2013’s version of Scott Elarton is….Zach Miner.  The Phillies signed Miner today to a minor league contract where he is expected to land in the Lehigh Valley after two likely IronPigs candidates Trevor May and Lisalverto Bonilla were traded away over the last week.

Miner, 30, was originally a 4th round draft pick of the Braves and last pitched in the majors during the 2009 season when he went 7-5 with a 4.29 ERA in 51 games for the Tigers.  Miner threw in 23 games for Toledo, the Tigers AAA affiliate last season going 2-0 with a 2.50 ERA in 36 innings of work.

Miner, a big righty, underwent Tommy John surgery during the 2010 season and has struggled to regain his pre-injury form.

Here is your weekly general discussion.  I think Matt has a Rule 5 preview coming up, also, but here’s a fresh thread for the Winter Meetings conversation and beyond.

Hey, guess what, Ryan Madson didn’t come back to the Phillies.  If you are surprised he didn’t come back to the team that dangled a nice big contract in front of his face and then pulled it away like so many cartoon footballs and left him stuck with a 1 year deal in Ohio’s Armpit, then you’re a more forgiving human being than I, I suppose.

BTW – Not sure anyone calls Cincinnati “Ohio’s Armpit”, but I just did now, so there.  No offense intended, Cincy…just yackin’.

Here is your weekly general discussion.  I suggest we talk turkey.

OMG I’m such a dork.

Heads up to anyone interested – the AFL finale is on MLBN this afternoon at 3EST.  Peoria made the final and Phils guys will participate.  I asked Tommy Joseph if he was catching and he said no, but I will guess Cody Asche will be at 3b and Zach Collier will also play, as he’s been on fire. 

I’ll follow up with results and a season wrap-up after the game, or tomorrow some time.  Enjoy!

Here is your weekly general discussion.  I propose the discussion be centered around free agency and trades, with a smatterring of post-season awards.  I am going to go out on a limb and say no one will be advocating any Phillies for MVP.  But “where to vote Cliff Lee for Cy Young” might be a fun argument.  Have at it!

Several Phillies minor leaguers are now open for the “bidding”, as they have been declared free agents.  The list goes like this: Pitchers: Scott Elarton, Matt Wright, Pat Misch, Drew Naylor, Tom Cochran, David Purcey, INF Jake Fox, C John Suomi, 2B Harold Garcia, INF Tug Hulett, SS Miguel Abreu, OF Kyle Hoppy, Kyle Hudson, D’Arby Myers, Brandon Tripp, Mike SPidale, INF Jake Opitz.

The top three names I would most like to see back: Cochran, Garcia, Myers.

Here is your weekly general discussion for all those things not covered by other content here.  With the World Series nearing an end the Hot Stove is starting to heat up, so let the rumors fly.  Plenty of Phillies are in Winter League (I believe the Darin Ruf 2012 HR count is at 48 as of Sunday night); in the Arizona Fall League, Tommy Joseph and Cody Asche were named to the Rising Stars Game which is a cross between the Futures Game and a minor league All-Star game.

For those in the Northeast stay safe from the storm and post away while the lights stay on.

Phillies Moves:

Exercised 2013 Option on Carlos Ruiz ($5 million)

Declined 2013 Option on Ty Wigginton ($500k buyout)

Declined 2013 Option on Jose Contreras ($500k buyout)

Declined 2013 Option on Placido Polanco ($1mil buyout)

My two cents….the Phillies have made their 40 man roster stronger by outrighting both P David Herndon, as well as utility infielder Michael Martinez off the 40 man today. Herndon was subsequently picked up by Toronto.  With a number of difficult decisions upcoming over the next several weeks prior to the Rule 5 draft, this clears necessary space for some of the bigger prospect names to be added into the mix in the short term.