Comments on: Wow.

By: Wow. (Part 2)

Wow. (Part 2) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:57:22 +0000

[...] – a month ago, the Phillies had a ridiculous comeback win against the Mets that looked like it might be the game that got us out of our funk. Well, it [...]

By: The Duke

The Duke — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:40:18 +0000

Eaton demoted, Happ back on the roster. Finally!

By: The Duke

The Duke — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:07:33 +0000

@Drolz

Couldn’t say it better myself. I’ve been preaching for weeks that Victorino’s a core player on this roster and shouldn’t be moved.

By: Drolz

Drolz — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:25:24 +0000

The Phils have been Happless lately (sorry, couldn’t resist). Am glad to see him back. I’m not saying he’s a savior or anything but he did outpitch a couple of guys while he was here. He’s definitely earned another look.

One thing I really feel strongly about: I do NOT want to see Shane Victorino included in any possible trade. I know that on paper his numbers are modest and that there are other outfielders with better stats. But the package of speed, defense, super arm, intangibles, and incredible heart aren’t easy to replace. When he clapped after hitting that 3-run homer yesterday he wasn’t applauding himself. He was genuinely psyched that the homer had tied the score. He really wants to win. In this era of prima donnas and Manny being Manny, a guy like Victorino doesn’t come around often.

By: Pete

Pete — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:15:05 +0000

ALL-

I was away for the weekend but am back. good work keeping the conversation going and even padding our “comments” stats with computer problems.

i’ll write a phillies ramblings post tonight and address many of these issues. Also, I think the Phillies should trade one of their best players, but not Rollins.

By: bski

bski — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:29:41 +0000

OK, two quick (which is different for me) things this morning. 1) Bill Conlin's article today kind of sums up what I've been saying about Rollins over the last few days. Here's the link 2) Paul Hagen's article makes me think the Phils might have a deal in the works. J. A. Happ was removed from his start yesterday after just 2 2/3 innings and he was getting high fives from his teammates in the dugout. It appears as though he is coming back up to us. The question is, who will he replace? It could just be they will put someone on the DL. We'll see. Anyway, here's the link to that article

By: jjg

jjg — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 18:26:47 +0000

The Duke, Saw it. The fielder jumped on it quickly, made a nice play. I give Rollins credit for the try on that one. Hope they keep coming. Batting from left side, if it’s dropped even just decently and fielder fumbles/stumbles at all – he’s safe, a la Richie Ashburn, Maury Wills, Matty Alou, Ralph Garr, Willie McGee, Brett Butler, Larry Bowa and Juan Pierre.

By: The Duke

The Duke — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 18:06:00 +0000

As for the Manny talks, check out http://pcpsports.com for my thoughts. Just launched a couple days ago and could use a few visitors.

By: The Duke

The Duke — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 18:00:51 +0000

@JJG
Following the Dobbs homer yesterday, Rollins attempted to bunt for a hit. I though it was perfect timing and something I’ve been waiting a long time to see. Unfortunately, it was unsuccessful. Hopefully that won’t get Rollins twisted because I think it could really add a nice dimension to his game if he were willing to do it a little more often.

By: bski

bski — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 17:50:55 +0000

I don’t want anything to do with Manny either. He is a nightmare and a cautionary tale. He really has the Red Sox by the short hairs. He has a guaranteed contract, so they have to pay him whether he plays or not (due to injury?). Also, as a 10 and 5 player he can veto any trade, so they can’t just ship him somewhere to get rid of him.

That’s another fear you have when you sign a guy to a mega contract. In addition to worrying about whether or not you will get your money’s worth in productivity, you also need to worry about the long term commitment you are making. A no trade clause is common in these mega contracts. Plus the extra length of these contracts leaves you open to a Ramirez-like situation, should things deteriorate.

I am not suggesting that this would happen, but consider the Howard situation. What if we did sign him to an 8-year, $160 million contract with a no trade clause? If we continue to stay in the 86 win territory year after year, it is certainly conceivable that Howard would eventually get fed up. Would we be in store for Rollins-like petulance or maybe something beyond that? Then we would be stuck with an unhappy, 10 and 5 player with a no trade clause. Just something to think about.