Long ago, the sport of baseball was a very different game. Players left their gloves on the field, when they returned to the dugout. If players spent more than two weeks on a roster, without playing, it was probably either because they were very bad at the game of baseball, or because they were actually spies. There was a batting maneuver, used to advance runners, known as the "bunt." The Philadelphia Phillies had an innings-eater, by the name of Grover Cleveland Alexander, who pitched more than three-hundred innings, seven seasons in a row. A "loogy" was just a synonym for expectorant. Way back then, creating a "Cliff Lee", using DNA obtained from Steve Carlton, would have been as inconceivable as the Phillies being labeled a "perennial contender."
In the much more recent past, the Phillies have pondered several questions. "If Brad Lidge blows every save opportunity, has he achieved perfection?" "Will Matt Stairs ever get a hit again?" "Is Eric Bruntlett really only the fourth-worst-hitting non-pitcher on this team?" They also considered a more philosophical question. They asked themselves, "If Scott Eyre is in the bullpen, and he never pitches, does he make a sound?" Noted philosopher/ineffective reliever Chad Durbin, who was not created using DNA obtained from Ron Reed, would likely answer that question, "Does he (Eyre) ever NOT make a sound?" Manager Charlie Manuel, however, hasn't appeared to be aware of Eyre's continued bullpen existence. At least until the eighth inning of the Phillies' 3-2 victory over the Braves, on Sunday night.
Scott Eyre entered his first game in two weeks, with runners on first and second, and no outs. Though he had warmed up numerous times during those two weeks, and his usefulness as a LOOGY had been oft-demonstrated, he had been reduced to merely cheering on his teammates. Suddenly, he was called on to pitch, during the highest leverage at bat of the game. Four pitches later, he induced an unconventional 4-6-5 double play. He retired the next batter on another grounder, exiting the inning with a 3-2 lead. Now, we are left to ponder why we had to wait two weeks between Eyre appearances. A Grover Cleveland Alexander-esque ERA of 1.65 should surely qualify Eyre for more regular use.
The Phillies' offense generated a lot of sound on Sunday night, with Chase Utley hitting yet another home run (his 29th), and Carlos Ruiz knocking three hits, including a pair of doubles. The loudest noise, however, may have been made by the softest contact. In bottom of the seventh inning, with the score tied at one, Raul Ibanez lead off the inning with a walk. Pedro Feliz followed, and performed the archaic maneuver known as "squaring around to bunt." This antiquated technique doesn't seem to have a lot of value in today's chock-full-of-extra-base-hit-game, except as a possible (occasional) deterrent to deep-playing infielders, or as a practice utilized solely by exceedingly weak-hitting batters. In Sunday night's context, however, it led to a two-base error. Carlos Ruiz followed Feliz' bunt with a two-run double, and the Phillies had all the scoring that they would require.
When you have (the post-April 2009 version of) Joe Blanton on the mound, not a lot of offense is needed. Blanton once pursued the quality start, and the seventh inning, as Moe Berg had once pursued Axis secrets (with a lumbering tenacity). Now that Blanton has made ten consecutive quality starts, venturing into the seventh inning in nine of them, the lanky northpaw has earned the "innings-eater" label that had once been, prematurely, bestowed upon him. Blanton ate seven more innings, surrendering only a solo home run, among three hits and four walks (and seven strikeouts!).
Brad Lidge, often effective when not used more than two days in a row, retired all three batters he faced in the ninth, for his twenty-seventh save. The Phillies had combined methods, both ancient and modern, in winning the rubber game of the three-game series. Philadelphia increased their divisional lead to eight games, with only thirty-four games remaining to be played. Joe Blanton may get the opportunity to reprise Alexander's 1915 role, as an innings-eater on a team that went on to play the Red Sox, in the World Series. (That is, if 2009's Red Sox can get past Detroit, in the ALCS...)
Showing posts with label Scott Eyre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scott Eyre. Show all posts
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Transaction Action
Pedro Martinez will make his first (non-simulated) rehab start on Sunday, for the Clearwater Threshers (A). Game time is scheduled for 4:00pm, and can be followed via the visiting St. Lucie Mets' internet broadcast. Martinez' appearance should increase attendance at Clearwater's Bright House Field, on an afternoon when Wet N' Wacky Day was already expected to lead to large crowds. If you are fortunate enough to attend, please refrain from hurling water balloons at Martinez. Thanks in advance.
The Roy Halladay Deal hasn't been officially consummated, and Halladay is expected to make the start for Toronto on Friday night. The probability of Halladay being traded has ranged between 0 and 100%, over the past few days. Numerous teams are, reportedly, involved in trade talks, and countless top minor league prospects have been mentioned. Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi tried to impose an arbitrary, pre-trade deadline, deadline of July 28th, but that doesn't seem to have panned out.
The Phillies still appear to be among the frontrunners, and the names Kyle Drabek, J.A. Happ, Lou Marson, Michael Taylor, Jason Donald, and Dominic Brown have all been bandied about.
If Amaro could get Halladay for Happ, Marson, and Donald, he should do the deal in a millisecond. Halladay turns the Phillies from World Series contender, to World Series favorite.
Phillies' reliever Chad Durbin was placed on the 15-day DL, after experiencing muscle pain in his lower back. Durbin has felt pain for the past month, but told neither his wife, nor pitching coach Rich Dubee. Over that time, Durbin had been responsible for five runs, over eight and two-thirds innings, including a scoreless, three-inning appearance on Monday. It appears injury, in addition to regression, has affected Durbin's recent results. Durbin is expected to return immediately, when the DL stint ends.
Phillies' reliever J.C. Romero was placed on the 15-day DL, with a strained left forearm. Romero will be eligible to return on August 4th. He made both his wife, and Rich Dubee, aware of the injury in a timely manner. Between this injury setback, his fifty-game suspension, and the fan incident in Tampa, this has not been the most successful season for Romero.
The Phillies recalled IronPigs (AAA) reliever Tyler Walker, and starter Andrew Carpenter, to fill the bullpen holes. Carpenter is stretched out, so it appears he will work in long relief, with Chan Ho Park pitching in late innings/high leverage situations. Park has pitched extremely well as a reliever. He would have been a great free agent pickup, if he had been signed as a $1-1.5 million/year reliever.
Walker is still not a good pitcher, and will probably be designated for assignment again, on August 4th.
The moves leave Scott Eyre as the only southpaw in the bullpen. Minor league lefties Sergio Escalona and Jack Taschner were considered for recall, but Escalona has pitched poorly recently, and Taschner has pitched like Taschner, all season.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) recalled reliever Pat Overholt from Reading (AA), and demoted Sergio Escalona to Reading. Escalona had a 10.50 ERA in six July innings. BABIP was not kind to him, as he allowed nine hits, and a .333 OBA. The right-handed Overholt, who has pitched in two AAA games this season, had a 2.16 ERA in eight and one-third July innings with the R-Phils.
Kyle Kendrick had a AAA start pushed by a day, for reasons that were not announced. There has been speculation that Kendrick was involved in a trade for Nationals' OF Josh Willingham, which fell through. My theory is that he was involved in a trade that fell through, but Arizona D-Backs' northpaw Doug Davis was the Phillies' intended target.
Scott Mathieson continues his attempt to return to MLB, with the Clearwater Threshers (A). Mathieson has made three appearances for the Threshers, throwing four scoreless innings, with four strikeouts (three hits, one walk.) He could be a cost-effective competitor for a Phillies bullpen spot, in 2010.
The Roy Halladay Deal hasn't been officially consummated, and Halladay is expected to make the start for Toronto on Friday night. The probability of Halladay being traded has ranged between 0 and 100%, over the past few days. Numerous teams are, reportedly, involved in trade talks, and countless top minor league prospects have been mentioned. Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi tried to impose an arbitrary, pre-trade deadline, deadline of July 28th, but that doesn't seem to have panned out.
The Phillies still appear to be among the frontrunners, and the names Kyle Drabek, J.A. Happ, Lou Marson, Michael Taylor, Jason Donald, and Dominic Brown have all been bandied about.
If Amaro could get Halladay for Happ, Marson, and Donald, he should do the deal in a millisecond. Halladay turns the Phillies from World Series contender, to World Series favorite.
Phillies' reliever Chad Durbin was placed on the 15-day DL, after experiencing muscle pain in his lower back. Durbin has felt pain for the past month, but told neither his wife, nor pitching coach Rich Dubee. Over that time, Durbin had been responsible for five runs, over eight and two-thirds innings, including a scoreless, three-inning appearance on Monday. It appears injury, in addition to regression, has affected Durbin's recent results. Durbin is expected to return immediately, when the DL stint ends.
Phillies' reliever J.C. Romero was placed on the 15-day DL, with a strained left forearm. Romero will be eligible to return on August 4th. He made both his wife, and Rich Dubee, aware of the injury in a timely manner. Between this injury setback, his fifty-game suspension, and the fan incident in Tampa, this has not been the most successful season for Romero.
The Phillies recalled IronPigs (AAA) reliever Tyler Walker, and starter Andrew Carpenter, to fill the bullpen holes. Carpenter is stretched out, so it appears he will work in long relief, with Chan Ho Park pitching in late innings/high leverage situations. Park has pitched extremely well as a reliever. He would have been a great free agent pickup, if he had been signed as a $1-1.5 million/year reliever.
Walker is still not a good pitcher, and will probably be designated for assignment again, on August 4th.
The moves leave Scott Eyre as the only southpaw in the bullpen. Minor league lefties Sergio Escalona and Jack Taschner were considered for recall, but Escalona has pitched poorly recently, and Taschner has pitched like Taschner, all season.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) recalled reliever Pat Overholt from Reading (AA), and demoted Sergio Escalona to Reading. Escalona had a 10.50 ERA in six July innings. BABIP was not kind to him, as he allowed nine hits, and a .333 OBA. The right-handed Overholt, who has pitched in two AAA games this season, had a 2.16 ERA in eight and one-third July innings with the R-Phils.
Kyle Kendrick had a AAA start pushed by a day, for reasons that were not announced. There has been speculation that Kendrick was involved in a trade for Nationals' OF Josh Willingham, which fell through. My theory is that he was involved in a trade that fell through, but Arizona D-Backs' northpaw Doug Davis was the Phillies' intended target.
Scott Mathieson continues his attempt to return to MLB, with the Clearwater Threshers (A). Mathieson has made three appearances for the Threshers, throwing four scoreless innings, with four strikeouts (three hits, one walk.) He could be a cost-effective competitor for a Phillies bullpen spot, in 2010.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Bunts and Balks (Taschner Independence Weekend Edition)
Jack Taschner was finally removed from the Phillies' roster, as he was DFA'd on Friday. Taschner was jettisoned to open a roster spot for starter Rodrigo Lopez. Taschner departs with a 5.20 ERA, 5.61 WHIP, and a .85 K/BB. It was likely Taschner's 835K guaranteed contract that kept him at the MLB level, as Manager Charlie Manuel had almost no confidence in the southpaw. Taschner was acquired in exchange for catcher Ronny Paulino, who had been acquired for catcher Jason Jaramillo. Either of those two backstops would have, likely, contributed more to the organization.
Taschner thanked the Phillies for doing him a solid, and designating him for assignment, rather than simply optioning him to Lehigh Valley (AAA). But the Phillies may be hopeful of at least getting off the hook for a portion of his salary, if another team picks him up for the MLB minimum. (It doesn't seem likely that another team will pick him up within ten days, and pay him his full MLB salary. It wouldn't be surprising if no team picks him up, and he joins the IronPigs.)
Paul Bako started behind the plate Saturday, for the third time in four games. This is rather puzzling. Is the slumping Carlos Ruiz injured? Chris Coste, also? Are they showcasing Bako for a trade, hoping that the increased time at the MLB level will help them acquire a mediocre A-ball reliever, rather than a terrible A-ball reliever, for the offensively-challenged receiver? Bako has done about as well as expected at the plate, with a .214 BA/.278 wOBA.
Scott Eyre returns to the Phillies on Sunday. Sergio Escalona was optioned to the IronPigs (again) to open a roster spot. Eyre's presence should push reliever Tyler Walker into Jack Taschner's ultra-low leverage role.
At least Escalona is making MLB money, and accumulating MLB service time, during his abbreviated appearances on the Phils' roster.
Raul Ibanez has returned to Philadelphia, as his minor league rehab has been postponed. The Phils hope Ibanez will be able to return to his rehab assignment this week. It's a bit disconcerting that he was sent to Reading for rehab, and then returned to Philly without any game action.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs lost their third game in a row on Saturday, blowing a 2-1 ninth-inning lead, in a 3-2 twelve-inning loss. On Friday, the FeHogs lost both games of their First Ever Day-Night Doubleheader. Starter Brian Mazone, on a low pitch count, pitched two innings in Friday's 12:35pm loss, 4-0, to the Syracuse SkyChiefs. In the second game, a 7-1 loss, Andrew Carpenter permitted seven runs (five earned), on ten hits (three walks/six strikeouts), in five and two-thirds innings.
In Saturday night's come-from-ahead loss, Gary Majewski blew a two-inning save opportunity, wasting Gustavo Chacin's strong start (seven and one-third innings, seven hits, one run, one walk/five strikeouts).
The FeHogs fell to four games under .500, after their historic ascent to the .500 mark, for the first time ever, ended last week.
The Reading Phillies (AA) won in eleven innings on Friday, 4-3 over the Altoona Curve. The R-Phils only needed nine inning on Saturday, defeating the Connecticut Defenders, 7-5. On Friday, Mike Stutes permitted three runs (seven hits, zero walks/five strikeouts) over six innings, and the bullpen (rehabbing Scott Eyre, Mike Zagurski, Alex Concepcion, and Jason Mackintosh) followed with five scoreless frames. In Saturday's win, Joe Savery was touched for five runs over seven innings (ten hits, two walks/four strikeouts), but still recorded his eleventh win.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost to the Dunedin Blue Jays, 10-5 on Friday, and 8-1 on Saturday. Friday night's starter, Julian Sampson, was bombed for seven earned runs, in only three and two-thirds innings (seven hits, four walks/four strikeouts). Saturday's starter, Tyler Cloyd surrendered five runs (two earned) over five and two-thirds innings (eight hits, three walks/one strikeout). Cloyd obtained two outs on the ground, and fourteen through the air, not a very CBP-viable ratio.
Taschner thanked the Phillies for doing him a solid, and designating him for assignment, rather than simply optioning him to Lehigh Valley (AAA). But the Phillies may be hopeful of at least getting off the hook for a portion of his salary, if another team picks him up for the MLB minimum. (It doesn't seem likely that another team will pick him up within ten days, and pay him his full MLB salary. It wouldn't be surprising if no team picks him up, and he joins the IronPigs.)
Paul Bako started behind the plate Saturday, for the third time in four games. This is rather puzzling. Is the slumping Carlos Ruiz injured? Chris Coste, also? Are they showcasing Bako for a trade, hoping that the increased time at the MLB level will help them acquire a mediocre A-ball reliever, rather than a terrible A-ball reliever, for the offensively-challenged receiver? Bako has done about as well as expected at the plate, with a .214 BA/.278 wOBA.
Scott Eyre returns to the Phillies on Sunday. Sergio Escalona was optioned to the IronPigs (again) to open a roster spot. Eyre's presence should push reliever Tyler Walker into Jack Taschner's ultra-low leverage role.
At least Escalona is making MLB money, and accumulating MLB service time, during his abbreviated appearances on the Phils' roster.
Raul Ibanez has returned to Philadelphia, as his minor league rehab has been postponed. The Phils hope Ibanez will be able to return to his rehab assignment this week. It's a bit disconcerting that he was sent to Reading for rehab, and then returned to Philly without any game action.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs lost their third game in a row on Saturday, blowing a 2-1 ninth-inning lead, in a 3-2 twelve-inning loss. On Friday, the FeHogs lost both games of their First Ever Day-Night Doubleheader. Starter Brian Mazone, on a low pitch count, pitched two innings in Friday's 12:35pm loss, 4-0, to the Syracuse SkyChiefs. In the second game, a 7-1 loss, Andrew Carpenter permitted seven runs (five earned), on ten hits (three walks/six strikeouts), in five and two-thirds innings.
In Saturday night's come-from-ahead loss, Gary Majewski blew a two-inning save opportunity, wasting Gustavo Chacin's strong start (seven and one-third innings, seven hits, one run, one walk/five strikeouts).
The FeHogs fell to four games under .500, after their historic ascent to the .500 mark, for the first time ever, ended last week.
The Reading Phillies (AA) won in eleven innings on Friday, 4-3 over the Altoona Curve. The R-Phils only needed nine inning on Saturday, defeating the Connecticut Defenders, 7-5. On Friday, Mike Stutes permitted three runs (seven hits, zero walks/five strikeouts) over six innings, and the bullpen (rehabbing Scott Eyre, Mike Zagurski, Alex Concepcion, and Jason Mackintosh) followed with five scoreless frames. In Saturday's win, Joe Savery was touched for five runs over seven innings (ten hits, two walks/four strikeouts), but still recorded his eleventh win.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost to the Dunedin Blue Jays, 10-5 on Friday, and 8-1 on Saturday. Friday night's starter, Julian Sampson, was bombed for seven earned runs, in only three and two-thirds innings (seven hits, four walks/four strikeouts). Saturday's starter, Tyler Cloyd surrendered five runs (two earned) over five and two-thirds innings (eight hits, three walks/one strikeout). Cloyd obtained two outs on the ground, and fourteen through the air, not a very CBP-viable ratio.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Bunts and Balks (7/2)
Jimmy Rollins got a hit in Thursday night's game! In fact, Rollins got two hits, and is now two for his last thirty-one! The Red Bull must be sparking his resurgence...
Raul Ibanez worked out in Reading for the third consecutive day, but did not play. Ibanez continues to not play, and the Phillies continue to indicate that he hasn't "had a setback" and that they are "waiting until he is 100%." It is best for them not to rush Ibanez, but the Phils really need him back.
Scott Eyre is expected to make another rehab appearance on Friday night. Hopefully, this one goes better than the last one. He'll almost definitely miss the Mets' series.
Rodrigo Lopez will be promoted to make the start for the Phillies on Friday night, but the corresponding roster move has yet to be announced. Hoping for Paul Bako or Jack Taschner, but suspect it will be another optioning of Sergio Escalona.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) used a five-run fourth inning to beat the Syracuse Chiefs, 5-1. Carlos Carrasco, passed over for the starting pitcher opening for the P-Phils, pitched six strong innings. He allowed a single run, on six hits (two walks/four strikeouts), in the ninety-seven pitch outing. Gary Majewski followed with two scoreless innings of relief, getting his ERA back under 4, at 3.99.
The Reading Phillies (AA) had their five game winning streak broken by the Altoona Curve, in a 4-3 loss. Like the P-Phils, the R-Phils could have used Raul Ibanez' bat. Reading fell behind, 4-0 after four innings, and could not complete the comeback. Vance Worley took the loss, surrendering four runs (two earned) in six innings (six hits, one walk/two strikeouts).
The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost for the first time, in eight second-half games, to the Palm Beach Cardinals, 9-6. The Threshers trailed 9-1, after five innings, and could not complete the comeback. The Threshers made three errors, leading to five unearned runs. Starter Jon Velazquez took the loss, but only two of the seven runs he permitted (in two and two-thirds innings) were of the earned variety.
Raul Ibanez worked out in Reading for the third consecutive day, but did not play. Ibanez continues to not play, and the Phillies continue to indicate that he hasn't "had a setback" and that they are "waiting until he is 100%." It is best for them not to rush Ibanez, but the Phils really need him back.
Scott Eyre is expected to make another rehab appearance on Friday night. Hopefully, this one goes better than the last one. He'll almost definitely miss the Mets' series.
Rodrigo Lopez will be promoted to make the start for the Phillies on Friday night, but the corresponding roster move has yet to be announced. Hoping for Paul Bako or Jack Taschner, but suspect it will be another optioning of Sergio Escalona.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) used a five-run fourth inning to beat the Syracuse Chiefs, 5-1. Carlos Carrasco, passed over for the starting pitcher opening for the P-Phils, pitched six strong innings. He allowed a single run, on six hits (two walks/four strikeouts), in the ninety-seven pitch outing. Gary Majewski followed with two scoreless innings of relief, getting his ERA back under 4, at 3.99.
The Reading Phillies (AA) had their five game winning streak broken by the Altoona Curve, in a 4-3 loss. Like the P-Phils, the R-Phils could have used Raul Ibanez' bat. Reading fell behind, 4-0 after four innings, and could not complete the comeback. Vance Worley took the loss, surrendering four runs (two earned) in six innings (six hits, one walk/two strikeouts).
The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost for the first time, in eight second-half games, to the Palm Beach Cardinals, 9-6. The Threshers trailed 9-1, after five innings, and could not complete the comeback. The Threshers made three errors, leading to five unearned runs. Starter Jon Velazquez took the loss, but only two of the seven runs he permitted (in two and two-thirds innings) were of the earned variety.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Bunts and Balks (7/1)
The Phillies announced that Lehigh Valley (AAA) starting pitcher Rodrigo Lopez will be recalled for Friday night's start against the New York Mets. The Phillies chose "experience" over "skill", at least for Friday's start. Lopez has pitched well recently, and the Phillies wanted to see how the 33 year old veteran northpaw would do at the MLB level. Before TJ surgery in 2007, Lopez had a 4.42 ERA/1.31 WHIP with Colorado. Lopez would have to pass waivers to return to AAA, so he'll likely be given a few starts for the P-Phils, before they decide whether he is rotation-worthy. (He may be able to stick as a reliever, also.)
Carlos Carrasco certainly has more upside, and the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation starter, but the Phils opted not to recall him. Yet. Perhaps they wanted to protect his delicate psyche? Perhaps they wanted to protect his trade value, which could decrease with some struggles at the MLB level? Perhaps they want to give him more AAA time, to work on his slider?
I think Carrasco should have been given the start. (Lopez could be promoted as a long reliever/spot starter to get some MLB time, at the expense of the roster spot of Jack Taschner (or Paul Bako).
It has not been announced who will lose their P-Phils roster spot to Lopez.
Jimmy Rollins went 0 for 3 Wednesday, decreasing his average to .205. Going 0 for 27 tends to have an adverse effect on batting averages. Going 6 for 55, isn't helpful, either. Still better than Bruntlett...
Paul Bako started behind the plate on Wednesday night. Charlie Manuel said something to the extent of "he's on the roster, I have to use him", when asked about Bako's inclusion in the starting lineup. I'm sure Phillies' starter Cole Hamels appreciated that logic.
Scott Eyre pitched for Reading (AA) in a rehab appearance on Wednesday night. Eyre, on a pitch limit of 25, allowed a home run to the first batter he faced. When he departed, having hit his pitch count, the bases were loaded, with two out. Kyle Drabek got out of the jam, and Eyre was only charged with one run, on two hits and a walk.
Raul Ibanez was expected to make a rehab appearance for Reading, but did not. Ibanez took batting practice, and is expected to play Thursday. Looks like he will be out for the entirety of the Mets' series...
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) did not have a game scheduled for Wednesday.
The FeHogs face the Syracuse Chiefs on Thursday night, with Carlos Carrasco slated to start.
The Reading Phillies (AA) trailed 4-0 going into the bottom of the second, but came back to beat the Altoona Curve, 8-6. Reading scored six runs in the bottom of the second, two on a Michael Taylor home run. Taylor was 2 for 4, improving his average to .350.
1B Kevin Mahar (.312) had two hits, as did C Tuffy Gosewisch (.244).
Pitcher Kyle Drabek went 3 for 3, improving his batting average to .625. Drabek also kept his winning percentage at 1.000, with his fifth win. Drabek, pitching in relief of the rehabbing Eyre, pitched six and one-third innings, surrendering three runs (seven hits, three walks/four strikeouts). All three of the runs came in the second inning, perhaps not starting adversely affected his routine?
Tyson Brummett pitched in relief, again. It appears that he has lost his rotation spot to Yohan Flande.
The R-Phils had four players chosen to appear in the All-Star game. LHP Joe Savery, RHP Vance Worley, 3B Neil Sellers, and OF Michael Taylor will all travel to historic Trenton, N.J. for the Mid-Summer Classic on July 15th. Kyle Drabek's performance at the AA level might have made him worthy of inclusion, but he has only pitched 40 innings for Reading.
Drabek's next All-Star appearance will likely be in 2010, for Lehigh Valley.
The Clearwater Threshers swept a doubleheader from the Palm Beach Cardinals, winning 2-1 (seven innings), and 7-1 (six innings). Drew Naylor pitched seven strong innings in the opener, permitting a run on only four hits (zero walks/six strikeouts). Michael Galen Cisco surrendered only an unearned run in the second game, pitching five innings (four hits, one walk/three strikeouts).
Carlos Carrasco certainly has more upside, and the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation starter, but the Phils opted not to recall him. Yet. Perhaps they wanted to protect his delicate psyche? Perhaps they wanted to protect his trade value, which could decrease with some struggles at the MLB level? Perhaps they want to give him more AAA time, to work on his slider?
I think Carrasco should have been given the start. (Lopez could be promoted as a long reliever/spot starter to get some MLB time, at the expense of the roster spot of Jack Taschner (or Paul Bako).
It has not been announced who will lose their P-Phils roster spot to Lopez.
Jimmy Rollins went 0 for 3 Wednesday, decreasing his average to .205. Going 0 for 27 tends to have an adverse effect on batting averages. Going 6 for 55, isn't helpful, either. Still better than Bruntlett...
Paul Bako started behind the plate on Wednesday night. Charlie Manuel said something to the extent of "he's on the roster, I have to use him", when asked about Bako's inclusion in the starting lineup. I'm sure Phillies' starter Cole Hamels appreciated that logic.
Scott Eyre pitched for Reading (AA) in a rehab appearance on Wednesday night. Eyre, on a pitch limit of 25, allowed a home run to the first batter he faced. When he departed, having hit his pitch count, the bases were loaded, with two out. Kyle Drabek got out of the jam, and Eyre was only charged with one run, on two hits and a walk.
Raul Ibanez was expected to make a rehab appearance for Reading, but did not. Ibanez took batting practice, and is expected to play Thursday. Looks like he will be out for the entirety of the Mets' series...
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) did not have a game scheduled for Wednesday.
The FeHogs face the Syracuse Chiefs on Thursday night, with Carlos Carrasco slated to start.
The Reading Phillies (AA) trailed 4-0 going into the bottom of the second, but came back to beat the Altoona Curve, 8-6. Reading scored six runs in the bottom of the second, two on a Michael Taylor home run. Taylor was 2 for 4, improving his average to .350.
1B Kevin Mahar (.312) had two hits, as did C Tuffy Gosewisch (.244).
Pitcher Kyle Drabek went 3 for 3, improving his batting average to .625. Drabek also kept his winning percentage at 1.000, with his fifth win. Drabek, pitching in relief of the rehabbing Eyre, pitched six and one-third innings, surrendering three runs (seven hits, three walks/four strikeouts). All three of the runs came in the second inning, perhaps not starting adversely affected his routine?
Tyson Brummett pitched in relief, again. It appears that he has lost his rotation spot to Yohan Flande.
The R-Phils had four players chosen to appear in the All-Star game. LHP Joe Savery, RHP Vance Worley, 3B Neil Sellers, and OF Michael Taylor will all travel to historic Trenton, N.J. for the Mid-Summer Classic on July 15th. Kyle Drabek's performance at the AA level might have made him worthy of inclusion, but he has only pitched 40 innings for Reading.
Drabek's next All-Star appearance will likely be in 2010, for Lehigh Valley.
The Clearwater Threshers swept a doubleheader from the Palm Beach Cardinals, winning 2-1 (seven innings), and 7-1 (six innings). Drew Naylor pitched seven strong innings in the opener, permitting a run on only four hits (zero walks/six strikeouts). Michael Galen Cisco surrendered only an unearned run in the second game, pitching five innings (four hits, one walk/three strikeouts).
Monday, June 29, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/29)
Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez have sizeable leads at their respective positions in All-Star voting. It looks like Utley and Ibanez will start, and that they will be the only Phils' starters.
Raul Ibanez is eligible to return from the DL on Friday, but is not expected to be ready at that point. Hopefully, he'll be ready by next week?
Antonio Bastardo was placed on the DL, with Sergio Escalona optioned (again) back to the P-Phils to take his roster spot. This move probably could have been made in time for Escalona to be available for the Jays' series.
No one has been officially announced to take Bastardo's rotation spot. Most of the speculation seems to lean towards Carlos Carrasco.
Scott Eyre starts his rehab on Wednesday, and hopes to return this weekend. Jack Taschner, Tyler Walker, Paul Bako, and Sergio Escalona (again) may be in danger of receiving a trip to scenic Lehigh Valley. Bako gets my vote, a move which would return the bullpen to a "Plus Eight."
Tyler Walker has been outstanding out of the pen, with seven scoreless innings. Walker has also permitted six of nine inherited runners to score, violently scarring the ERAs of others. Don't get too excited.
Former Phillies P Paul Fletcher was shown hitting Craig Biggio with a pitch in a clip on MLB Tonight. I have no recollection of Paul Fletcher. Not acceptable. Edward Paul Fletcher pitched 13.1 innings in relief, during the 1995 season, with a 5.40 ERA/1.8 WHIP. His baseball reference page is available for only $5!
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost 6-1, to the Norfolk Tides, on Monday night.
At least the FeHogs have now spent one day of their history at .500. Gustavo Chacin permitted six runs in five innings, but only one run was earned.
The Reading Phillies (AA) blasted the Trenton Thunder, 10-1. The victory was not a surprise, as ace Joe Savery was on the mound. Savery improved his record to 10-1, with six shutout innings (two hits, four walks/two strikeouts). Michael Taylor went 4 for 5, improving his average to .351. Kevin Mahar went 4 for 4, improving to .308.
Yohan Flande was promoted to Reading from the Clearwater Threshers (A). Flande was outstanding with the Threshers, with a 7-1 record, 2.52 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and a 2.79 K/BB ratio (82 IP). The R-Phils website does not list the transaction (the Threshers' does), and lists the Tuesday starting pitcher as "TBA." Flande was scheduled to start Tuesday night, so he is the likely "TBA."
Tyson Brummett's spot in the rotation appears to have been skipped, as his fifth day would have been Monday. (Brummett pitched an inning in relief, facing five batters, on Monday night.) Barring a promotion to AAA (Savery?), Brummett seems likely to spend some time in the bullpen with Flande, Kyle Drabek, Vance Worley, Mike Stutes, and Joe Savery comprising the five-man rotation. (Unless Reading goes to a six-man rotation, which would be a good way to keep innings counts down? In that case Brummett might rejoin the rotation this weekend, perhaps on Saturday, giving Savery an extra day?)
The Clearwater Threshers remained undefeated in their second half, winning their fifth consecutive game, 9-8. After four consecutive extra-inning wins over the Jupiter Hammerheads, the Threshers did not require extra time to beat the Palm Beach Cardinals. Clearwater was outhit 15-9, but used two four-run innings to win a see-saw battle. Newly-promoted 22 year-old righty Travis Cloyd, who took Flande's roster spot, struggled in his debut. Cloyd surrendered four runs in five and two-thirds innings, on nine hits and one walk/two strikeouts.
Raul Ibanez is eligible to return from the DL on Friday, but is not expected to be ready at that point. Hopefully, he'll be ready by next week?
Antonio Bastardo was placed on the DL, with Sergio Escalona optioned (again) back to the P-Phils to take his roster spot. This move probably could have been made in time for Escalona to be available for the Jays' series.
No one has been officially announced to take Bastardo's rotation spot. Most of the speculation seems to lean towards Carlos Carrasco.
Scott Eyre starts his rehab on Wednesday, and hopes to return this weekend. Jack Taschner, Tyler Walker, Paul Bako, and Sergio Escalona (again) may be in danger of receiving a trip to scenic Lehigh Valley. Bako gets my vote, a move which would return the bullpen to a "Plus Eight."
Tyler Walker has been outstanding out of the pen, with seven scoreless innings. Walker has also permitted six of nine inherited runners to score, violently scarring the ERAs of others. Don't get too excited.
Former Phillies P Paul Fletcher was shown hitting Craig Biggio with a pitch in a clip on MLB Tonight. I have no recollection of Paul Fletcher. Not acceptable. Edward Paul Fletcher pitched 13.1 innings in relief, during the 1995 season, with a 5.40 ERA/1.8 WHIP. His baseball reference page is available for only $5!
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost 6-1, to the Norfolk Tides, on Monday night.
At least the FeHogs have now spent one day of their history at .500. Gustavo Chacin permitted six runs in five innings, but only one run was earned.
The Reading Phillies (AA) blasted the Trenton Thunder, 10-1. The victory was not a surprise, as ace Joe Savery was on the mound. Savery improved his record to 10-1, with six shutout innings (two hits, four walks/two strikeouts). Michael Taylor went 4 for 5, improving his average to .351. Kevin Mahar went 4 for 4, improving to .308.
Yohan Flande was promoted to Reading from the Clearwater Threshers (A). Flande was outstanding with the Threshers, with a 7-1 record, 2.52 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and a 2.79 K/BB ratio (82 IP). The R-Phils website does not list the transaction (the Threshers' does), and lists the Tuesday starting pitcher as "TBA." Flande was scheduled to start Tuesday night, so he is the likely "TBA."
Tyson Brummett's spot in the rotation appears to have been skipped, as his fifth day would have been Monday. (Brummett pitched an inning in relief, facing five batters, on Monday night.) Barring a promotion to AAA (Savery?), Brummett seems likely to spend some time in the bullpen with Flande, Kyle Drabek, Vance Worley, Mike Stutes, and Joe Savery comprising the five-man rotation. (Unless Reading goes to a six-man rotation, which would be a good way to keep innings counts down? In that case Brummett might rejoin the rotation this weekend, perhaps on Saturday, giving Savery an extra day?)
The Clearwater Threshers remained undefeated in their second half, winning their fifth consecutive game, 9-8. After four consecutive extra-inning wins over the Jupiter Hammerheads, the Threshers did not require extra time to beat the Palm Beach Cardinals. Clearwater was outhit 15-9, but used two four-run innings to win a see-saw battle. Newly-promoted 22 year-old righty Travis Cloyd, who took Flande's roster spot, struggled in his debut. Cloyd surrendered four runs in five and two-thirds innings, on nine hits and one walk/two strikeouts.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/21)
Brad Lidge is expected to rejoin the Phils by the end of the week, with Scott Eyre returning by the end of the following week. This likely means a return to the "Plus Eight" bullpen, and some time in historic Lehigh Valley for Messrs. Taschner and Bako.
Ryan Howard spent the weekend in and out of the hospital with flu-like symptoms.
Hopefully, he'll be OK for the interleague road trip. No one wants to see Eric Bruntlett DH'ing.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) finally lost again, 4-2, to the Norfolk Tides. Mike Spidale responded to a promotion to the leadoff spot with an 0 for 5 day, dropping his AAA avg. to .316. Andrew Carpenter received his first loss, in seven decisions, permitting three runs (nine hits, one walk/three strikeouts) in six innings.
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost to the Harrisburg Senators, 8-7. The winning Senators run scored on a bases-loaded walk with two outs in top of the ninth inning, permitted by lefty Mike Zagurski. The R-Phils trailed 4-0, before they got their first at-bat. Brian Stavisky and Jeremy Slayden each had four-hit games. Vance Worley had an ineffective start, surrendering five runs, on eight hits and two walks, surviving only four innings. The R-Phils seemed primed for a walk-off victory, inspired by Twisted Sister's finest, before their final at-bat. But former Phils prospect Zack Segovia finished them off in the ninth.
Ryan Howard spent the weekend in and out of the hospital with flu-like symptoms.
Hopefully, he'll be OK for the interleague road trip. No one wants to see Eric Bruntlett DH'ing.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) finally lost again, 4-2, to the Norfolk Tides. Mike Spidale responded to a promotion to the leadoff spot with an 0 for 5 day, dropping his AAA avg. to .316. Andrew Carpenter received his first loss, in seven decisions, permitting three runs (nine hits, one walk/three strikeouts) in six innings.
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost to the Harrisburg Senators, 8-7. The winning Senators run scored on a bases-loaded walk with two outs in top of the ninth inning, permitted by lefty Mike Zagurski. The R-Phils trailed 4-0, before they got their first at-bat. Brian Stavisky and Jeremy Slayden each had four-hit games. Vance Worley had an ineffective start, surrendering five runs, on eight hits and two walks, surviving only four innings. The R-Phils seemed primed for a walk-off victory, inspired by Twisted Sister's finest, before their final at-bat. But former Phils prospect Zack Segovia finished them off in the ninth.
Monday, June 15, 2009
"The Pen"- Episode One
The long-awaited premiere episode of "The Pen", the "reality show" featuring the Phillies' bullpen, aired tonight. It wasn't bad. It was a little more documentary, and a little less "fly on the wall" than I would have preferred. But, it was the introductory episode, and subsequent editions may feature more behind-the-scenes shenanigans. We all want the shenanigans, and we all know that Scott Eyre and Clay Condrey can bring us the aforementioned shenanigans.
In the months of waiting for Episode One, I have pondered many possible storylines for the series:
In the months of waiting for Episode One, I have pondered many possible storylines for the series:
- Brad Lidge taking Sergio Escalona to his first rodeo.
- J.C. Romero shopping at GNC, meticulously studying the warning labels.
- Ryan Madson winning an immunity challenge, by placing 147 snails on the head of a slumbering Matt Stairs.
- Clay Condrey and Chad Durbin cooking at CBP, with Emeril Lagasse. (Durbin spends most of the episode peeling garlic.)
- Scott Eyre climbing the roof at CBP. While wearing a cape.
- Jack Taschner fighting crime, on the cold, hard streets of South Philly. (Also wearing a cape.)
- The whole bullpen celebrating Taschner's birthday together. At Dave and Buster's!
Future episodes may include some, or all, of the above. (Spoiler Alert: The only thing certain is that Taschner will play a crucial role as the series progresses. Otherwise, it just doesn't make sense that he is still on the team.)
Episode One did include a number of memorable moments:
- Clay Condrey indicating that "only pretty boys smile" at an 8am photo shoot for the show.
- Scott Eyre with his Little League-playing son. Spring Training in Clearwater afforded Eyre the opportunity to attend a lot of his son's games. Eyre's son, a pitcher, claims "it's easier to throw strikes, if I throw slow."
- Kyle Kendrick's demotion is a "step backwards, to step forwards."
- Ruben Amaro wants to tell J.A. Happ that Happ has made the club, in order to help the pitcher "get the monkey off his ass."
- During the (World Series) Ring Ceremony, Muffin calls the ring a "pretty good piece of bling."
- Chad Durbin says that Harry Kalas' voice is the "narrator for your dreams."
- Jack Taschner's wife, son, and brand new daughter are introduced. How can we root for his demotion now? (Well, he gets his $835K, even if he is coming out of the Lehigh Valley bullpen, so I think I am still OK with his demotion.)
The best part, at least to this fan, was when they showed the Phillies' management team discussing their roster decisions for the pitching staff. Though I was disappointed that Muffin and the Phanatic didn't appear to be involved in the meeting, it was surprising that the cameras would be allowed to tape such candid conversations about Phillies' players. I wonder if the cameras caused the management team to speak more diplomatically about the players, than they would have otherwise?
Naturally, part of the focus of that conversation was Taschner's status with the team. Manuel spoke bluntly about Taschner's lack of command. But Taschner's left-handedness won out, and he made the team, at the expense of right-hander Gary Majewski. If only someone had realized that Taschner wasn't particularly effective against batters of either handed-ness...
The next episode promises to answer questions, such as "Are Brad Lidge's issues real?" and "Who will lose his roster spot, when J.C. Romero returns?" Phillies fans already know the answers to these questions, but we'll tune in, just in case they show Condrey, Durbin, and Eyre fishing together. The question "Who is the second-best fisherman?" remains unanswered. (Condrey is, obviously, the best of the three. No questions asked.)
Friday, June 12, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/12)
The Phillies placed LOOGY Scott Eyre on the 15-day DL, with a strained left calf. As predicted in my previous post, Eyre was replaced on the roster by IronPigs LOOGY Sergio Escalona. Or, not. The Phillies recalled right-handed starter Kyle Kendrick from AAA, to take Eyre's place on the roster. Kendrick will work as a long reliever, for the time being.
(Another possibility would be to move Bastardo into the pen, send Kendrick back to AAA, and promote Andrew Carpenter into the rotation. Carpenter has been pitching much better for Lehigh Valley than Kendrick has, but he wasn't a good recall choice for Friday/the weekend, as he had started for the IronPigs on Thursday.)
Southpaw reliever Jack Taschner will take over the LOOGY role during Eyre's absence. (Egads, no! Taschner has reverse splits, and is more viable as a ROOGY. Taschner will, likely, remain in the "Taschner" role, pitching irregularly, and at inexplicable times.)
The Phils' don't, currently, have a viable LOOGY, as lefty J.C. Romero is the primary eighth-inning option, in Brad Lidge's absence. I'd expect to see Kendrick replaced by Escalona, or Bastardo replaced by Carpenter, to add a second lefty to the pen, in the near future.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost two more key players, as catcher Lou Marson and infielder Jason Donald hit the DL, on Friday. Donald is expected to miss a month, and Marson should return in two weeks. (Guess they won't be traded for Roy Oswalt, for at least a few more weeks.) It wasn't immediately clear what roster moves Lehigh Valley will make to cover for these losses.
The short-handed IronPigs defeated the Charlotte Knights, 3-2, in ten innings. The IronPigs had 12 hits, and 6 walks, but left 14 on base. The bullpen pitched six scoreless innings, with closer Tyler Walker getting the victory.
The Reading Phillies (AA) got demolished by the Harrisburg Senators, 11-0. Two R-Phils fans got married at home plate prior to the game, and the Senators ruined their memorable day with sixteen hits, and six home runs.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were destroyed by the Jupiter Hammerheads, 7-2. It was a 3-2 game in the ninth, when Jupiter scored four runs. The Threshers had four hits, and made three errors. Not an ideal ratio.
San Diego Padres' starter Jake Peavy is expected to miss a month, with an injured right ankle. Toronto Blue Jays' starter Roy Halladay left Friday night's game against Florida, with a strained right groin.
Looks like the Phils will have to wait on a Halladay trade, or just go ahead and trade for Houston's Roy Oswalt.
The debut of "The Pen" is less than 48 hours away...
(Another possibility would be to move Bastardo into the pen, send Kendrick back to AAA, and promote Andrew Carpenter into the rotation. Carpenter has been pitching much better for Lehigh Valley than Kendrick has, but he wasn't a good recall choice for Friday/the weekend, as he had started for the IronPigs on Thursday.)
Southpaw reliever Jack Taschner will take over the LOOGY role during Eyre's absence. (Egads, no! Taschner has reverse splits, and is more viable as a ROOGY. Taschner will, likely, remain in the "Taschner" role, pitching irregularly, and at inexplicable times.)
The Phils' don't, currently, have a viable LOOGY, as lefty J.C. Romero is the primary eighth-inning option, in Brad Lidge's absence. I'd expect to see Kendrick replaced by Escalona, or Bastardo replaced by Carpenter, to add a second lefty to the pen, in the near future.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost two more key players, as catcher Lou Marson and infielder Jason Donald hit the DL, on Friday. Donald is expected to miss a month, and Marson should return in two weeks. (Guess they won't be traded for Roy Oswalt, for at least a few more weeks.) It wasn't immediately clear what roster moves Lehigh Valley will make to cover for these losses.
The short-handed IronPigs defeated the Charlotte Knights, 3-2, in ten innings. The IronPigs had 12 hits, and 6 walks, but left 14 on base. The bullpen pitched six scoreless innings, with closer Tyler Walker getting the victory.
The Reading Phillies (AA) got demolished by the Harrisburg Senators, 11-0. Two R-Phils fans got married at home plate prior to the game, and the Senators ruined their memorable day with sixteen hits, and six home runs.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were destroyed by the Jupiter Hammerheads, 7-2. It was a 3-2 game in the ninth, when Jupiter scored four runs. The Threshers had four hits, and made three errors. Not an ideal ratio.
San Diego Padres' starter Jake Peavy is expected to miss a month, with an injured right ankle. Toronto Blue Jays' starter Roy Halladay left Friday night's game against Florida, with a strained right groin.
Looks like the Phils will have to wait on a Halladay trade, or just go ahead and trade for Houston's Roy Oswalt.
The debut of "The Pen" is less than 48 hours away...
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Cost Control
"I've never counted this much cash at once", remarked the young bank teller. Adam Eaton nodded expressionlessly, but did not respond. He loaded his World Series share of $351,504 into a nondescript black briefcase. He had run into a bit of bad luck on the poker tables, and needed to cover his losses. As he exited the bank, he thought about how that bad luck had stuck with him after his unfortunate 2008 season. If his BABIP had been lower than an unwieldy .322, things would have gone more smoothly for him during the Phillies' Championship season. He was easily the second-best starter in the rotation, but Phillies management just didn't seem to agree with his self-assessment. No matter. Frankly, if they wanted to pay him to take the last few months of the season off, that was their own damn problem. As he turned the corner into the parking lot, his eyes barely had time to register a flash of maroon, before everything when dark. When he regained consciousness, the briefcase was nowhere to be found. All Adam Eaton had left to show for his 2008 campaign was a 5.29 FIP and a copy of The Perfect Season DVD. Well, those, and the $7.958 million in salary he had earned.
Rudy Seanez' fighter's instinct had been roused. He had returned home for lunch from his offseason job at Cold Stone Creamery, where he sensed another, unexpected, presence. He moved slowly towards his study, where his safe was hidden behind an autographed photo of UFC great Royce Gracie. The ROOGY/martial arts expert pushed the door to his study open, and instantly assumed a fighting stance. A huge maroon blur connected with Seanez' temple, knocking the journeyman ballplayer into oblivion.
Steve Smith stands at the street corner, as his submits his report to the police. "There were two of them, both over seven feet tall, dressed all in red", the former Phillies coach indicates. "They were pretty far away, and then, all of a sudden, they were right on top of me!" Smith pauses to wave a group of elementary students across the busy street. An orange pickup truck swerves into the wrong lane, narrowly avoiding a school bus. The youthful pedestrians scurry for cover, reaching the opposite side of the street with only minor injuries. "Those giants took all the cash I had", Smith continued. The detectives finished their report, but were not optimistic that Smith's money would be recovered. "Well, it's a good thing I got this new job", the newly-minted Traffic Management Specialist remarks, as he strides confidently into the crosswalk.
The maroon-garbed behemoth enters the office, arriving at the foot of the GM's desk in one long stride. Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. is unimpressed. "Take off that hood. You're not really a ninja, T.J.", the GM chastises. Former Phillies OF T.J. Bohn removes the hood, revealing Nordic features and an uncertain expression. The six and a half foot career minor leaguer wordlessly places three cloth bags full of cash on Amaro's desk. The rookie GM nods. "Next on your list is Geoff Jenkins", Amaro directs. Bohn replaces his hood, and leaves the office without comment.
Amaro depresses a button on his desk, and Assistant GM Scott Proefrock enters the room in an instant. Amaro tosses Proefrock a sack of money. "Give this to Eyre, and get Ohman's agent on the phone", Amaro instructs.
Rudy Seanez' fighter's instinct had been roused. He had returned home for lunch from his offseason job at Cold Stone Creamery, where he sensed another, unexpected, presence. He moved slowly towards his study, where his safe was hidden behind an autographed photo of UFC great Royce Gracie. The ROOGY/martial arts expert pushed the door to his study open, and instantly assumed a fighting stance. A huge maroon blur connected with Seanez' temple, knocking the journeyman ballplayer into oblivion.
Steve Smith stands at the street corner, as his submits his report to the police. "There were two of them, both over seven feet tall, dressed all in red", the former Phillies coach indicates. "They were pretty far away, and then, all of a sudden, they were right on top of me!" Smith pauses to wave a group of elementary students across the busy street. An orange pickup truck swerves into the wrong lane, narrowly avoiding a school bus. The youthful pedestrians scurry for cover, reaching the opposite side of the street with only minor injuries. "Those giants took all the cash I had", Smith continued. The detectives finished their report, but were not optimistic that Smith's money would be recovered. "Well, it's a good thing I got this new job", the newly-minted Traffic Management Specialist remarks, as he strides confidently into the crosswalk.
The maroon-garbed behemoth enters the office, arriving at the foot of the GM's desk in one long stride. Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. is unimpressed. "Take off that hood. You're not really a ninja, T.J.", the GM chastises. Former Phillies OF T.J. Bohn removes the hood, revealing Nordic features and an uncertain expression. The six and a half foot career minor leaguer wordlessly places three cloth bags full of cash on Amaro's desk. The rookie GM nods. "Next on your list is Geoff Jenkins", Amaro directs. Bohn replaces his hood, and leaves the office without comment.
Amaro depresses a button on his desk, and Assistant GM Scott Proefrock enters the room in an instant. Amaro tosses Proefrock a sack of money. "Give this to Eyre, and get Ohman's agent on the phone", Amaro instructs.
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