November 30, 2011
Pitchers Scott Elarton, Brian Sanches, Pat Misch, Raul Valdes, catcher Tuffy Gosewisch, infielders Pete Orr, Kevin Frandsen, and outfielder Scott Podsednik have been signed to minor league contracts by the Phillies, according to beat writer Todd Zolecki.
These moves won't create a big splash (in fact, they make a very little one at that), but they could help during the course of the season.
These players can be called up and fill in positions should the Phillies need to add players to the roster.
Orr already has experience playing infield for the Phillies in 2010 and 2011.
Podsednik, 35, has 10 years of experience on the major league level. He hit .297 in 39 games for the Dodgers in 2010. That was the last time he played in the majors.
Podsednik played in the Phillies minor league system last year, but was limited to just 14 games with Lehigh Valley.
He can play anywhere in the outfield, so, if needed, he can provide more depth off the bench.
The rest of the players on the list have little major league experience, but all of them have invitations to spring training.
Mathieson headed east
According to John Finger of CSNPhilly.com, the Phillies released right-hander Scott Mathieson.
The reliever is to sign a deal with the Yomuri Giants, so he will be heading to Asia.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Post Thanksgiving Recap
November 28, 2011
I'm back! Fortunately for me, baseball is in a quiet period right now, so I didn't miss very much. Can't say the same for the Flyers though. By the way, if you haven't been to That Flyers Blog yet, you should check it out.
http://thatflyersblog.blogspot.com/
Here is a quick recap of Phillies news over the past few days.
Rollins, Madson, Ibanez offered arbitration
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111123&content_id=26037810&vkey=news_phi&c_id=phi
Damon as a Phillie?
http://www.csnphilly.com/blog/phillies-talk/post/Damon-would-perfectly-fill-Phils-need?blockID=599958&feedID=693
Senior executive Jerry Clothier passes away
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111127&content_id=26045274&vkey=news_phi&c_id=phi
Phillies called Billy Wagner
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111128&content_id=26047310&vkey=news_phi&c_id=phi
Thanks to Phillies.com and CSNPhilly.com.
I'm back! Fortunately for me, baseball is in a quiet period right now, so I didn't miss very much. Can't say the same for the Flyers though. By the way, if you haven't been to That Flyers Blog yet, you should check it out.
http://thatflyersblog.blogspot.com/
Here is a quick recap of Phillies news over the past few days.
Rollins, Madson, Ibanez offered arbitration
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111123&content_id=26037810&vkey=news_phi&c_id=phi
Damon as a Phillie?
http://www.csnphilly.com/blog/phillies-talk/post/Damon-would-perfectly-fill-Phils-need?blockID=599958&feedID=693
Senior executive Jerry Clothier passes away
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111127&content_id=26045274&vkey=news_phi&c_id=phi
Phillies called Billy Wagner
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111128&content_id=26047310&vkey=news_phi&c_id=phi
Thanks to Phillies.com and CSNPhilly.com.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Important Notice
November 22, 2011
Hello everyone,
Thanksgiving is coming up, and unfortunately, I won't be able to update the blog until next Monday. I will be away on vacation for the next few days, so I won't have the time to write anything. I'm really sorry about this. When I come back, I'll write a quick recap on the news that I missed, then get back on schedule.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
- Nick
Hello everyone,
Thanksgiving is coming up, and unfortunately, I won't be able to update the blog until next Monday. I will be away on vacation for the next few days, so I won't have the time to write anything. I'm really sorry about this. When I come back, I'll write a quick recap on the news that I missed, then get back on schedule.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
- Nick
Pence happy about Wigginton trade
November 22, 2011
Hunter Pence seems very happy about the trade that brought former teammate Ty Wigginton to the Phillies, just look at his Twitter posts.
HunterPence3Hunter Pence
Hunter Pence seems very happy about the trade that brought former teammate Ty Wigginton to the Phillies, just look at his Twitter posts.HunterPence3Hunter Pence
Just got back from Cabo to hear we traded for one of my favorite teammates! Wiggy! Aka pound red bull.
HunterPence3Hunter Pence
He's really just "Wiggy," but he pounds red bull and is a really fun teammate and very knowledgeable baseball savvy guy.
Sounds like the Phillies picked up a good baseball mind, and someone who will be right at home inside the clubhouse. Also sounds like the Phillies got a player that really likes Red Bull.
Wigginton spent part of the 2007 season and the entire 2008 season playing for the Houston Astros.
New CBA agreement reached, NL and AL MVPs
November 22, 2011
Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association have reached a new 5-year labor agreement on Tuseday, which gives Major League Baseball a span of 21 years of labor peace.
The new agreement brings some notable rule changes on free agents, the draft, drug testing, social media use for players, and the postseason format.
Here are some of the most notable ones:
It appears that, as early as next season, there will be two wild card teams who will play in a one game series to advance to the division series.
Instant replay will expand to calls on fair or foul balls, but calls on the bases still cannot be reviewed.
Also, the Houston Astros will move from the NL Central to the AL West in 2013, but tat was agreed to by the owners earlier.
You can read the full details on the new CBA at MLB.com by clicking on the link below.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111122&content_id=26025274&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
Braun wins NL MVP, Verlander wins in AL
It was really just a two horse race for NL MVP. Milwaukee Brewer's left fielder Ryan Braun and Los Angeles Dodger's center fielder Matt Kemp were the only two players in the race to finish with 300 points in the voting.
But in the end, Braun came out on top.
Braun batted .332 with 33 home runs, 111 RBI's, a .397 on base percentage, and a .597 slugging percentage. He received 20 1st place votes, and 12 2nd place votes for 388 points.
Kemp batted .324, with 39 home runs, 126 RBI's, a .399 on base percentage, and a .586 slugging percentage. He received 10 1st place votes, 16 2nd place votes, and 6 3rd plce votes.
Compared to Braun, Kemp had the edge statistically, but the vote probably was decided on the fact that Braun helped his team win the NL Central, and get to the NLCS.
Braun is the first Brewer to win an MVP award since Robin Yount won his second in 1989.
In the American League, Detroit Tiger's starting pitcher Justin Verlander was awarded MVP a week after winning the AL Cy Young Award.
Verlander is the first starting pitcher to win AL MVP since Roger Clemens did it in 1986.
Verlander received 13 1st place votes, and had 280 total points. Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury finished in second with 242 points, but only 4 1st place votes.
There was the arguement that a pitcher should not win MVP, but when you look at Verlander's stats, it's easy to disprove it.
Verlander was absolutely dominant in 2011, leading the Majors in wins (24), strikeouts (250), and ERA (2.40). Oh yeah, and he threw a no-hitter.
You can see the final votes for the AL and NL MVP races by clicking on the links below.
AL MVP
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111121&content_id=26015614&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
NL MVP
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111121&content_id=26018700&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association have reached a new 5-year labor agreement on Tuseday, which gives Major League Baseball a span of 21 years of labor peace.
The new agreement brings some notable rule changes on free agents, the draft, drug testing, social media use for players, and the postseason format.
Here are some of the most notable ones:
It appears that, as early as next season, there will be two wild card teams who will play in a one game series to advance to the division series.
Instant replay will expand to calls on fair or foul balls, but calls on the bases still cannot be reviewed.
Also, the Houston Astros will move from the NL Central to the AL West in 2013, but tat was agreed to by the owners earlier.
You can read the full details on the new CBA at MLB.com by clicking on the link below.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111122&content_id=26025274&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
Braun wins NL MVP, Verlander wins in AL
It was really just a two horse race for NL MVP. Milwaukee Brewer's left fielder Ryan Braun and Los Angeles Dodger's center fielder Matt Kemp were the only two players in the race to finish with 300 points in the voting.
But in the end, Braun came out on top.
Braun batted .332 with 33 home runs, 111 RBI's, a .397 on base percentage, and a .597 slugging percentage. He received 20 1st place votes, and 12 2nd place votes for 388 points.
Kemp batted .324, with 39 home runs, 126 RBI's, a .399 on base percentage, and a .586 slugging percentage. He received 10 1st place votes, 16 2nd place votes, and 6 3rd plce votes.
Compared to Braun, Kemp had the edge statistically, but the vote probably was decided on the fact that Braun helped his team win the NL Central, and get to the NLCS.
Braun is the first Brewer to win an MVP award since Robin Yount won his second in 1989.
In the American League, Detroit Tiger's starting pitcher Justin Verlander was awarded MVP a week after winning the AL Cy Young Award.
Verlander is the first starting pitcher to win AL MVP since Roger Clemens did it in 1986.
Verlander received 13 1st place votes, and had 280 total points. Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury finished in second with 242 points, but only 4 1st place votes.
There was the arguement that a pitcher should not win MVP, but when you look at Verlander's stats, it's easy to disprove it.
Verlander was absolutely dominant in 2011, leading the Majors in wins (24), strikeouts (250), and ERA (2.40). Oh yeah, and he threw a no-hitter.
You can see the final votes for the AL and NL MVP races by clicking on the links below.
AL MVP
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111121&content_id=26015614&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
NL MVP
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111121&content_id=26018700&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
Monday, November 21, 2011
Cuddyer still option, 'slow' talks with Rollins
November 21, 2011
The Phillies signed Jonathan Papelbon, and acquired Ty Wigginton. Now the Phillies biggest issue is to address the hole at shortstop.
According to MLBTradeRumors.com, the Phillies have had discussions with Jimmy Rollins, but GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said that talks have been "slow", and that a deal, most likely, will not get done until after the winter meetings.
The site also reports that signing Michael Cuddyer is still a possibility for the Phillies, but it would have to be for a deal that is team friendly.
Here is MLBTradeRumors.com report:
"
Having signed Jonathan Papelbon and traded for Wigginton, the Phillies' primary focus is now filling shortstop, according to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com. The Phils are "in negotiations" with Rollins, Salisbury reports, as well as other free-agent shortstops. GM Ruben Amaro Jr. characterized talks with Rollins as "slow" and said that he doesn't expect to have a shortstop signed by the outset of the Winter Meetings on Dec. 5.
The Phils remain in search of an outfielder, according to Salisbury, so it's possible that they could still sign Michael Cuddyer, although it'd probably have to be on team-friendly terms."
The Phillies signed Jonathan Papelbon, and acquired Ty Wigginton. Now the Phillies biggest issue is to address the hole at shortstop.
According to MLBTradeRumors.com, the Phillies have had discussions with Jimmy Rollins, but GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said that talks have been "slow", and that a deal, most likely, will not get done until after the winter meetings.
The site also reports that signing Michael Cuddyer is still a possibility for the Phillies, but it would have to be for a deal that is team friendly.
Here is MLBTradeRumors.com report:
"
Development staff announced, Sandberg staying
November 21, 2011
The Phillies announced their player development staff for the 2012 season. Ryne Sandberg is listed as the manager for the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (Triple-A affiliate).
Sandberg has had talks with the St. Louis Cardinals about their managing job, but they filled it with Mike Matheny. The Cubs had an opening too, but they wanted Major League coaching experience, something Sandberg does not have.
Now, it is official. Sandberg will remain in the Phillie's minor league system for now.
You can see the full list of the development staff at CSNPhilly.com, by clicking on the link.
http://www.csnphilly.com/blog/phillies-talk/post/Sandberg-headed-back-to-Allentown?blockID=598226&feedID=693
The Phillies announced their player development staff for the 2012 season. Ryne Sandberg is listed as the manager for the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (Triple-A affiliate).
Sandberg has had talks with the St. Louis Cardinals about their managing job, but they filled it with Mike Matheny. The Cubs had an opening too, but they wanted Major League coaching experience, something Sandberg does not have.
Now, it is official. Sandberg will remain in the Phillie's minor league system for now.
You can see the full list of the development staff at CSNPhilly.com, by clicking on the link.
http://www.csnphilly.com/blog/phillies-talk/post/Sandberg-headed-back-to-Allentown?blockID=598226&feedID=693
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Phils acquire Ty Wigginton
November 20, 2011
The Phillies traded for utility player Ty Wigginton from the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies will either receive cash or a player to be named later.
Wigginton, 34, hit .242, with 15 home runs, and 47 RBI's, in 130 games for Colorado in 2011. He has a .265 average for his 10 season long career.
On the defensive side, Wigginton played games at first base, third base, left field, and right field, last season. He also has experience at second base.
Wigginton is signed for the 2012 season for $4 million, but the Rockies are paying half of his salary, so the Phillies only have to pay $2 million. Their is als an option year for 2013 in Wigginton's contract that is also worht $4 million.
Before the trade, it was reported that the Phillies were actively pursuing free agent Michael Cuddyer, for much of the same reasons they acquired Wigginton. But now, it is easy to argue that the Phillies will no longer pursue Cuddyer.
Cuddyer, 33, is a better offensive player, but the price to sign him may have been too steep for the organization, after the signing of closer Jonathan Papelbon.
Wigginton does not quite match the stats of Cuddyer, but is a far more affordable option, and should still be a good addition regardless.
The trade was reported by MLBTradeRumors.com.
The Phillies traded for utility player Ty Wigginton from the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies will either receive cash or a player to be named later.
Wigginton, 34, hit .242, with 15 home runs, and 47 RBI's, in 130 games for Colorado in 2011. He has a .265 average for his 10 season long career.On the defensive side, Wigginton played games at first base, third base, left field, and right field, last season. He also has experience at second base.
Wigginton is signed for the 2012 season for $4 million, but the Rockies are paying half of his salary, so the Phillies only have to pay $2 million. Their is als an option year for 2013 in Wigginton's contract that is also worht $4 million.
Before the trade, it was reported that the Phillies were actively pursuing free agent Michael Cuddyer, for much of the same reasons they acquired Wigginton. But now, it is easy to argue that the Phillies will no longer pursue Cuddyer.
Cuddyer, 33, is a better offensive player, but the price to sign him may have been too steep for the organization, after the signing of closer Jonathan Papelbon.
Wigginton does not quite match the stats of Cuddyer, but is a far more affordable option, and should still be a good addition regardless.
The trade was reported by MLBTradeRumors.com.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Prospects added to 40-man roster
November 18, 2011
The Phillies added four players to their minor league system to protect them from being in the Rule 5 Draft next month.
Righthander Phillippe Aumont, lefthander Jake Diekman, outfielder Tyson Gillies, and cathcer Sebastian Valle.
Aumont (22) and Gillies (23) were prospects aquired in 2009, in the trade that sent Cliff Lee to the Seattle Mariners (Remember how much that one hurt? But he is back with the Phillies, so it all worked out).
Diekman (25), according to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com, has some control issues, but cna develop into a situational or full inning reliever.
Valle (21), is the Phillie's top catching prospect.
The Phillies added four players to their minor league system to protect them from being in the Rule 5 Draft next month.
Righthander Phillippe Aumont, lefthander Jake Diekman, outfielder Tyson Gillies, and cathcer Sebastian Valle.
Aumont (22) and Gillies (23) were prospects aquired in 2009, in the trade that sent Cliff Lee to the Seattle Mariners (Remember how much that one hurt? But he is back with the Phillies, so it all worked out).
Diekman (25), according to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com, has some control issues, but cna develop into a situational or full inning reliever.
Valle (21), is the Phillie's top catching prospect.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Big 3 finish in top 5, Schneider signs deal
November 17, 2011
Los Angeles Dodger's pitcher Clayton Kershaw won the NL Cy Young Award, but the voting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America clearly shows (as if you needed any other proof) that the Phillies rotation dominated the regular season.
Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels all finished in the top five in voting.
Halladay (19-6, 2.35 ERA) came in 2nd place with 4 1st place votes, 21 2nd place votes, and 7 3rd place votes for 133 points.
Lee (17-8, 2.40 ERA) finished right behind him in 3rd place, with 5 2nd place votes, 17 3rd place votes, 9 4th place votes, and 1 5th place vote for 90 points.
Hamels (14-9, 2.79 ERA) took 5th place with 2 4ht place votes, and 13 5ht place votes, for 17 points.
Kershaw (21-5, 2.28 ERA) won the award with 27 1st place votes, 3 2nd place votes, and 2 3rd place votes, for 207 points.
The Arizona Diamondback's Ian Kennedy (21-4, 2.88 ERA) came in 4th with 1 1st place vote, 3 2nd place votes, 6 3rd place votes, 18 4th place votes, and 3 5th place votes for 76 points.
Detroit Tiger's ace Justin Verlander (25-4, 2.40 ERA) won the AL Cy Young, but no surprise there, considering his dominance in 2011. The question with him is if he can win the AL MVP.
Schneider signs one year deal
Brian Schneider will back up Carlos Ruiz for another year.
Schneider signed a one-year, $800,000 deal with incentives that can make the deal worth $1 million in total, according to CSNPhilly.com's John Finger.
Schneider (35) will most likely continue catching for Vance Worley. The 12 year veteran has worked well with Worley playing a key part in the young pitcher's success thus far.
Los Angeles Dodger's pitcher Clayton Kershaw won the NL Cy Young Award, but the voting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America clearly shows (as if you needed any other proof) that the Phillies rotation dominated the regular season.
Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels all finished in the top five in voting.
Halladay (19-6, 2.35 ERA) came in 2nd place with 4 1st place votes, 21 2nd place votes, and 7 3rd place votes for 133 points.
Lee (17-8, 2.40 ERA) finished right behind him in 3rd place, with 5 2nd place votes, 17 3rd place votes, 9 4th place votes, and 1 5th place vote for 90 points.
Hamels (14-9, 2.79 ERA) took 5th place with 2 4ht place votes, and 13 5ht place votes, for 17 points.
Kershaw (21-5, 2.28 ERA) won the award with 27 1st place votes, 3 2nd place votes, and 2 3rd place votes, for 207 points.
The Arizona Diamondback's Ian Kennedy (21-4, 2.88 ERA) came in 4th with 1 1st place vote, 3 2nd place votes, 6 3rd place votes, 18 4th place votes, and 3 5th place votes for 76 points.
Detroit Tiger's ace Justin Verlander (25-4, 2.40 ERA) won the AL Cy Young, but no surprise there, considering his dominance in 2011. The question with him is if he can win the AL MVP.
Schneider signs one year deal
Brian Schneider will back up Carlos Ruiz for another year.
Schneider signed a one-year, $800,000 deal with incentives that can make the deal worth $1 million in total, according to CSNPhilly.com's John Finger.
Schneider (35) will most likely continue catching for Vance Worley. The 12 year veteran has worked well with Worley playing a key part in the young pitcher's success thus far.
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