February 24, 2012
Update: The blog's return date has been pushed back to Sunday due to major renovations. Again, sorry for any inconvenience.
That Phillies Blog will be down until next Saturday, March 3. I will be on
vacation for about a week, and unfortunately, I will not have the time to sit
down and write while I am away. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
- Nick
Friday, February 24, 2012
Injury Update
February 24, 2012
From CSNPhilly.com, by Phillies Insider Jim Salisbury.
"Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro provided an injury update Friday morning:
Cliff Lee has some abdominal soreness and did not throw his normal bullpen session Thursday but did participate in drills Friday. Amaro is not alarmed and said the condition is normal for this time of year.
Reliever Justin De Fratus will be shut down for a few days because of tenderness in his right (throwing) elbow. De Fratus will be examined by Dr. Michael Ciccotti.
Finally, Amaro is pleased with the progress made by reliever Jose Contreras, who threw his second bullpen session of the spring. The 40-year-old Contreras had elbow surgery in September after pitching in 17 games last season."
To add to Salisbury's update, yesterday Chase Utley spoke to the press. He said that his knees feel much better than last year, and that he hopes to have a way better year than 2011.
From CSNPhilly.com, by Phillies Insider Jim Salisbury.
"Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro provided an injury update Friday morning:
Cliff Lee has some abdominal soreness and did not throw his normal bullpen session Thursday but did participate in drills Friday. Amaro is not alarmed and said the condition is normal for this time of year.
Reliever Justin De Fratus will be shut down for a few days because of tenderness in his right (throwing) elbow. De Fratus will be examined by Dr. Michael Ciccotti.
Finally, Amaro is pleased with the progress made by reliever Jose Contreras, who threw his second bullpen session of the spring. The 40-year-old Contreras had elbow surgery in September after pitching in 17 games last season."
To add to Salisbury's update, yesterday Chase Utley spoke to the press. He said that his knees feel much better than last year, and that he hopes to have a way better year than 2011.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Yet another Oswalt update
February 23, 2012
Well, it seems like it will be the last one for now.
Multiple sources are now reporting that Roy Oswalt plans to sign with a contending team at some point in th season, suggesting that he is no longer looking to to sign with a team from the start.
According to MLBTradeRumors.com, Oswalt's agent Bob Garber said that the 34-year old will continue to workout, and hope to sign with a contender later in the season.
Oswalt, who had back problems formost of 2011, received interest from multiple teams. Oswalt's problem ,however, is he received nothing more than interest.
Well, it seems like it will be the last one for now.
Multiple sources are now reporting that Roy Oswalt plans to sign with a contending team at some point in th season, suggesting that he is no longer looking to to sign with a team from the start.
According to MLBTradeRumors.com, Oswalt's agent Bob Garber said that the 34-year old will continue to workout, and hope to sign with a contender later in the season.
Oswalt, who had back problems formost of 2011, received interest from multiple teams. Oswalt's problem ,however, is he received nothing more than interest.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Howard taking BP
February 23, 2012
Again, Ryan Howard is not expected back on the filed again until May. But Howard showed another encouraging sign on Wednesday, in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon that he suffered at the end of last season.
In addition to light running and fielding ground balls, Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com reports that Howard took batting practice for the first time since suffering his injury.
It was retained however, that Howard is still recovering, and needs to work himself back in to baseball shape.
Polanco 100%
Salisbury also reported that third baseman Placido Polanco says that he is 100% now.
Polanco had offseason surgery to repair a sports hernia, that was bothering him for much of the 2011 season.
“I got it fixed,” Polanco said. “I had a good rehab. I’ve been hitting, fielding, doing everything.”
Polanco had a good start last season, earning him an All-Star appearance, but he passed on the game due to injuries.
Because of the sports hernia, Polanco's performance faded as the season wore on.
Hopefully, he will have a much better year this season.
Again, Ryan Howard is not expected back on the filed again until May. But Howard showed another encouraging sign on Wednesday, in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon that he suffered at the end of last season.
In addition to light running and fielding ground balls, Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com reports that Howard took batting practice for the first time since suffering his injury.
It was retained however, that Howard is still recovering, and needs to work himself back in to baseball shape.
Polanco 100%
Salisbury also reported that third baseman Placido Polanco says that he is 100% now.
Polanco had offseason surgery to repair a sports hernia, that was bothering him for much of the 2011 season.
“I got it fixed,” Polanco said. “I had a good rehab. I’ve been hitting, fielding, doing everything.”
Polanco had a good start last season, earning him an All-Star appearance, but he passed on the game due to injuries.
Because of the sports hernia, Polanco's performance faded as the season wore on.
Hopefully, he will have a much better year this season.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Ibanez signs with Yankees
February 20, 2012
After months of contract talks, former Phillie Raul Ibanez agreed to sign a one-year deal with the New York Yankees. The deal is worth $1.1 million.
Ibanez is projected to be New York's designated hitter.
Howard ahead of schedule?
Ryan Howard is taking ground balls, taking swings, and lightly running.
The news comes from manager Charlie Manuel, in a report by CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury.
Howard is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, so to hear that he is doing any kind of training right now is an encouragins sign.
He still, however, is expected back in May rather than Opening Day.
After months of contract talks, former Phillie Raul Ibanez agreed to sign a one-year deal with the New York Yankees. The deal is worth $1.1 million.
Ibanez is projected to be New York's designated hitter.
Howard ahead of schedule?
Ryan Howard is taking ground balls, taking swings, and lightly running.
The news comes from manager Charlie Manuel, in a report by CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury.
Howard is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, so to hear that he is doing any kind of training right now is an encouragins sign.
He still, however, is expected back in May rather than Opening Day.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Kendrick agrees to two-year extension
February 19, 2012
The Phillies agreed to a contract extension with a pitcher, a day after pitchers and catchers arrived in Clearwater. But it wasn't Cole Hamels.
Kyle Kendrick agreed to a two-year, $7.5 million extension on Sunday, after avoiding arbitration with the club last month. The deal to avoid arbitration was a one-year deal worth $3.585 million.
Kendrick, 27, spent time as both a starter and a reliever in 2011, going 8-6 with a 3.22 ERA in 34 games. He is 43-30 in his career with a 4.41 ERA over 127 games.
The Phillies agreed to a contract extension with a pitcher, a day after pitchers and catchers arrived in Clearwater. But it wasn't Cole Hamels.
Kyle Kendrick agreed to a two-year, $7.5 million extension on Sunday, after avoiding arbitration with the club last month. The deal to avoid arbitration was a one-year deal worth $3.585 million.
Kendrick, 27, spent time as both a starter and a reliever in 2011, going 8-6 with a 3.22 ERA in 34 games. He is 43-30 in his career with a 4.41 ERA over 127 games.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Phillies are a longshot to land prospect Soler
February 17, 2012
Throughout the week, MLBTradeRumors.com has been tracking a bidding war for 19-year old prospect Jorge Soler from Cuba.
The Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago White Sox are all teams that are interested in Soler. But there were only two teams that reportedly have serious interest.
Those two teams are the New York Yankees, and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. confirmed the club's interest in Soler, stating that he has met with Soler several times, and has stayed in contact.
Recently though, the site reported that the Phillies are a longshot to sign Soler, stating price as the reason why.
The Phillies never spend a lot of money on international players, and the Cubs are reportedly going to offer Soler $27.5 million.
So, the Phils may have gone from being one of the top suitors to out of the running, but nothing is for sure yet.
I will keep you updated as soon as more details become available.
Throughout the week, MLBTradeRumors.com has been tracking a bidding war for 19-year old prospect Jorge Soler from Cuba.
The Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago White Sox are all teams that are interested in Soler. But there were only two teams that reportedly have serious interest.
Those two teams are the New York Yankees, and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. confirmed the club's interest in Soler, stating that he has met with Soler several times, and has stayed in contact.
Recently though, the site reported that the Phillies are a longshot to sign Soler, stating price as the reason why.
The Phillies never spend a lot of money on international players, and the Cubs are reportedly going to offer Soler $27.5 million.
So, the Phils may have gone from being one of the top suitors to out of the running, but nothing is for sure yet.
I will keep you updated as soon as more details become available.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Confidence in Hamels deal, right-handed bat, and Hawaii Five-O
February 12, 2012
Matt Gelb Inquirer
One of the biggest issues for the Phillies right now is if they will be able to re-sign Cole Hamels and keep him for a few more years.
Many reporters and insiders are saying that it will be a difficult task for the Phils to pull off, considering the big contracts already given to players like Cliff Lee, Ryan Howard, and Jonathan Papelbon.
Team president Dave Montgomery, however, is confident that Hamels will stay in Philadelphia after 2012.
Montgomery said this to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Matt Gelb:
"I don't think it's difficult," Montgomery said. "We've let Cole know we're anxious to have him stay here. Cole enjoys it here. He's not only been a quality pitcher, but he involves himself in the community. It'll probably come down to what we think is an appropriate length and what they think. You try to minimize risk by not going longer than necessary. And a player is looking for as much security as he can get. It's an equation that takes time to hopefully get worked out."
"You'd like to go as short as you possibly can," Montgomery said. "At the same time, every once in a while, you have a circumstance where we're not going to get it done at two or three years.
"I think, thanks to our fans, we no longer have to convince players that this is a good place to play. As a result, hopefully, when the club and player sit down you can find the common ground."
Manny a Phillie?
Zach Links of MLBTradeRumors.com writes that it would not be surprising if the Phillies signed either Manny Ramirez, Magglio Ordonez, Vladimir Guerrero, or Xavier Nady.
Links states that the Phils are looking for a right-handed pinch-hitter that can play in the outfield if needed.
Links also writes that the Phillies could be a possible fit for left-handed reliever Mike Gonzalez.
Gonzalez, 33, played for Baltimore and Texas in 2011. He made 49 appearances, where he went 2-2, and had an ERA of 4.39, and a WHIP of 1.35.
The chances of the Phils making a move will be based on how much money is freed up, because they are close to having to pay the luxury tax right now.
Victorino Five-O
Shane Victorino will be appearing in an episode of Hawaii Five-O that will be airing on February 20.
CBS' show will have another guess star as well, in Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno.
Victorino will act as a business executive, and Ohno will be a Hawaiian historian.
Matt Gelb Inquirer
One of the biggest issues for the Phillies right now is if they will be able to re-sign Cole Hamels and keep him for a few more years.
Many reporters and insiders are saying that it will be a difficult task for the Phils to pull off, considering the big contracts already given to players like Cliff Lee, Ryan Howard, and Jonathan Papelbon.
Team president Dave Montgomery, however, is confident that Hamels will stay in Philadelphia after 2012.
Montgomery said this to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Matt Gelb:
"I don't think it's difficult," Montgomery said. "We've let Cole know we're anxious to have him stay here. Cole enjoys it here. He's not only been a quality pitcher, but he involves himself in the community. It'll probably come down to what we think is an appropriate length and what they think. You try to minimize risk by not going longer than necessary. And a player is looking for as much security as he can get. It's an equation that takes time to hopefully get worked out."
"You'd like to go as short as you possibly can," Montgomery said. "At the same time, every once in a while, you have a circumstance where we're not going to get it done at two or three years.
"I think, thanks to our fans, we no longer have to convince players that this is a good place to play. As a result, hopefully, when the club and player sit down you can find the common ground."
Manny a Phillie?
Zach Links of MLBTradeRumors.com writes that it would not be surprising if the Phillies signed either Manny Ramirez, Magglio Ordonez, Vladimir Guerrero, or Xavier Nady.
Links states that the Phils are looking for a right-handed pinch-hitter that can play in the outfield if needed.
Links also writes that the Phillies could be a possible fit for left-handed reliever Mike Gonzalez.
Gonzalez, 33, played for Baltimore and Texas in 2011. He made 49 appearances, where he went 2-2, and had an ERA of 4.39, and a WHIP of 1.35.
The chances of the Phils making a move will be based on how much money is freed up, because they are close to having to pay the luxury tax right now.
Victorino Five-O
Shane Victorino will be appearing in an episode of Hawaii Five-O that will be airing on February 20.
CBS' show will have another guess star as well, in Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno.
Victorino will act as a business executive, and Ohno will be a Hawaiian historian.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Update: Oswalt will not sign with Phillies
February 11, 2012
ESPN's Jayson Stark believes that Roy Oswalt will not re-sign with the Phillies, nor we hill sign with the Rangers.
Here is what Stark said on Baseball Tonight:
"He wanted to go to Texas. That's not gonna happen. He wanted to go back to Philadelphia. That's not gonna happen. He had some interest in the Reds. That doesn't seem like it's going to happen. So his choices still come down to, I think, going to Boston, where they have a clear need but he doesn't seem to want to play, and going to St. Louis, where all his friends say he would love to be. But to do that, he has to do it on their terms."
So there you have it, Oswalt still is not signed. It looks like St. Louis is the only team left, and Oswalt can no longer sign on his own terms.
Pitchers and catchers have already reported for the Seattle Mariners, and I can imagine that the next few days will hold a lot more Oswalt news.
ESPN's Jayson Stark believes that Roy Oswalt will not re-sign with the Phillies, nor we hill sign with the Rangers.
Here is what Stark said on Baseball Tonight:
"He wanted to go to Texas. That's not gonna happen. He wanted to go back to Philadelphia. That's not gonna happen. He had some interest in the Reds. That doesn't seem like it's going to happen. So his choices still come down to, I think, going to Boston, where they have a clear need but he doesn't seem to want to play, and going to St. Louis, where all his friends say he would love to be. But to do that, he has to do it on their terms."
So there you have it, Oswalt still is not signed. It looks like St. Louis is the only team left, and Oswalt can no longer sign on his own terms.
Pitchers and catchers have already reported for the Seattle Mariners, and I can imagine that the next few days will hold a lot more Oswalt news.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Oswalt unlikely to return to Phils, no progress with Boston
February 9, 2012
GM Ruben Amaro Jr. told Phillies beat writer Todd Zolecki outright, that Roy Oswalt is unlikely to come back to the Phillies.
"We really don't have any room for him," Amaro said. "We have five, six starters, and our resources are about where we want to be right now. I think he wouldn't mind coming back, but I don't know that's feasible or a real possibility."
Oswalt and the Phillies have kept in contact, but at this point, the only way to make room for him is to trade Joe Blanton. However, Blanton's $8.5 million salary this year makes things tough.
The Phillies have reportedly called around the Majors to see what the interest is in Blanton, but have done nothing more than that so far.
Both Blanton and Oswalt had injuries that plagued them last year.
The Phillies seem to be going with Blanton, so how he performs in spring training will very likely have an effect on Oswalt.
Boston, another team whos is reported to have interest in Oswalt, has stated that no progress has been made, so this could mean that the Red Sox are out on trying to sign Oswalt.
GM Ruben Amaro Jr. told Phillies beat writer Todd Zolecki outright, that Roy Oswalt is unlikely to come back to the Phillies.
"We really don't have any room for him," Amaro said. "We have five, six starters, and our resources are about where we want to be right now. I think he wouldn't mind coming back, but I don't know that's feasible or a real possibility."
Oswalt and the Phillies have kept in contact, but at this point, the only way to make room for him is to trade Joe Blanton. However, Blanton's $8.5 million salary this year makes things tough.
The Phillies have reportedly called around the Majors to see what the interest is in Blanton, but have done nothing more than that so far.
Both Blanton and Oswalt had injuries that plagued them last year.
The Phillies seem to be going with Blanton, so how he performs in spring training will very likely have an effect on Oswalt.
Boston, another team whos is reported to have interest in Oswalt, has stated that no progress has been made, so this could mean that the Red Sox are out on trying to sign Oswalt.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Update: Ibanez in serious talks with Yankees
February 7, 2012
CSNPhilly.com reports that Raul Ibanez is now in serious talks with the New York Yankees. They also report that Ibanez is willing to take less money, based off a report by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
If Ibanez joins the Yankees, he will most likely be the designated hitter.
CSNPhilly.com reports that Raul Ibanez is now in serious talks with the New York Yankees. They also report that Ibanez is willing to take less money, based off a report by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
If Ibanez joins the Yankees, he will most likely be the designated hitter.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Update: Oswalt still interested in Phillies
February 6, 2012
Yeah, Roy Oswalt is still out there. And yeah, it's not really clear who wants him.
The Red Sox and Reds are names that continue to be thrown out there. The Cardinals and Rangers are still in rumors too, but payroll limitations make them unlikely destinations.
What's interesting is that Oswalt is reportedly interested in returning to the Phillies. But it is not clear if the Phillies are interested.
There is a $168 million of the payroll already tied up, so the Phillies may not be able to afford him. Plus there is the history of back issues that the club is well aware of.
It's doubtful that Oswalt will be back with the Phillies at this point.
Reports from CSNPhilly.com and MLBTradeRumors.com suggest that the Phillies may try to dump Joe Blanton to free up space,but he will be hard to deal to another team due to his $8.5 million salary.
Even if Blanton is moved, it still wouldn't be clear if the Phillies would even want to re-sign Oswalt.
With spring training rapidly approaching, hopefully Roy Oswalt's future will become far more clearer.
Yeah, Roy Oswalt is still out there. And yeah, it's not really clear who wants him.
The Red Sox and Reds are names that continue to be thrown out there. The Cardinals and Rangers are still in rumors too, but payroll limitations make them unlikely destinations.
What's interesting is that Oswalt is reportedly interested in returning to the Phillies. But it is not clear if the Phillies are interested.
There is a $168 million of the payroll already tied up, so the Phillies may not be able to afford him. Plus there is the history of back issues that the club is well aware of.
It's doubtful that Oswalt will be back with the Phillies at this point.
Reports from CSNPhilly.com and MLBTradeRumors.com suggest that the Phillies may try to dump Joe Blanton to free up space,but he will be hard to deal to another team due to his $8.5 million salary.
Even if Blanton is moved, it still wouldn't be clear if the Phillies would even want to re-sign Oswalt.
With spring training rapidly approaching, hopefully Roy Oswalt's future will become far more clearer.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Nationals want to take back CBP South
February 3, 2012
Over the past few years, Nationals Park has become less of the National's home stadium and more of the Phillie's second home, dubbed by many as Citizens Bank Park South.
Phillies fans have invaded Washington, and have easily taken over the relatively new ballpark. But now the Nationals want to put a stop to it with their new campaign called "Take Back the Park."
According to Dave Zangaro of CSNPhilly.com, Nationals season ticket holders will have the oppurtunity to purchase the tickets for the first three home games against the Phillies (May 4-6) at a discounted price, before they go on sale to the public.
Now, I usually don't bring my opinion in to this, but resorting to a campaqign like this just seems sad and pathetic.
It also does not make any sense for these reasons.
1) The Nationals have not been a very successful team, so naturally, no one is going to want to see them.
2) Why would they even care? Phillies fans are buying their tickets, providing them with revenue, so they're actually helping the Nationals.
3) I get the feeling that this campaign won't be stopping any Phillies fan from going, because if Nationals fans aren't buying tickets anyway, then the tickets have to go on sale to the public eventually.
Over the past few years, Nationals Park has become less of the National's home stadium and more of the Phillie's second home, dubbed by many as Citizens Bank Park South.
Phillies fans have invaded Washington, and have easily taken over the relatively new ballpark. But now the Nationals want to put a stop to it with their new campaign called "Take Back the Park."
According to Dave Zangaro of CSNPhilly.com, Nationals season ticket holders will have the oppurtunity to purchase the tickets for the first three home games against the Phillies (May 4-6) at a discounted price, before they go on sale to the public.
Now, I usually don't bring my opinion in to this, but resorting to a campaqign like this just seems sad and pathetic.
It also does not make any sense for these reasons.
1) The Nationals have not been a very successful team, so naturally, no one is going to want to see them.
2) Why would they even care? Phillies fans are buying their tickets, providing them with revenue, so they're actually helping the Nationals.
3) I get the feeling that this campaign won't be stopping any Phillies fan from going, because if Nationals fans aren't buying tickets anyway, then the tickets have to go on sale to the public eventually.
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