandkid got brace on today.

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  37. As of right now Kerkering is considered our best reliever and he allows more base runners than Romano. Scary bad bullpen construction.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I dunno. He’s not having the greatest year and his splits against lefties isn’t gonna move the needle. I’m just not enamored with Duran and feel we can allocate these prospects towards something better.

      Liked by 2 people

        1. Jack Fritz is slowly selling me on Louis Roberts…though I think I’m still a No on.

          I still think Bader or Ramo Laureano make the most sense. I just feel Ward is the target and I’d feel disappointed.

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  39. We would think its cheap, however we did give GB $2.5 million 12 months ago so maybe Boston also thinks highly of him.

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  40. Speaking of people named Miller, our guy in Reading was 0/5 last night, including a Golden Sombrero. I think it’s time to be Officially Concerned.

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  42. If I am DD, I put together a package for Mason Miller and Rooker that the A’s can’t refuse. I live with Rooker’s defense in left. That is the all-in move. Rooker fits perfectly into our lineup. Mashes.against lefty’s.

    I would offer: Marsh, Aidan Miller, Tait, Abel, Burkholder and 2 more in the 11-25 bucket.

    all in

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    1. I think they kinda are using Miller and Rooker as a way to gain investors and marketing for their move to Vegas. I just feel of all the players and teams that say this person isn’t available, I fully believe these 2 aren’t available. At least not this season.

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      1. They don’t move to Vegas for 3 more years, so I think pretty much everyone would be in play – for the right price.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I agree Catch but my point isn’t for there actual move. It’s the build up for that move that they’ll want these names. I mean they’ll be promoting Miller/Rooker/Butler ect for the next few years getting people excited and getting investors and selling luxury boxes, ect. I’m sure both are moved prior to going to Vegas. Just not this soon. Just my 2 cents.

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          1. Agree in concept – my point is that they’ve got another 3 years to have good young players develop into stars and to acquire new players before moving – plenty of time to build the “buzz” and going into LV with the best team possible.

            Liked by 1 person

    2. That package could be close to pry away from Cleveland Kwan (very good hitter plus defense) and either RP Clase or Smith. It would hurt minor league depth but maybe worth it. Cleveland may ask for more?????

      Like

    3. On a potential Miller & Rooker deal, i had the 94.1 on in the background today. Pretty sure I heard them say that “sources” are saying MIller & Rooker maybe available. Phillies would be the A’s top choice to deal with. Take with a grain of salt, it was the mid-day show 10-2. Sounds like it could happen, but Miller in the New stadium in Vegas… is an easy ticket for them to sell. Will see..but this is a top pick for me too

      or

      Suárez from AZ to 3B, Bohm or Kemp to 1st, and Harper to the OF till next season.

      Liked by 1 person

  43. MLB guys just had Heyman on. He said maybe on Miller. But not definite. Heyman does not think O’s move Bautista. Soto and SerAnthony available.

    Like

    1. This is a list of the top 50 deadline trades as they see it. However, they are ranked by their value to their new team.

      I find it curious that the only Athletic on the list is a starting pitcher. So, either they don’t think that Miller and Rooker are among the top 50 to be traded or they believe the Athletics when they say they aren’t being traded.

      July 31st can’t get here quick enough for me.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jim. I mentioned the same to Ruff after I glanced at list. No Miller or Rooker. Heyman on MLB earlier today did not believe A’s move Miller. But no mention of Rooker. He also felt Bautista is not moved but that Soto and SerAnthony are available.

        I have no idea what it will take but Mason Miller is still my favorite BP guy. The fact he has 4 more years is even better. Like you said we will know pretty soon.

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        1.  Don….the new Vegas Ballpark (33K capacity)….groundbreaking took place one month ago….. June 23, 2025, with a projected cost of $1.75B. The ballpark will be located on the Strip, on the former site of the Tropicana Las Vegas. ….specifically at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue. Knowing how they operate out there….they will work fast and hard to get it together for 2028…but who knows, they may try to get ready for 2027. The retractable roof probably will take the longest to get it together. They do not believe in work delays in the Vegas desert….Vegas Knights T-Mobile arena was constructed on time.

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        2. Don, I’ve also heard that the A’s aren’t moving Miller. Also heard that they aren’t moving Rooker either and that he has a no-trade agreement. I haven’t been able to verify but have been told that they aren’t always made public. Also heard that Rooker wouldn’t accept a trade because he is looking forward to playing in Vegas. Shades of Jeremy Giambi?

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          1. Kinda crazy that Buxton wants to be in MN forever and now hearing this about Rooker. Fine, stay. If you wanna toil away on bad teams where everything is nice and cushy for you and you never have to worry about fans who care, then you probably aren’t a guy you want up in a tie game in October. Kinda blows my mind though; Rooker got to play at CBP last year and if seeing that field and that crowd doesnt make him yearn for the chance to play in an environment like that, then maybe he belongs in his role as “good player on bad team”

            Like

            1. It does seem weird that a player in his 30s does not want a chance to win. But I have heard for years there are guys who want no part of New York and some who have gone there did well and some not so well.

              Soto pitched well at Detroit but not so well with Philly. Say he is good again with Oriole team that is not very good. That may say something on him.

              I see things on Schwarber. I think he stays. I may be wrong. But Philly is the only place he is going to walk on water. That is for Ruff. He is a legend at CBP.

              Like

    1. I’d rather drive across state and pick up Bednar and possibly Reynolds (ouch on that contract)

      Like

      1. Please DON’T stop in Pittsburgh and pick up Reynolds. He’s been a bad player this year and he’s signed for another 5 years. That would be a terrible acquisition – like you’re looking to lose and add unnecessary payroll. No thank you!

        Like

  47. It just feels like they’re telling us that they are shopping at Brooks Brothers but they show up at the dance with a suit from Men’s Warehouse.

    Like

      1. Maybe Pete Fairbanks of the Rays could be available…..Rays are in the wild card hunt right now….so who knows, I do not think Fairbanks is a Men’s Warehouse suit.

        Like

        1. He was on Passan list but Rays in WC chase. Would he be a rental? I did not read completely. I do not think he was on first group couple weeks ago. I have no idea but hope Phillies stay away from the rental market. I know more expensive to do so.

          Romus. Few surgery things. Surgeons do not know which till they begin operation. Greatly prefer the Internal Bridge. Both of my grandkids were able to have that. The one who had surgery first thought it would be TJ. Surgeons are able to keep the damaged ligament and repair it. Also, the recovery time if all goes well is so much faster. 6 to 8 months compared to a year or more for TJ. I learned the ligament most used for TJ is from the wrist. Grandson would have been from hamstring. Also, told some even are from the big toe in some instances. Not sure on that.

          Sure, it is trying for these young kids as you mentioned.

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          1. Don…yes he may be a rental for two months…Rays do have a team option on him in ’26.

            Hope the grandsons get thru all the procedures well, and into a healthy recovery.

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  49. If I heard correctly the last time a walk off occurred from catchers interference was 1971. My memories of watching baseball started in 1977 so I never saw it happen before.

    Games like last night are exactly why I’m not spending top prospect capital on a closer.

    Like

      1. At this point Id rather include him in a trade if there is a team out there convinced they can “fix” him. Weve been waiting for his breakout as a star (or at least as a real good player) for years and it just might not be coming.

        Like

      2. Funny. I was going to text Ruff if the time has come that Sosa should get most of the time at 2nd. Not because of the last play of the game but he is so energetic when he plays. Maybe this is what the team needs. BTW I mentioned Stott being in the 9th spot long ago.

        I texted Ruff this morning that 31=31 rest of the way gets his 88 wins. Is that good enough for playoffs? If Phillies play .570 the rest of the way, it gets them to 92 wins. I think 88 may get in playoffs and 92- or 93-win division. Told Ruff yesterday do not think any team wins 100 this season

        Thoughts.

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  51. The current career of Bryson Stott indicates how hard it is to adjust in the bigs. In 2023, he had 4.3 WAR and was looking like a future AS. Fast forward to 2025 and he has 0.1 WAR and batting 9th. He still has 2 more years of arbitration left so I don’t think the Phillies want to trade him away for pennies on the dollar. I could see Sosa and Stott batting it out in ST for the 2B job next year.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I like Sosa as a bench bat but he’s not a regular player either and gets exposed with extended playing time. For 2025, Sosa should be playing most of the time at 2b with Stott playing vs. difficult RHP starters.

      For 2026 and beyond, you hope that Stott can rediscover his swing. If he’s still struggling next July, then it’s time to look for replacements.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Nobody is really going to be happy but they could always start with a platoon at 2B for 2026. And whoever gets hot, gradually gets more playing time. 2026 will likely be the last year for Stott to prove that he’s starter level. Otherwise, he’s going to the bench in 2027 or getting traded as a change of scenery player.

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        1. My main reason for wanting to hang onto Escobar. I know he’s pulled back at JS a bit but that kid has the “it” factor so many of our prospects seem to lack.

          I’m pretty bullish on him. As either a 2B or 3B.

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  52. DD has mentioned that Andrew Painter is not available in trade talks. Also, just because the Phillies are getting Painter to be ready in July doesn’t mean he’ll be joining the rotation anytime soon.

    Especially with Nola looking to be healthy in August, it’s possible that Painter won’t be making his debut this year, unless he gets shifted to the bullpen.

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    1. Agree with all of this, which means it’s much more likely that Abel will be traded. Whoever trades for Abel is going to get themselves a pretty damned good prospect and possible future #2. Because we are awash with pitching talent, I think we generally undervalue him here (and the industry does as well because he was so bad last year), but he’s very fine prospect who could end up being one of the top 25 or so starters in baseball. I expect him to be traded, but I just hope that, with time, we’ll feel it was worth it. And, for what it’s worth, I also hope we don’t trade Escobar. To put it more succinctly, I’d much rather we trade Miller than Escobar.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. The Robertson signing is reminding me of the 2009 deadline. Feels like Mick Abel is similar to Carlos Carrasco. Solid pitching prospect but the organization would trade him for the right piece. If he’s moved for the Cliff Lee equivalent of RP I wouldn’t be upset but I think he can also help this team out of the pen.

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    1. Another day, another game where Crawford gets on base 4 times.

      2-2 with two singles, two walks, and two SBs.

      Also, Keaton Anthony hit his first AAA HR to tie the game in the 8th and then Rodolfo Castro walked it off with a HR of his own. Not the two guys you’d expect it from.

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      1. Interesting …Crawford’s first hit was slapped into left field between the ss and the 3B man….he has knack of serving the ball right between them. His BA of balls hit to left field is over .500

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        1. Romus. Announcers said Crawford is hitting .688 on ground balls in play. Be higher with single between 3B and SS. Craawford has 100 hits. He is hitting .566 before today on balls hit to LF.

          I had not seen him in person. I was surprised how slight of built he is. He reminded of a slightly shorter Gary Maddox. I believe they said he is 6’2″ and around 188. I think Maddox was taller if I remember correctly.

          I asked Ruff how strong of arm he has. He did not have to make any long throws today.

          Pigs turned a DP not sure I have seen. Rutschman on 2B after a double. Ball hit back to Chrismatt. He turns and throws out Rutschman at 2B on tag and Castro throws out runner going to 1B. No way that guy could have been running hard.

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  54. Nobody is truly untouchable. Maybe by constantly saying a guy is “untouchable” it helps raise his stock.

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  55. Unfortunately I’m moving to the belief that we have too many holes. Yes there’s no dominant NL or AL team, but I’d argue 3 of 8 lineup spots are deficient – LF, CF, 2B, and another, 3B is hurt. And we need some bullpen.

    That’s ALOT to correct.

    Rube shared on WIP that we need ‘3 pieces’. If the pieces were Schmidt, Utley and Lidge, I might agree.

    Maybe Dave is a Seller and a Buyer – position for 2026+, while leaving door open for 2025. Get creative. Example, look at Miller, Rooker, Suarez, McMahon, etc., but allow Luzardo, Stott, others, in addition to prospects.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. If they’re selling/buying this season the three players I would watch are:

      Castellanos:

      I think he’s such a negative defensively you could move him to an AL team looking for a RH bat at DH (maybe SEA or LAA) & acquire a Ramon Laureano or Harrison Bader for RF and not miss much from a value standpoint.

      Likewise, I think the incident with Rob Thompson and his poor offensive performance since make it easy to move on from him even though we need a RHB.

      Maybe this is a Gregory Soto to Tanner Banks type of move they can make to improve the defense? Given the contact our RPs allow, maybe improving the defense improves their performance?

      Stott:

      With him hitting 9th and his continued struggles maybe a team would be interested in him for a rental player and hope he could recapture his 2023 magic.

      Marsh:

      He turned it around after his bad April but given his recent struggles maybe he’s moved to fit Crawford into the mix. They can DFA Kepler to do that as well but maybe trading Marsh is why they haven’t moved Kepler yet?

      I can’t see them moving anyone from the starting staff unless they can get Walker’s contract off the books. Starting pitching is too important to this team.

      Like

      1. If it’s just a choice between keeping Kepler or Marsh, then it’s an easy choice. Even when he’s not hitting, Marsh is an excellent defensive option late in games (in the corners). And he’s also an awesome “vibes” guy. I think the clubhouse would actually feel his loss. Plus, his ability to at least play CF passably is a good hedge for if Crawford struggles mightily. If we trade Marsh and Crawford isn’t ready (or gets hurt), then we’re now stuck with Rojas as our everyday CF with no other real options.

        That being said, while Kepler would be addition by subtraction, obviously no one is trading for him. So if Marsh can bring back a piece that can help us, you have to consider it.

        Liked by 2 people

  56. Could I have seen Romus, Rocco, and one of the other PP guys sitting behind HP today at LHV game? LOL

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    1. Just kidding v1. Playing for Arkansas was his childhood dream. Maybe he is confident enough in his skills to believe that he could move up substantially in round and dollars in three years. Hope his advisors let him know that the draft could be very different after the next CBA.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. That’s a pretty darn good draft.

      It’s a long shot, but did you hear anything about the Phils’ thoughts on Jack Bauer? I imagine the fact he went undrafted means his asking price was astronomical, but I would have loved to add the upside of an 18 year old lefty that touches 100. Injury risk and all.

      Like

    1. This should put to bed forever any complaints about the trade where we sent that kid to Tampa. I’ve already forgotten his name. (I know it’s Mead but wanted to paraphrase a movie line.)

      Liked by 5 people

      1. Also a great reminder of how long it really takes to evaluate a deal. Something that stings this week + might not in 5 years (or could).

        Liked by 1 person

  64. Due to talk by V1, I’m curious to see what people might be willing to trade Painter for with players that even might be available. I don’t like all the pieces he was talking about for Miller and Rooker which probably wouldn’t be enough. I say trade one big piece if it takes that much.

    Painter for Miller and Rooker?

    Painter for Buxton/ Duran and Castro?

    Get out of here with crap of trading for Duran from BoSox. Painter for Anthony plus?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Meant to be Painter for Buxton, Duran and Castro.

      Anthony is too young/ unproven. Painter, Able, Bohm and Castellanos plus for Abreu, Chapman, Bregman and Gonzalez?

      Like

  65. Meant to be Painter for Buxton, Duran/ Jax and Castro.

    Anthony is too young unproven. Painter, Abel, Bohm and Castellanos for Abreu, Chapman, Bregman, and Gonzalez?

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    1. My take is that this team is realistically 3-5 pieces away… With some internal improvements from the current roster & prospect promotions… you could argue 3, 2 after a lot of drinks. So… I would not trade Painter to fill 2 of the 3 needed pieces… I would think more heavily about if DD could make a series of moves. Unlikely IMO to pull off in the current format.

      The asterisk to that, is if I as a FO executive (I can dream), get the sense that Schwarber will NOT be back, then you gotta trade Painter for Miller & Rooker, and whoever else. Rooker is about as close a replacement as you’re going to get with a closer. Nobody really wants Ozuna so… I’d do it for that reason.

      Like

    2. My take is that this team is realistically 3-5 pieces away… With some internal improvements from the current roster & prospect promotions… you could argue 3, 2 after a lot of drinks. So… I would not trade Painter to fill 2 of the 3 needed pieces… I would think more heavily about if DD could make a series of moves. Unlikely IMO to pull off in the current format.

      The asterisk to that, is if I as a FO executive (I can dream), get the sense that Schwarber will NOT be back, then you gotta trade Painter for Miller & Rooker, and whoever else. Rooker is about as close a replacement as you’re going to get with a closer. Nobody really wants Ozuna so… I’d do it for that reason.

      Like

    3. My take is that this team is realistically 3-5 pieces away… With some internal improvements from the current roster & prospect promotions… you could argue 3, 2 after a lot of drinks. So… I would not trade Painter to fill 2 of the 3 needed pieces… I would think more heavily about if DD could make a series of moves. Unlikely IMO to pull off in the current format.

      The asterisk to that, is if I as a FO executive (I can dream), get the sense that Schwarber will NOT be back, then you gotta trade Painter for Miller & Rooker, and whoever else. Rooker is about as close a replacement as you’re going to get with a closer. Nobody really wants Ozuna so… I’d do it for that reason.

      Like

  66. I know a lot of attention is focusing on an LF bat… but what are the chances the FO is talking with Turner & Harper for either a permanent or temporary position change to lengthen their WS contenders window?

    Turner to CF, Harper to LF, Crawford to RF. Suarez to 3B, Stott to SS, O’Hearn to 1st. Sosa to 2nd

    Essentially, you trade Castellanos & Bohm (which they tried in the offseason) & Prospects for Suarez, O’Hearn (both rentals) and get a shut down closer.

    Painter, Luzardo to the pen + either Duran, Clause, Bautista.

    You probably keep more Painter, Tait, Escobar this way. So Miller & Abel for the closer + lower tier prosects. Suarez & O’Hearn are rentals so it shouldn’t take the world to get them.

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  67. I know a lot of attention is focusing on an LF bat… but what are the chances the FO is talking with Turner & Harper for either a permanent or temporary position change to lengthen their WS contenders window?

    Turner to CF, Harper to LF, Crawford to RF. Suarez to 3B, Stott to SS, O’Hearn to 1st. Sosa to 2nd

    Essentially, you trade Castellanos & Bohm (which they tried in the offseason) & Prospects for Suarez, O’Hearn (both rentals) and get a shut down closer.

    Painter, Luzardo to the pen + either Duran, Clause, Bautista.

    You probably keep more Painter, Tait, Escobar this way. So Miller & Abel for the closer + lower tier prosects. Suarez & O’Hearn are rentals so it shouldn’t take the world to get them.

    Like

  68. I know a lot of attention is focusing on an LF bat… but what are the chances the FO is talking with Turner & Harper for either a permanent or temporary position change to lengthen their WS contenders window?

    Turner to CF, Harper to LF, Crawford to RF. Suarez to 3B, Stott to SS, O’Hearn to 1st. Sosa to 2nd

    Essentially, you trade Castellanos & Bohm (which they tried in the offseason) & Prospects for Suarez, O’Hearn (both rentals) and get a shut down closer.

    Painter, Luzardo to the pen + either Duran, Clause, Bautista.

    You probably keep more Painter, Tait, Escobar this way. So Miller & Abel for the closer + lower tier prosects. Suarez & O’Hearn are rentals so it shouldn’t take the world to get them.

    Like

    1. If Crawford is coming up, he’s taking CF. If Turner is going to the OF (and it may not be for a few years), he’s going to LF if Crawford is there. I guess people forgot how Harper had issues dropping fly balls near the warning track. You don’t want Harper in the OF. He’s either 1B or DH, that’s it. I have no doubt that if Harper is in the OF, he’ll be at least -1+ dWar easily.

      Like

  69. Saw this on another site……Mickey Moniak is having a solid year. ….251 AB….15 HR (he would be 2nd on the Phils)…..38 RBI…..275 BA. He finally may have turned the corner for the better. Though some of that may be the Coors Field effect and also playing for a team that has been out of it since May and thus little pressure.

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  70. Not sure if it ever would have happened here in Philly, being a former 1.1; the guy that is having one hell of a year and is much more relevant to the 2025 Phillies is our old friend Cody Clemons. OPS well over .500 with something like 13 HRs for the Twins. First month+ of the season he was glued to a bench.

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      1. No idea what happened there…

        Figures… this site gets me a good bit with its quirks… not sure if anyone else has this issue, but it seems way to easy to have your post deleted as your typing it out. Happens a good bit.

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  73. Crawford’s .402 BABIP is not sustainable. He is definitely getting lucky. But there are a lot of things that he is doing at AAA that are very sustainable at the MLB level:

    • His 12% walk rate and 18% K rate is really, really good. There is a high correlation between upper MiLB walk and K rates and what a player ends up at the MLB level
    • According to this article, he only swung at one of the 14 pitches he saw outside of the zone” in Tuesday’s game. So he is seeing it well and only swinging at strikes. That supports his high walk rate.
    • Also, his one ground ball base hit in this game was hit 102.3 mp. Ground balls hit that hard tend to find holes. He has a 42% hard hit rate. HH Rate is the %’age of balls hit harder than 95 mph. So yes, he has a 60% ground ball rate, but those are hard hit grounders. They are going to find holes.
    • And then when he gets on base, he is a menace.

    https://www.mlb.com/news/phillies-prospect-justin-crawford-steals-show-in-pipeline-prospect-showcase

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    1. i can’t understand how he is 16th. Hit at every level. And is a gold glove first basemen

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      3. no power yet.

        I think there is something wrong with his swing that he doesn’t generate backspin. because he is a massive human and he barrels the ball a lot. But he must produce a lot of top spin.

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        1. He decided to change up and not to go for the long ball like he did in the Big Ten and college…popped 23 HRS in 96 games.. He said to Steve Potter he could swing for the long ball and change up his launch angle if he needed to. I assume he wanted to change his approach for better overall hitting success and a quicker path to the majors. Really do not know.

          Liked by 1 person

      4. rocco……right hand batters, especially first basemen, have to hit HRs to be rated higher. Reminds me how KLaw does say he missed on Paul Goldschmidt coming up thru the minors….partly because he was a RHB and also because the DBack fast-tracked him thru the system within three years to the majors..

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        1. I think for Anthony to be rated as #16 as an undrafted, 24 YO, right-handed first baseman without a ton of power is a major accomplishment. It shows that there may be something there in the future. Also, I disagree that we will never see another Olerud, or Keith Hernandez or Mark Grace again. I absolutely think someone like them could succeed as a first baseman in today’s game. Those guys weren’t flukes. They were excellent players who had high OBPs, enough power and produced at a high level. And mark my words, it’s going to happen, but odds are against it being someone like Anthony.

          Liked by 1 person

    2. I think your post contradicts itself. Google says an excellent hard hit rate is 45%. Average rate is 35% in the MLB. If you’re saying Crawford can’t sustain 42% in the majors (which is likely) it would make sense to say his numbers aren’t sustainable.

      What would Crawford’s numbers look like at 35% hard hit rate? No doubt to me he would be at that level in the majors.

      I really like Anthony and want to see him get a chance if they can find power somehow at other positions if Harper is DH and Schwarber would be gone next year.

      I don’t care if he doesn’t hit homers if he’s close to 800 OPS. All he does is hit line drives. I would bet his K rate is near 15%. As much people dislike Bohm, you need batters like that.

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      1. There are a lot of players at MLB level who have a higher hard hit rate but a lower BABIP. Crawford is getting lucky. But still doing a lot of things that will translate into the MLB level

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  74. 3B is a power position. If Bohm was playing 2B, it would be much less of an issue (career .739 OPS). What’s Matt Chapman’s career OPS? .790. And Chapman also has 5 GG.

    This season, Bohm is age 28 and 0.9 WAR. Chapman is age 32 with 3 WAR. This is why fans are not happy with Bohm.

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    1. Why are you comparing Bohm to Matt Chapman? Chapman is making $151 million and is a long-term star at the 3b position.

      Bohm doesn’t have to be equal to Chapman to be considered a solid option at the position. If he’s the fan’s expectation, then they are certainly going to be not happy.

      Like

      1. Matt Chapman is what a 3B is supposed to look like. I could have used Alex Bregman. But if you want, how about Isaac Paredes of the Astros? Paredes is 26, arbitration eligible, 2.8 WAR, .829 OPS this season.

        To be starter level, it’s expected that the player is 2 WAR at their position. Alec Bohm has been over 2 WAR just once in his career, and it’s highly unlikely that he’ll be 2 WAR this season. Bohm is just not hitting enough to be a 3B. That’s why I’m not happy and that’s not why the Phillies shouldn’t re-sign him.

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          1. There is also DBack’s Geno Suarez……less than a .250 BA career guy but over 300 HRs…career 27WAR over 12 yrs. Bohm probably with the better hit tool, but not the ISO guy people prefer. Because Bohm is a 12/15 HR player….he needs to be a 35plus doubles guy to offset the long ball.

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          2. Ernie Clement has 2.2 WAR. He’s not hitting as well as Bohm but his glove makes up for it.

            Zach Mckinstry? 2.4 WAR with .804 OPS.

            I can’t say Junior Caminero because he’s an AS?

            Ramon Urias has 1 WAR so he’s on par with Bohm.

            Matt Shaw has .616 OPS but he has 1.3 WAR because of his glove.

            Just from this small subset, I believe Bohm has to be in the bottom 3rd of 3B in terms of WAR. If you think that’s ok, that’s on you.

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            1. Just a reminder that WAR does not win or end discussions. There are people who disregard WAR as a measuring stat. They are just as right as the WAR people are.

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            2. not sure what you are trying to prove. Yes, there are better 3b in the league. There are also worse 3b in the league. That’s what makes Bohm slightly better than league average.

              If WAR is you standard then so be it. I don’t consider WAR to be a good measure so we will obviously disagree.

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        2. Yes but Bohm is on his rookie contract/ arb. Have to balance salaries somehow.

          I’d like to see Bregman on the Phils. I asked what would people think about Painter, Able, Castellanos and Bohm for Bregman, Abreu, Chapman, and Gonzalez earlier. I think there’s a chance BoSox would do the deal.

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  75. So if #20 Shafer doesn’t sign, will they use that extra money for #16 Logan Dawson out of Eastern HS in South Jersey?

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      1. No one believes what I write. I have zero sources. I may have misspoke anyway. They have agreements in place. Contracts don’t go into force until they are signed after physicals are passed.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Seriously though, I think I put the comment you are referencing in the wrong thread. It would have been better placed in the Draft Discussion.

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    1. Probably just an off day. He hasnt played great defense at 3b and Sosa was always gonna get a few games. Would have loved saving his bat for later in the game…felt like he had zero chance vs Chapman

      Like

  78. The well grounded “slap hitter” has a couple hits and done slapped another one out of the park tonight. I hope we get to see him at CBP this year.

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      1. He didn’t even have a pitcher up in the pen until after the fourth walk. Which Luzardo has he been watching all season. Need a hard-ass like Dallas Green or Paul Owens. Larry Bowa?

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        1. Wouldn’t that be something, Dallas Green! I don’t think the modern ballplayer could take it ….. they’d wilt ….. but, I’d like to see it.

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        2. I can already hear the post-game. “Well, he was throwing really well. I thought he deserved a chance to pitch out of it. There were a couple of close pitches that may didn’t go our way. That pop up was a big play. blah, blah, blah.” If DD isn’t going to demote/release the players who’ve earned such a move, then the manager and coaches should come under scrutiny.

          Liked by 1 person

    3. I would have thought pulling a pitcher after walking 4 people in an inning would be an easy decision…

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      1. couldn’t. He Didn’t have anyone up and ready to go yet. Would have thought that the pitching coach visit would have prompted getting a reliever up but not for Rob.

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        1. The first two walks would have been my personal signal to get a reliever up. The third would have been a mound visit to settle him down. The fourth would have been an immediate yank.

          But I’m a reactionary guy I guess. As in I’m not asleep and I react to stimuli.

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  80. phi93…. Did you see Bregman run this series…. There were 3-4 times he cost Boston a run or out because of his injury….

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  81. I like Topper but this season has shown me that his time as manager may be up. He never argues for the players. He’s pretty oblivious on Lazurdo starts. When Jesus goes bad he goes quick. Gotta yank him.

    Lazar has made me a believer in his stuff. Phillies bullpen is shaping up nicely. With Robertson and another arm at the deadline they should be set.

    Now just hoping for that bat.

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    1. Its kind of been his MO since he was drafted and probably the reason he was traded as many times as he was. He has arm talent no doubt. And credit the Red Sox for being very disciplined in that inning.

      I’m always looking for silver linings and maybe Stott having his baby boy can allow him to relax and be the player he’s shown he can be.

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        1. Where did that thing even land.. i saw some replay of him looking confused but couldn’t see a ball land anywhere

          didn’t even know WW was back on the bench, let alone would be used to run.. he have some sort of fast speed 1-home or 2-home stopwatch numbers? i’m sure they know kyle’s avg time for those scenarios to weigh the worth of the substitution but did feel odd

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          1. P1. behind JT about half way between left hand batters box and the screen. Like someone said Luzardo might have caught it.

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        2. Romus, whose play is that when a ball is lost in the lights? The last time I saw something like that was in the 2008 World Series when Rollins lost a popup in the rain but Utley caught the ball.

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    2. Romus. One of the things I texted Ruff this morning. Like Nola it seems to be in that 4th-6th inning that it occurs. It happens fast. But I think last night had multiple chances to be avoided.

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  83. Lots of talk about when Luzardo should have been pulled. IMO Thompson’s biggest blunder of the night was pinch running Weston Wilson for Schwarber. I guess I just dont really get what the point was….is he even faster than Schwarber? If he is, its by a VERY small amount.

    I get that Schwarber’s spot was very unlikely to come up again in the lineup, but Wilson could have been used to hit for Kepler.

    Speaking of which, Kepler is one of the biggest losers in team history. Im not gonna lie, I would have loved the sweep, but there was a part of me glad that he choked so hard in a big spot because had he hit a dramatic walk off, it might have made DD start to think “ok, hes coming around, maybe we can hold on to him”

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  84. Thompson managed that game like he won 2 of 3 so preserving the BP was going to be in his best interest. It irks me…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. And today is a day off before seeing the Yankees in NY, plus the fact ,Sanchez the night prior pitched a complete game….what gives with Top!

      …….looks like we may see Skubel next weekend when the Tigers are in town

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Maybe there is some hope for us ……. saw last night DET. had lost 9 of their last 10. Probably turn it around with us.

        Boston series some series. Catcher’s interference walk off, catchers balk and the Luzardo inning meltdown with cranium cramps.

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      2. oh nice.. might have to see about grabbing a cheap seat or standing room and nuzzling my way down behind home plate to watch that.. would be nice if it lined up wheels/skubz

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  85. woof at blowing that lead.. that’s pretty infuriating and an embarrassment to allow that to play out.. walk walk walk walk grand slam… like wtf you think jesus is going to do after walking in a run? he’s going to try to throw some strikes and you just know as a hitter there will be something grooved as pitcher wants to have a count where he is finally ahead… this is like little league baseball IQ shizzzz…. comon fellas

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    1. I guess my rebuttal would be that 5 minutes before the implosion, he had essentially pitched 5 scoreless quick innings, and got screwed by JT not being able to see an easy popup. So he had no reason to have the pen warming up until the walks started. And that all happened so fast, you have to wonder if they could have even had someone ready to go in that amount of time. Hindsight is always 20/20, but that got out of hand fast and you can’t just go to a guy whos thrown 4 pitches in the pen.

      Liked by 2 people

  86. Some prospect talk

    From K Law, ranks Painter #7

    Painter has recovered fully from 2023 Tommy John surgery and is back to pitching in the 94-98 range with a hammer curveball and at least an average changeup, showing average or better control in Triple A even with that level’s higher walk rates. The Phillies have given him a slider to try to take advantage of his arm speed and his ability to spin the ball; it wasn’t very good when I saw him, although I’ve had other scouts say they’ve seen it above-average and it’s generated a 33 percent whiff rate so far this year. It’s a clear starter’s build and delivery, with the three- or four-pitch mix to turn a lineup over multiple times and get guys on both sides of the plate, and he’s got at least one true out pitch in the curveball. I don’t project many guys to be No. 1 starters, but Painter is one of the very few who checks every box.

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  87. Aidan Miller – #25

    Miller’s return to Double A hasn’t gone as well as hoped, as he’s drawn some walks but hasn’t done a whole lot else, even though his home park in Reading is the best hitter’s park in the Eastern League. It’s not that hard to see why – he’s whiffing on non-fastballs 37 percent of the time (through Sunday), and on fastballs just 14 percent of the time. He had some similar pitch recognition issues in High A last year, but he hasn’t made a real adjustment yet with Reading, with July shaping up as his worst month. He’s a solid or better defender at short and has plenty of bat speed; it’s really just a matter of picking up offspeed stuff and making better decisions on them.

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      1. High error rates are common for young shortstops and not considered a big issue with a player in his early 20s. Range, arm-strength, double-play ability (pivot and throw) are much more important indicators. If they say he’s good in the field, I’d tend to believe that.

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  88. Justin Crawford – #40

    Crawford is maddening — he’s an 80 runner, at least a 60 and probably a 70 defender in center, and he probably has a 60 hit tool. He starts his hands so high, however, that his path to the ball produces comical groundball rates, over 60 percent just about everywhere he’s played — that’s not the 60 we’re looking for — limiting his ceiling. He doesn’t lack for power, peaking at 110.6 mph this year already, but 110.6 mph on the ground isn’t going to leave the park. As is, he’s a regular, because he hits, gets on base, and adds value on defense and on the bases. He could be more, though, and I’m going to bang that drum until someone helps fix his swing to get him a more typical path with some loft for at least extra-base power.

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    1. Can the current major league coaching staff help him put more balls in the air? Track record with young hitters is not encouraging.

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    2. I really don’t like this Keith Law comment. I hear what he’s saying, but perhaps he’s best suited as a hitter who just shoots hard grounds and line drives all over the diamond. Changing a guy’s swing can be a really bad thing. Nobody ever talked about it, but Dom Brown never recovered his plus plus power after they took the “hole” out of his swing. He was never close to the same player – period. I’m no swing guru, but I think I’d be very careful about tinkering with what has brought Crawford such great success.

      Liked by 1 person

  91. I live about 90 minutes from Boston. The Red Sox have always been my 2nd favorite team, though about a light year behind the Phillies. After the third inning last night, I began to feel sorry for the Saux.

    Luzardo was doing his best Dr. Jekyll mowing down the batters. In the 4th inning you could tell he was beginning to change. Come the fifth inning he was full on Mr. Hyde and it was all down hill from there.

    The ESPN commentator (Cone?) was saying he was having trouble pitching from the stretch. If that was the case, why doesn’t he go full windup when the bases were loaded? No big deal keeping the runners close at that point.

    Realmuto not finding the pop up was a killer for sure. Luzardo actually could have caught the ball. He was that close but as told from day one pitchers give way to the catcher and any infielder on pop ups.

    To me, Luzardo gets in trouble when he tends to aim the ball rather than just throw it. He has another year before free agency. For what my opinion is worth, I say trade him in the off season for a pretty good return.

    I’d wait to see how Suarez ends the year if he’s healthy and if he’s pitched a good amount of innings at a high level. I’d seriously consider resigning him and I know he wants to stay so maybe the price will be within reason.

    Money saved on a Luzardo trade, if a team will pay half of Walker’s salary, and the departure of Wheeler after 2027 would help to pay Suarez. I’ve always been a Suarez fan and it looks like this is all you’ll get from Luzardo.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Walker hasn’t been horrendous. If the As unload starting pitching this deadline I’d try and trade him there after eating at half the salary.

      I love Ranger, I just think his price tag is gonna be shocking.

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      1. Let’s be real, the Luzardo versus Ranger thing is very difficult to figure out. Nobody really knows which player will turn out best or which contract would be a good thing. 3 or 4 years from now we’ll look back and think it should have been obvious to see what should be done, but, right now, no, nobody knows the best path. It’s all conjecture and no answer is the clear right answer.

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    2. Move Suarez this week……Detroit may give up one of their top four…..ofer Clark, Bonner HS ss/2B Kevin McGonigle, ss Rainer or catcher Briceno…all ready to make their move in another year or two to the majors.

      Bring up Abel and Painter.

      Take an effing risk.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I’ve been wanting to move Ranger this season from Day 1. I think it’s totally possibly to buy and sell, but then I realized the Phillies don’t do things like that. Too vanilla for that kind of stuff.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. If DD has been seeing the same stuff I’ve been watching, he knows by now 1 or 2 guys are not going to fix it. So, I too hope he is judicious, maybe complete the upgrade over the winter into the spring.

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  93. I think you’ve gotta go Wheeler, Sanchez, Nola, Luzardo, and Painter next year. Maybe Abel if he’s not traded. if you trade Luzardo, you either need to use Walker in his last contract year, Abel, or a free agent signee. Assuming no Abel and we don’t want Walker, the question is, who would that signee be? Ranger is going to be too expensive/too fragile IMO. Rather commit resources to a bat in free agency.

    Liked by 1 person

    2. I’m not surprised the Phils would yell at him, Manfred is basically trying to union bust ahead of the next CBA negotiations. But the Phillies are a team with a lot of veteran, well-paid guys. They’re not likely to enjoy what he’s doing.

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      1. MLBPA may be the most controversial union in professional sports–if you want to call them a union…..they throw up road blocks on many if not almost all MLB initiatives…..ie Latin America draft for one. At the same time…the player’s guaranteed contracts are the best in all professional sports. Do you think the MLBPA would let MLB put a termination length on baseball contracts! The NHLPA will be letting the NHL owners do that after their next CBA….no contracts over 7 years. I seriously doubt the MLBPA would go for that….even though it could benefit the player in the long run. IMO, this union has has outlived its usefulness, especially when many rank and file do not agree with some of their decisions.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. It definitely has NOT outlived its usefulness. The union is the only thing that gives the players any leverage against the owners. Without it, the owners would get to indulge in unchecked greed.

          People like to think we’ve become more civilized and matured beyond the point of taking blatant advantage of others, but we haven’t (or at least the people greedy enough to accumulate billions of dollars haven’t).

          If they could, owners would get rid of free agency again. They’d set a salary limit on players. They’d get as close to indentured servitude as they could. And even if the players played for FREE, the cost of tickets and merchandise wouldn’t come down.

          I wish the MLBPA did a better job of representing the younger guys, but I don’t wish they would dissolve. I have no desire to see what baseball would become when the owners have no one to answer to.

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          1. First off…all that is fearmongering. Owners will not do any of that…..they realize what their golden goose is…the players. The notions that owners are plain and simply greedy…is another hogwash theory…most of them during Covid paid their FTE as long as possible even though there was no ballgames going on for months. And most clubs have hundreds of FTE working within their organizations. Do you xonsider John Middleton as a greedy owner?

            And let me remind you…ballplayers are not employees of the company or club or organization…they are contract workers, just the same as any contract worker in any other company in America. So tell me…..how many contract workers in America have unions representing them!

            A MLB players have it very good….45 days of MLB service and lifetime medical kicks in , and a minimum vested pension until they max out at the 10 year service mark.

            If they did not change a thing right now …as it stands….what does the union do to justify their existence in benefiting the current players. Even the minor leaguers have benefitted as the owners authorized more money to them. The owners did cut the total numbers in the system to curb expenses. All part of the negotiation.

            Liked by 1 person

            1. Romus, I respect you and your points of view. But history is VERY clear on what happens in the absence of unions in a capitalist society. And it’s easy to say we’ve moved beyond that. We haven’t.

              I can tell you first hand what it’s like working for an employer in a field without a union. I had the great misfortune of working for Amazon for a few years. Amazon has union busting down to a SCIENCE. Anyone who got caught talking even somewhat favorably about unions got fired. They often held all-hands meetings talking about how we were “family” and that unions would get in the way of our partnership. And to sell it, they would tell us stories about the evils of unions. Including making up stories about their dead parents. These people lied about their DEAD PARENTS to convince people not to unionize.

              And you know how Amazon rewards their employees for not unionizing? Taking away benefits. Replacing workers with robots. Firing genuinely good workers for nebulous reasons because they’re getting too expensive.

              Now would every owner in baseball be a penny-pincher? No. Some of them would want to be the new Yankees. But why would we want to go back to the era of the Yankees winning every other World Series, one other team winning a third of them, and then every 6 years we get a surprise winner?

              Unions can be very frustrating, and are by no means perfect. But you don’t become a billionaire without being willing to exploit others (excepting the possibility of inheriting or marrying into the money). It simply isn’t possible to do so. So why would we make it easier for them to do so?

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          2. I agree whole-heartedly, obviously based on my comment that posted after yours. We know exactly what baseball would look like without the MLBPA. It would be pre-1970 all over again.

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        2. Of course, MLBPA is a union. They are the strongest and best union in sports. ALL MLB initiatives are suggested to benefit the owners. The MLBPA should fight Manfred on any and every initiative MLB wants.

          I’m sure that many disagree with me on this.

          I was never pro union when I was younger. But I’ve become more aware of what happens when any ownership is allowed to do things unchecked.

          Look what MLB has done to the minor leagues since taking them over. And they aren’t done. Player limits could go down again to maybe 105 when they are done. In that case, the number of levels would go to three (AAA, AA, and A). Low A and Complex leagues could disappear. The draft could be shortened and then slot bonuses could be decreased. The draft could exclude HS players. MLB definitely wants to let colleges take over player development. All these possible changes have one thing in common; they drive costs down. I see only doom and gloom after the next CBA.

          Manfred talks about how his initiatives would benefit the rank-and-file players as he tries to union bust. If he really wants to benefit players, remove all the arbitrary limits MLB places on player salaries, draft bonuses, free agency, …

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          1. Ask yourself….why did MLB decide to change the minor league roll totals? Of course , the bottom-line…decrease expenses .This union rarely makes any concessions……the contracts for their members are the best in sports…guarantees. So in that regards, they are best.

            Explain to me why they veto all ‘hard caps’…why they veto international drafts—at the same slot money as the Rule 4?

            The other pro sports unions work with ownership and are able to resolve their differences.

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            1. They veto those things because that’s how negotiations work. Don’t give something for nothing, or else the other side will just keep taking until you have nothing left.

              Ask yourself why MLB refuses to institute a salary FLOOR. That would help with parity more than anything else they’ve done.

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            2. Hard salary caps run counter to a capitalistic market. They place an arbitrary limit on what players can earn.

              Among other things, an international draft would further limit how international money is spent. The problem with the international market isn’t that there isn’t a draft, it’s that there is a limit on how much money a team can spend under the guise of spreading the talent among more teams.

              Both limits above prevent teams that want to spend money from spending it on players and props up teams that want to restrict spending.

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          2. why should mlb owners be forced to lose money by running 6+ minor/development leagues. Plus the complex players. Because they are rich and 33rd round picks and 30k 15 year olds in the DR need to be housed? All those players can find an independent leauge as more than 95% of those players don’t ever return value to the mlb team just take the money while they play baseball on the owners dime. Why should an MLB owner be forced to pay 200 players not to play for the Phillies!?!

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      1. He’s meeting with the players of each team to talk about the, “future of the sport.”

        In his words, “The strategy is to get directly to the players,” Manfred continued. “I don’t think the leadership of this union is anxious to lead the way to change. So we need to energize the workforce in order to get them familiar with or supportive of the idea that maybe change in the system could be good for everybody.”

        So yeah. He wants them to dismantle the MLBPA. Meanwhile, he won’t even give players a straight answer about a salary cap.

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  95. Another trade option for the Phillies has hit the injured list as Felix Bautista of Baltimore went on the 15 day DL.

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    1. Good question….one reason, they may be stocked with younger players than most of the other teams. A year or two younger teenager is at a disadvantage vs the older guy. OTOH, they just may not be as talented as their opponent. Just looking at the DSL teams red and white rosters…looks like together they have about two dozen position players with birthdates in ’07 and ’08…they could be overall one of the younger teams in the DSL.

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    2. The FCL team is almost all DSL guys who were promoted. That weakens the talent pool in the DSL which is split between two teams. The FCL guys are playing against teams that are older. The Blue Jays for instance pretty much brought back their 2024 FCL team. One year experience over younger kids means a lot.

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      1. Plus, they are graded by the org focuses on more than batting average, strikeouts, and other stats on the back of a baseball card. The success the kids are having just isn’t reflected in wins and losses.

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  99. I would strongly consider trading Luzardo in a package for Kwon and Clase or for Mason Miller and Rooker. Then sign Ranger to a long term deal. Top 6 of Wheeler, Sanchez, Nola, Ranger, Painter, Abel.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’d deal Luzardo for Kwan in a heartbeat. I feel like there’s no way Cleveland would trade him to us (too high of an asking price/we’d get outbid by other teams).

      But it is fun to think about having him and Trea at the top of the lineup. There would be a better than 50% chance that any given game would start with at least one man on and Harper/Schwarber at bat. Good way to make a whole lot of pitchers nervous.

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      1. I think we are over-valuing Luzardo. He’s not having that great of a year compared among his previous three. Remember we got him for 2 medium type prospects – Starlyn Caba and Emaarion Boyd, both of whom are still playing at the same levels they played in last year with little if any improvement. I don’t see how Luzardo would bring back a solid starting player or command prospects any better than those we gave up.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I almost feel as if the Phillies need to do both … their offense is pretty non existent after the 3 obvious players – Kwon & Rooker change that, as so Kwon & Suarez (3B). Hopefuly Crawford is still around to add a different element. The team is more balanced this way, with these trades, but say good bye to future depth. I think DD can manage to keep Painter, but the rest is open season.

      I’d trade Luzardo if you think you can sign Ranger. the issue is the CBA tax thresholds. The Phillies likely STill won’t drop below the level even with Castellanos & Walker being gone after 2026 if you resign both Schwarber & Ranger in 2025. Painter has to hit. So does whoever is left.

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  101. The AAA home plate u pore is squeezing him but after retiring the first 9 he’s gone bb, hr, bb, bb

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  102. I posted this in the Draft Discussion. Re-posting for maximum distribution.

    Tracker is up-to-date. Phillies have $249,570 available under the penalty limit. This plus the $150K untaxable for picks #11thru #20 gives them $399,570 to offer to Dawson at #16 without incurring a penalty.

    Liked by 3 people

        1. I just wish someone can tell me.Why Crawford isn’t up? Makes no sense. Got to give us more than Rojas .only thing I can assume is they are moving him.

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          1. because the team is scared that if he doesnt go 10 for his first 20, teams wont want to trade for him anymore. its ludicrous.

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          2. At this point, it makes sense to at least wait until the deadline. That way they don’t have to waste one of his option years if they end up trading for a CF.

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          3. Rojas isn’t the problem. I’m not a WAR guy, but he has the 7th best WAR on the team, better than Stott, Kemp, Marchan, and the three outfielders who all have negative WAR -Castellanos, Mars, and Kepler.

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    1. It should, DBacks were 5.5 games behind the last wild card. I think teams are holding out in hopes of extracting more trade value.

      Note that Josh Taylor was a rental and the DBacks got the #13 and #16 prospects from the Mariners. But the Mariners system is loaded.

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      1. Agreed. There’s no reason for selling teams to sell on a schedule that benefits the buying teams. They can and should extract as much value as they can. Desperate buyers will likely up their offers as the deadline approaches. Of course, they run the risk of more competition for the sellers’ interest and one or two buyers may become sellers if they wait. Oops, there’s a reason right there for selling early. It’s a game of chicken.

        Liked by 1 person

  106. How about a trade with the Cardinals?

    Maton, Donovan and Helsley

    for,

    Miller, Tait, Abel and choice of Bohm or Marsh

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    1. its not bad… Move Stott to SS for Defense, Turner to OF (tell him to hope his bat comes around, Turner to the OF… tell him to suck it up! 2 BP arms… I’d like it a lot more if they could also get Suarez from AZ as well. I don;t like giving up Tait though… i would think about offering Luzardo to hold onto him and give my choice of either Miller or Escobar.

      Tough calls coming, i still have faith in DD.

      Liked by 1 person

      3. There should never be a decision made about TT and his position based on Stott. TT would be a GG player at 2nd base as it’s easy to play. Stott should be at Lehigh. TT is not moving to the OF where he can pull hammys…if Stott wants to stay on the team he can go learn OF

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    2. OK, so assume that happened. Would you be interested in a straight swap of Bryson Stott for Luis Arraez? San Diego could shed some salary and take a risk on Stott dong better the next couple of years while adding some great defense to their right side. Donovan would play third, and Arraez would play second. The line up would be improved.

      Turner-Schwarber-Harper-Donovan-Arraez-JT-Castellanos-Marsh-Rojas

      Having Donovan and Arraez hitting behind Harper would be no different than Bohm, except that both guys seem to hit closer to .300 with fewer GIDP’s.

      Fast forward to next year, you can push Donovan to 2B, and pursue a 3B, OR keep Donovan at 3B, and put Turner either at 2B or OF and pursue a shortstop.

      Just something fun to think about!

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      1. If Turner moves off SS (he’s contractually obligated to play SS this season), we will see it in ST and it will likely be the OF. I seriously doubt Turner does it in season.

        Right now, I don’t see anybody pushing Turner off SS, no matter how unhappy we are with his defense. So I fully expect Turner to remain at SS for 2026.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Why would Turner move soon? He’s been an excellent shortstop this year. He worked really hard this offseason to improve and it shows. As long as he’s average-ish or better at the position he’ll stay there.

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          1. Agreed. Turner isn’t moving off SS, let alone mid season. I don’t think he was thrilled about it when he did it with the Dodgers. 0 reason to move him to CF.

            The only way Stott plays SS this season is to fill in or if it’s for another team.

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  107. Tac – I think the talk years ago with Stott was/is that his arm is not strong enough to play shortstop.

    Andrew – The big problem with Arauz is that he is said to be a terrible fielder. Thus, SD hides him at 1B.

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  108. Mets picking up old friend Gregory Soto for two pitching prospects, 1 young guy in A ball and one older guy in AAA. Don’t know much about either prospect, but glad to see they’ll downgrade their major league team with this acquisition!

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    1. I saw on the Quick Pitch highlights last night Soto picked up the save yesterday. Word was he has pitched much better. Less pressure in Detroit and Baltimore. See how he does now in NY.

      Romus. I sent pic of grandson brace he now has on to Ruff. Next time you and Rocco are at a Reading or LHV game with him he can show you how it looks. LOL He wears it for 6 weeks. Likes it much better than cast.

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  111. Ryan McMahon has been traded to the Yankees.

    Note that as of now, not 1 top 100 prospect has been traded.

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    1. Also of note, in the case of the last three trades, there were no rumors of any credibility. BAM! They just popped up and happened. Keep that in mind when we all read “rumors”

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      1. Good point! Some year someone should document all the trade rumors then after the trade deadline reconcile the rumors to the actual trades. Probably be very amusing.

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  112. With the Diamondbacks looking to acquire catching and the Yankees acquiring McMahon today I think the Phillies have a real solid shot at landing Suarez. This move would put Schwarber in LF. A package centered around Eduardo Tait and some further away pitching? I wouldn’t move Abel for a rental. I’d save Abel for a reliever deal.

    The Phillies went to the WS with Schwarber in LF and Castellanos in RF but I don’t think that’s a great mix in 2025. Much more tenable to move Schwarber to LF if you have a solid defender like Marsh or Kepler over there… just a thought with those Castellanos rumors. Maybe Castellanos for Estevez.

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    1. I think there’s a few more teams involved in the Suarez sweepstakes. But I wouldn’t be opposed to adding him.

      This is the one time I am wishing Jon Heyman has something factual. I’d love to move on from Castellanos, even if it hurts us a little bit this year. But….. if we did have to go Schwarber in LF, Crawford in CF and Marsh in RF, I think I could live with it if we add another slugger the likes of Suarez.

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      1. Castellanos, Abel, Tait, Burkholder, Mendez for Lugo and C Jensen, Canha

        Suarez for Caissie, C Franklin

        Cabrera, Graves, Pan for Vodnik

        call up Crawford and Anthony

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        1. Why do people think they need to trade half the roster every year. Turnover like this at the deadline never happens.

          Also why would Colorado want 2 hurt players? Pan and Burkholder need to establish they are healthy before assigning value.

          So you are trading your best source of Right hand power in the lineup for Canha? Because Anthony and Crawford have no power.

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          1. Addition by subtraction with Casty. And Canha is insurance. I have watched a lot of Caissie and i think he can do at least what Casty does without the attitude and better defense.

            And read the post. Different deals. Colorado needs to take chances on pitching. 3 guys with varying upsides for a reliever.

            Burkholder is a lottery ticket that might help KC because they have no hitting in their minors besides their 2 catchers that are right on the cusp of being ready

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  113. As much as we all would like to trade Castellanos or Walker, why would the other teams want them? If they are a small market team, why would they be willing to take on salary? Not only that, wouldn’t you rather play your own prospects instead of Castellanos or Walker? They’re not making the playoffs anyway.

    If Castellanos or Walker are getting traded, it’s going to be in the offseason AND the Phillies will still have to eat at least half of their remaining salary.

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    2. problem for the Royals is outside of their 2 catchers they have no hitting prospects that are anywhere near the majors.

      Lugo and Castellanos almost cancel out money wise and I am sure the Phils would make it at least even and the Royals are getting Abel for the rotation and 3 position players with upside

      That being said I agree a Casty trade is much more likely in the off season, but a man can dream

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          1. Interesting point about this speed, Chandler isn’t as fast top speed as Bobby Whitt, but because he is left handed, he is the only played in MLB with a time home to first under 4.0 seconds. This is obviously important for Justin Crawford. I have seen reports that Crawford’s top end speed is similar to Trea’s. But Justin is from the left side. That likely contributes a lot to his high BABIP on ground balls.

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    5. I just want to add that I feel its appropriate that Philly “Phans” have a minor league affiliate with the name “Pigs” in it..

      I saw that “Pigs” way before I saw Crawford. Feels about right after watching this team for 39+ years.

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  115. It’s not just the speed, it’s the package. Strong fielding, great base running, newly found outstanding plate discipline (biggest development for him this year imo) and elite bat to ball skills which are now so crucial with the pitching being as ridiculously good as it has become. He hits the ball like Ichiro. It’s unorthodox, but, obviously, it can work.

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  116. Here is a tough deadline question for you …

    You gotta pick one…

    Would you rather have:

    Robertson or Soto?

    (Yes that Soto from BAL)

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  117. Haven’t talk much about this, but with the Braves basically out it … wouldn’t they want to sell off Ozuna? Maybe some other pieces?

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    1. He also would be a two month rental..I am sure they will sell him off…outside the division I assume…and not sure what they would expect in return. Usually in the past they were buyers for those type of players.

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      1. I was thinking it was odd they were no rumors about the Braves players going anywhere. They should be sellers, have a few pieces to let go of

        I hear the Giants are looking for SP, Luzardo?

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  118. Rough night:

    Abel: 5 I 7 H 5 R 5 ER 3 BB 5 K 1 HR 1 HBP 86/49

    Miller 0 — 3 2 Ks a throwing error (13) now hitting .221 @ Reading (the band box).

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      1. Yeah, last year when Miller started very slowly I said that it was unusual for really great prospects to not hit very well for such a long time and it’s a concern and I was lambasted around here. But I was right, it WAS unusual and the concern remains. It doesn’t mean he won’t end up being a good player, but it’s not a good sign, especially in AA Reading where good prospects usually hit extremely well.

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  120. i never saw so many 215 hitters getting talked about for trade. They talk like Roberts is babe Ruth.

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  121. Romus ……. how did we let Nick Kurtz get out of Pa. I guess he fits the profile for 1rst basemen as discussed this week. One heck of a night last night for a rookie, huh?

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        1. Amazing drafted in 2024 and in the majors in 2025 and hitting .305 to boot. Why doesn’t that happen to us with our picks?

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          1. (A) because we are not picking at the top of the draft; and (B) when we were picking at the top of the draft we had a poor draft class or picked poorly. And there ya go!

            Liked by 2 people

            1. Never understood the Shoo Fly pie rage.. no thanks 365 days a years 🙂 Yeah, is disgusting. It’s like someone from Cincinnati trying to convince you that the Skyline Chilli is good… absolutely disgusting. Drunk food at best.

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  122. A little survey for you all for what Schwarber signs for:

    Three years and $100 M

    Four years and $120 M and

    Does he resign with the Phillies?

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      1. I can’t see it being less than 5 years at this point. So, it’s Tucker as the alternative… or if DD can trade for Rooker.

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    3. Schwarber is making it really hard for the Phillies not to re-sign him. I think if it goes to 5/150, he signs with the Phillies. If it goes to 6 years, he’s not.

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        1. This is definitely possible.

          Note that when I’m making projections like this, it’s what I think the team will do, NOT what I want.

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          1. Yes…….but now thinking about it, not sure , since Dave D has been issuing out any LTC contracts with an option buy- out year at the tail end….I need to research that out.

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            1. I guess Dave D. prefers not to add that buy-out year to his players’ contracts….did not see any for Wheeler, Turner, Harper, Nola, Casty, TWalker, JTR or Schwarber.

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            2. Why buy out a year when you can full guarantee it? That’s pretty much DD’s MO – hardly the best GM when it comes to negotiating contracts.

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    1. Is this even a real question? Kyle Stowers is 27, has 3.3 WAR, an AS, and has 3 years of control left. The trade value begins with Andrew Painter and I don’t even think that will be enough. It’s Painter and Escobar to start.

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    2. they might do it but only if the Phillies don’t add Rojas. That would make the deal worse for the Marlins

      Like

  125. Aaron Judge has been battling something with his right elbow so he’s not in the lineup. However, newly acquired Ryan McMahon will be.

    Castellanos is getting the day off vs Stroman, presumably because of all the sliders he throws.

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    2. Casty somehow hurt his knee on the last out of the game.

      I guess just one of those type of things where you land oddly while taking a step.

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  126. Think if Thomson was managing the Yankees he’d have a reliever ready yet? Or Stroman would get Harper yet.

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  127. Boone learned from Thomson’s mistake. Turns out replacing a pitcher who walks 4 in one inning CAN lead to stopping the bleeding.

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  128. Marcus Stroman is finished at age 34. He’s just nibbling all over the place, he doesn’t have any sort of velocity anymore. He’s a junk ball pitcher now.

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    1. Did you see any pitch faster than 91 from Ranger today? Still not that sharp IMO tho better than last time.

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      1. That’s where Ranger sits. Same velocity he had when everyone wanted to trade Luzardo and sign him long term. After the 1st inning where his location was off Ranger had his typical outing mixing pitches and location well.

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        1. Ranger is good now (soon to be age 30), but I would be very wary giving him any sort of long term deal. If Rangers starts dipping into the 88-89 range with his back issues, it could go downhill very fast.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. zero chance I’d sign Ranger long-term. Give him the QO after the season and let someone else sign him.

            I wasn’t one of those calling for him to be signed.

            Liked by 1 person

          2. Think Dallas Keuchel….lost it very quickly in early 30s when velo trickle down.

            Still hoping Dave D moves Ranger to the Tigers this week…Tigers are slumping. One of their top prospects would look good in the Phil’s system.

            But me thinks Dave D has caught the Stand Pat Gillick syndrome as he aged.

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  129. As much as we like to complain about the Phillies, the Yankees have their own issues. The backend of their starting pitching is not great, their bullpen is atrocious, and they make way too many errors.

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    2. I’m sure they’re thinking “trade for a reliever, get Devin Williams right, shorten rotation in the playoffs and hope to hit a bunch of homers”.

      Every team has clear flaws. I think the Tigers might have the most solid roster right now but they’ve hit the skids lately too.

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      1. i believe most of the talk. Was about not giving him three yr deal. At 20+. Most were okay with one or two yrs.

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        1. No, I believe specific commenters on here declared him “washed” and questioned why they would possibly want to resign him.

          Liked by 1 person

    2. phillies get outfielder from tigers. Career minor league. Send him to LHV. Think this means Crawford might be coming up?

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      1. I just learned today that minor leaguers called up on August 15th will not exceed 45-days of MLB service time. They would retain rookie status and still be eligible for the 2026 ROY awards. The awards themselves aren’t important; it’s the draft picks that were attached to the awards in the last CBA that make the awards attractive (Prospective Promotion Incentive, PPI). There are other factors like not exceeding 130 at bats or 50 innings pitched. I don’t know if the Phillies care or are even aware of the importance of this date. But, if so, it might be a reason to hold back both Crawford and Painter for a few more weeks.

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  134. Wish Phil’s could play Yankees 13 times a year like division rivals. One team with some holes !

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    1. The whole AL-East has been the Phillies magic charm this season.

      IMO, I rather go back to the Covid interconference scheduling….NL-East plays AL-East, Central -AL vs Central NL, and West same way.

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  135. I wonder if people feel. Richie Allen deserved to be in hall of fame.. I talked about it before I used to sit with him at off track.at 7 th packer. One of my mistakes on life. I pre judged him. Before I met him. He was nothing like I read as a kid. What a great guy. We only talked about horses. So nice a man as a person he deserves the honor

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    1. Rocco. I agree he deserves in the HOF. Disappointing it is after his passing. He did not just become a HOF in 2025. Same for Dave Parker. I am sure you remember the huge bat Allen used. I may be off but was it a 44-ounce bat? Parker throw to HP in All Star game is best I have seen for an out.

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  136. Moffo/Don – Allen was such a great hitter! I remember being at Shea Stadium when he hit a ball to the top of the batters eye in CF. He also was a really good 1Bman. However, he was pretty bad at 3B, about a zillion errors in 1964 adding to his torment in Philly.

    Romus – I believe the scheduling now is much better than just a couple of years ago. The big complaint was that some teams had an easier schedule than others. This way all of the teams play the same schedule outside of their division which is fair.

    Finally, I’m as disappointed in how it’s turned with Kepler as anyone on this site. It’s too bad because the guy is such a smooth fielder. And I’d consider getting Robert if the CWS throw in money to pay his buyout. He could be prime for a change of scenery.

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    1. I prefer they try to get Kwan from Cleveland for LF….and live with Marsh in CF until J.Crawford takes over. I remember back in 2022 when Kwan was just coming around, Hinkie really wanted the Phillies and Dombrowski to go get him, even though Kwan, a really short OFer, never cracked any Top 100 lists..

      Like

    2. Ciada/Rocco. I was close on the bat. I saw a tribute to Allen on MLB earlier. It was a 42 oz. bat. I remembered it was huge. Also, they showed a bit of a hit for Allen in the 74 All Star game. Pitcher was Andy Messersmith. Catcher Johnny Bench. LF was Pete Rose. 2B was Joe Morgan. AL guys. Scoring on hit was Rod Carew. Moving to 2B was Reggie Jackson. Point of the segment was the players knew what kind of player Dick Allen was. Congrats Dick. As they mentioned. Shame it took till 2025.

      Also I mentioned the Dave Parker throw from RF in an All Star game to HP as best I have ever seen. I wanted to put a plug in for the play today. The DP from Rojas to JT has to be one of the best Plays. Absolute great play by JT. Really good throw.

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      1. Don best throw from outfielder to me was Clemente makes catch.near wall throws a ball that looks like it was no higher, than 6 feet all the way into home. Perfect strike. That guys arm was amazing

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        1. I know Clemente was an outstanding RF. I have surely seen the throw in highlights sometime but do not remember. Parker throw was similar. Not sure distance but deep on RF line and a strike to HP. Probably in the late 70s but I am not sure. I was young for Clemente. Plus, not much tv availability.

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  138. please explain to me why, Rojas is playing. He really is not bad but, terrible. Meanwhile Crawford two more hits today

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    1. Rocco/Romus. I have not heard from Ruff today. I figured after seeing earlier highlights and then promo by T Mac that the 3 of you had gone Bananas last night and this afternoon. I sent him a pic showing the crowd last night. Saw Victorino in his yellow outfit.

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        1. Romus. I looked today and wonder if there will be lots of players moved. I spoke on KC and Detroit a year ago. Today there were 8 or 9 teams in both Al and NL within 5 games of the last WC spot. I also think it will be interesting to see what Marlins do this week. They are playing well and have lots of young guys getting it done now.

          I gave Ruff a MC? New players Phillies have by Friday. He picked 3. I am not sure they do that much. We will see. Still hearing only Painter is untouchable so maybe some prospects do get moved. You guys will be furious if Crawford is moved after playing in LHV all year.

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          1. MLB should look into eventually extending the tradeline for another two weeks to mid-August. So many teams are still in the chase now…They increased the WC number of participants and just by one, and this is what happens.

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    2. Phils are probably waiting until mid August because of at bats. If Painter is called up (I don’t think they should) it will probably be around the same time. Painter only has 35 to 45 innings left.

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  140. Don – Go to youtube and type in “Roberto Clemente’s unbelievable throws from the outfield”.

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    1. Would be fun to put the fastest base runner up against that throw to see how close it would be. My guess is the runner, whoever it is, would still be out. Just like to see by how much. They ought to be able to simulate it with today’s tech.

      Like

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