Phillies News

Phillies focusing on third base
Comment
November 19
ESPN.com
 columnist Jayson Stark
"Third base appears to be the Phillies' first order of business once the free-agent negotiating period starts. But they don't seem to have a clear-cut top choice among Mark DeRosa, Placido Polanco and Adrian Beltre. DeRosa is a great fit in many ways, but there are concerns that he's never played 75 games in any season at third base. Polanco has sent signals he's open to playing third for his old team, but he has started only 38 games at third base in the last seven seasons combined. And while Beltre is probably the best pure baseball fit, he figures to want a longer contract than the Phillies are interested in offering. So this hunt could still move in a lot of different directions. Pedro ..."
Phils to take time to make right moves
Comment
November 19
MLB.com
 
"Free agency begins on Friday, but don't expect a flurry of activity immediately. The Phillies are in the market for a third baseman and bullpen and bench help, but they are not expected to sign anybody on Friday when the free agency window opens at 12:01 a.m. ET. But how quickly could they fill the voids they need to help them become the first National League team to play in three consecutive World Series since the 1942-44 Cardinals? "It depends on the player and the situation," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Tuesday. "We'll be aggressive in some areas. But I don't believe it will be a situation where you'll see 10 or 15 guys signed on the 20th. I think it's going to get ..."
DeRosa could fill in for Phils at third
Comment
November 18
MLB.com
 
"The Phillies see Mark DeRosa as a potential replacement at third base for Pedro Feliz. DeRosa sees the Phillies as a fit, too. FOXSports.com reported early Wednesday morning that the Phillies are the favorite to land DeRosa, according to a Major League source. But the Phillies also are seriously interested in Placido Polanco and Adrian Beltre. Other potential candidates such as Miguel Tejada could become possibilities, depending how the market develops. DeRosa hit .250 with 23 home runs and 78 RBIs last season with the Cleveland Indians and St. Louis Cardinals. He hit .285 with 21 homers and 87 RBIs in 2008 with the Chicago Cubs. He had wrist surgery on Oct. 26, but his representatives ..."
Park keeping options for 2010 open
Comment
November 18
MLB.com
 
"The Phillies are looking to bring back Chan Ho Park as a relief pitcher in 2010. But what does Park want? "I want to be a starter again," Park said in The Korea Times earlier this month. "Being a starter is more attractive for me, because I can take over a whole game." Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Tuesday that Park is a reliever as far as he has been told from Park's agency. "His preference is to go to a winning ball club," said Park's agent, Jeff Borris. "There are some clubs that are interested in Chan Ho as a starter. There are some clubs that are interested in Chan Ho solely as a reliever, which would be the Philies. There are some clubs that see him as somebody with ..."
Phillies in market for bullpen help
Comment
November 18
MLB.com
 
"The Phillies declined to pick up the $5.5 million club option on third baseman Pedro Feliz because they believed the market for third basemen to be relatively deep. The same can't be said for the market for relief pitchers. "I agree with that," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Tuesday. But the Phillies need to find help. They have only right-handers Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson and left-hander J.C. Romero signed for 2010 -- and both Lidge and Romero are spending the offseason recovering from elbow surgeries. Right-handers Chad Durbin and Clay Condrey are eligible for salary arbitration. They will be back unless the Phillies non-tender them, which is a possibility. "Right now ..."
Source: Phils favorite for DeRosa
Comment
November 18
Foxsports.com
 
"Of the almost two dozen teams that have expressed interest in free- agent infielder Mark DeRosa, the Phillies loom as the favorite, according to a major-league source. DeRosa attended the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. His hard-nosed style would fit that of the two-time defending National League champions. And his price range might be realistic for the Phillies, too. The Phillies, who declined their $5 million club option on Pedro Feliz, want to spend between $4 million and $6 million on a third baseman, a second source said. DeRosa, 34, is coming off a much lower salary ($5.5 million) than two other prominent free-agent candidates at third, Miguel Tejada ($13 million) and ..."
Phils to stress defense in filling bench
Comment
November 18
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"The Phillies will emphasize defense when working to improve their bench this off-season, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said yesterday. While the team would love to add part-time players who can hit for batting average and power, they will "err on getting defense over offense," Amaro said. With righthanded-hitting outfielder Ben Francisco and lefthanded-hitting infielder Greg Dobbs under contract for 2010, the Phils will seek three additions to their bench: a replacement for Matt Stairs; a utility infielder more productive than Eric Bruntlett; and a backup catcher. Stairs and catcher Paul Bako are free agents, and Bruntlett became a free agent when the Phils removed him from their 40-man ..."
Phillies add three players to 40-man roster
Comment
November 17
MLB.com
 
"The Phillies selected the contracts of speedy center fielder Quintin Berry, left-hander Yohan Flande and right-hander Jesus Sanchez on Tuesday, thus adding them to the 40-man roster, which currently stands at 30 players. Clubs must set their 40-man rosters to protect their players from the Rule 5 Draft by Friday, and Philadelphia's moves ensure Berry, Flande and Sanchez won't be picked up by another team during December's Rule 5 Draft during the Winter Meetings. Berry, who turns 25 on Saturday, hit .266 with five homers, 28 RBIs and 48 stolen bases at Double-A Reading this past year. In four Minor League seasons, the fifth-round Draft pick in 2006 has 173 stolen bases."
Pedro 'absolutely' intends to pitch entire '10 season
Comment
November 17
Foxsports.com
 columnist Jon Paul Morosi
"Not only does Pedro Martinez plan on pitching in 2010, he wants to pitch for the entire season this time. Martinez's agent, Fern Cuza, told FOXSports.com on Monday that the right-hander has decided to come back for an 18th major league season. "Absolutely," Cuza said in a telephone interview. "In the playoffs, Pedro was having fun again. He was feeling no pain whatsoever. It was the first time in three years that he felt that way on the mound. "Based on how he played, and how he responded, he's looking forward to playing next year." Cuza said Martinez feels "rejuvenated" after helping the Phillies win their second consecutive National League pennant, and that the 38-year-old would like to ..."
Happ's tenacity only enough for second place
Comment
November 17
Wilmington News Journal
 
"J.A. Happ dealt with the disappointment of starting the season in the Phillies' bullpen. He handled midseason rumors that he would be traded for Roy Halladay or lose his spot in the rotation to Pedro Martinez. He even overcame a strained side muscle in September. Through it all, he was one of the top pitchers on the National League's best team. But it wasn't enough to warrant the distinction of NL Rookie of the Year. The award, given by the Baseball Writers Association of America and announced Monday, went to Florida Marlins left fielder Chris Coghlan. Happ came in second in voting that ended on the final day of the regular season. Coghlan, who led the majors with 113 hits after the ..."
Happ 2nd in 'rookie' voting
Comment
November 17
Camden Courier-Post
 
"Pitcher J.A. Happ dealt with the disappointment of starting the season in the Phillies' bullpen. He handled midseason rumors that he'd be traded for Roy Halladay or lose his spot in the rotation to Pedro Martinez. He even overcame a strained side muscle in September. Through it all, he was one of the top pitchers on the National League's best team. But it wasn't enough to warrant being named the National League Rookie of the Year. The award, given by the Baseball Writers Association of America and announced Monday, went to Florida Marlins left fielder Chris Coghlan. Happ came in second in voting that ended on the final day of the regular season. Coghlan, who led the majors with 113 hits ..."
Coghlan, Bailey honored with rookie awards
Comment
November 17
Washington Post
 
"Players from the National League East division swept the top three spots in voting for the NL rookie of the year, as Florida Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan won the award in a narrow race over Philadelphia Phillies left-hander J.A. Happ, with Atlanta Braves right-hander Tommy Hanson finishing third. In the American League, Oakland Athletics closer Andrew Bailey won the award, with Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus finishing second and Detroit Tigers right-hander Rick Porcello third. Coghlan, 24, became the third Marlins rookie honored with the award this decade, joining Dontrelle Willis (2003) and Hanley Ramírez (2006). Called up from Class AAA in early May, Coghlan led all NL rookies ..."
Marlins' Coghlan edges Phillies' Happ for NL Rookie of the Year
Comment
November 17
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"He started the season in the bullpen. He ended the postseason as a reliever.In between, though, lefthander J.A. Happ pitched well enough as a starter to stabilize a rotation that was beset by injuries (Brett Myers) and ineffectiveness (Chan Ho Park, Jamie Moyer), helped the Phillies win their third straight division title and earned serious consideration for the Jackie Robinson National League Rookie of the Year Award.When the results were announced yesterday, Happ came up just short to Marlins leftfielder Chris Coghlan, despite being the only player named on every one of the 32 ballots cast by members of the Baseball Writers Association of America.Coghlan, who received 17 first-place ..."
J.A. Happ is second in rookie-award voting
Comment
November 17
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"J.A. Happ, the lefthander who began this year as a reliever and became one of the Phillies' most consistent starters, finished second in the voting for National League rookie of the year yesterday.Florida Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan won the award, bestowed by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Atlanta Braves pitcher Tommy Hanson finished third.Coghlan, 24, batted .321, with 9 home runs, a .390 on-base percentage and .460 slugging percentage. His 113 hits and .370 batting average after the all-star break led the major leagues. Coghlan received 17 of the 32 first-place votes, and finished with 105 points. Happ collected 10 first-place votes and 94 points. Last month, he was ..."
Phillies bid adieu to Bruntlett
Comment
November 16
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"One of the Phillies' goals this offseason is to find a utlity infielder capable of providing Charlie Manuel with an adequate defensive and offensive option to spell middle infielders Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley. It was pretty evident that the club did not view Eric Bruntlett as an option, but that was not made official until today, when it removed the veteran from the 40-man roster, thereby granting him free agency (which he accepted). Bruntlett, acquired in the trade with the Astros that brought Brad Lidge to Philadelphia and sent Michael Bourn to Houston, saw his playing time drop dramatically in 2009. He hit just .217 with a .297 on base percentage in 238 plate appearances in 2008, ..."
Happ is rookie runner-up
Comment
November 16
Wilmington News Journal
 
"J.A. Happ dealt with the disappointment of opening the season in the Phillies' bullpen. He handled the midseason rumors that he'd either be traded for Roy Halladay or lose his spot in the starting rotation to Pedro Martinez. He even withstood an ill-timed rib-cage injury in early September. And through it all, he emerged as the Phillies' most consistent pitcher. It wasn't enough, though, to earn Happ the distinction of National League Rookie of the Year. The award, unveiled today by the Baseball Writers Association of America, went to Florida Marlins left fielder Chris Coghlan. Happ finished a close second. Coghlan, who led the majors with 113 hits and batted .370 after the All-Star break, ..."
In Rookie of Year race, consistency favors Happ
Comment
November 16
Wilmington News Journal
 
"In 15 playoff games, J.A. Happ made one start and faced only 17 batters over seven relief appearances, a confounding lack of use for the Phillies' most consistent pitcher in 2009. But it also was a perfectly fitting way for his season to end. During spring training, Happ narrowly lost the No. 5-starter competition to Chan Ho Park but scuttled his bitter disappointment and went 2-0 with a 2.49 ERA as a reliever. In May, he replaced ineffective Park in the rotation, and for 4 1/2 months, he thrived as a starter despite the midseason distraction of hearing his name attached to a rumored trade for Roy Halladay. Happ weathered an ill-timed rib-cage injury in September to tie for the team lead ..."
Phillies' Happ in mix for rookie of year
Comment
November 16
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"J.A. Happ already has been named the National League's top rookie by The Sporting News. The Phillies lefthander has also won that honor from his peers with the MLB Players Choice Award.He'll find out today if he'll add the most prestigious of these awards to his resume when the Baseball Writers Association of America announces the results of its voting for National League Rookie of the Year.Happ led all qualifying pitchers in innings pitched (166), complete games (three) and strikeouts (119) while tying Cubs righthander Randy Wells in wins (12) despite starting the season in the bullpen. His 2.93 earned run average was second only to Braves righthander Tommy Hanson.Ballots were submitted ..."
Phils weigh options as free agency looms
Comment
November 15
MLB.com
 
"Let's catch up with where the Phillies stand as teams can sign free agents beginning Friday. First, some important dates to know: • The Phillies have until Dec. 1 to offer salary arbitration to their own free agents. • Free agents offered arbitration have until Dec. 7 to accept. • The Phillies have until Dec. 12 to tender contracts to their remaining unsigned players. Everybody knows the Phillies are looking for a new third baseman. They would love Chone Figgins, but they are not expected to be in the running because he is seeking a reported five-year, $50 million deal. The Phillies already have $106.75 million committed to just 12 players next season, which does not include significant ..."
Lidge's patched-up elbow could patch up record
Comment
November 15
Wilmington News Journal
 columnist Scott Lauber
"Last week, after doctors mended the torn flexor tendon in his right elbow, Brad Lidge returned to his Colorado home with a clear mind and, at last, a sound body. "He actually was very upbeat after the surgery," Rex Gary, Lidge's Delaware County-based agent, said by phone. "I think he expects to be ready at or near the very beginning of spring training, but most important, he thinks he's going to feel a lot better next year." The assumption, of course, is that Lidge didn't feel particularly good this past season. Surely, that would explain a lot, specifically the 0-8 record, the 7.21 ERA and the majors-leading 11 blown saves that rendered his 2009 season an utter nightmare. But if the elbow ..."
Lidge never let on that arm was hurting
Comment
November 15
Camden Courier-Post
 
"Last week, after doctors mended the torn flexor tendon in his right elbow, Brad Lidge returned to his Colorado home with a clear mind and, at last, a sound body. "He actually was very upbeat after the surgery," Rex Gary, Lidge's Delaware County-based agent, said by phone. "I think he expects to be ready at or near the very beginning of spring training, but most important, he thinks he's going to feel a lot better next year." The assumption, of course, is that Lidge didn't feel particularly good this past season. Surely, that would explain a lot, specifically the 0-8 record, the 7.21 ERA and the majors-leading 11 blown saves that rendered his 2009 season a nightmare. But if the elbow ..."
Phils' Utley wins 4th slugger award
Comment
November 13
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Phillies second baseman Chase Utley won his fourth straight National Leauge Silver Slugger award yesterday.The award goes to the best offensive player at each position in each league. Managers and coaches vote on the award, but are not allowed to vote for players on their team.Utley hit .282 with 31 homers and 93 RBI while helping the Phillies win their second consecutive NL title.Meanwhile, lefthanded relief pitcher Scott Eyre, 37, declared for free agency. Eyre had elbow surgery Monday. He is considering retiring or returning to the Phillies, if he and the team can strike a deal."
Utley wins fourth straight Silver Slugger award
Comment
November 13
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"Major League Baseball handed out its Silver Slugger awards yesterday. Surprise - Chase Utley won. The Phillies' second baseman earned his fourth straight Silver Slugger award, becoming the first second baseman since Ryne Sandberg to achieve that feat. Utley led all NL second basemen in runs scored (112), on-base percentage (.397), slugging percentage (.510) and extra-base hits (63) and hit 31 home runs. Utley ranks second in team history in Silver Slugger awards, trailing only Mike Schmidt, who won six. Schmidt also holds the Phillies' record for consecutive awards with five. Over the last five seasons, Utley has established himself as the NL's pre-eminent offensive second baseman, leading ..."
Gold Glove repeats for Rollins, Victorino
Comment
November 12
Wilmington News Journal
 
"It's not another World Series ring, but Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino still picked up some gold Wednesday for their 2009 seasons. Rollins became the first National League shortstop in a decade -- and the first Phillies player since Mike Schmidt -- to win a third consecutive Gold Glove, while managers and coaches gave Victorino the award for a second straight season. "Defense is a very important part of my game," Rollins said in a statement released by the Phillies, "and it is truly an honor to be recognized as one of the best defensive players in the league." Rollins, whose .983 career fielding percentage ranks second all-time for a shortstop behind only Omar Vizquel (.985), led all ..."
Phils' Rollins, Victorino nab Gold Gloves
Comment
November 12
Camden Courier-Post
 
"It's not another World Series ring, but Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino still picked up some gold Wednesday for their 2009 seasons. Rollins became the first National League shortstop in a decade -- and the first Phillies player since Mike Schmidt -- to win a third consecutive Gold Glove, while managers and coaches gave Victorino the award for a second straight season. "Defense is a very important part of my game," Rollins said in a statement released by the Phillies, "and it is truly an honor to be recognized as one of the best defensive players in the league." Rollins, whose .983 career fielding percentage ranks second all-time for a shortstop behind only Omar Vizquel (.985), led all ..."
Phillies apparently looking at 3 for third base
Comment
November 12
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Ruben Amaro Jr. is not offering any hints about whom he'd like as his next third baseman, but there are indications it could be one of three players.People who have spoken about the subject with the Phillies general manager believe his wish list is headed, in some order, by Placido Polanco, Mark DeRosa, and Adrian Beltre. All are free agents.Amaro spent the last three days at the general managers meetings at the O'Hare Hilton. Before heading back to Philadelphia yesterday, he termed the meetings "a recon visit," in which he met with other teams and agents before the off-season wheeling and dealing begins in earnest."We had several discussions on ways to improve the club," Amaro said.Amaro ..."
Rollins, Victorino again get Gold Gloves
Comment
November 12
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino did not win the World Series again this year, but they are repeat winners of the Gold Glove at their positions.Rollins won his third consecutive National League Gold Glove at shortstop yesterday, while Victorino claimed his second straight in the outfield.Rollins, who will turn 31 on Nov. 27, led all major-league shortstops with a .990 fielding percentage and made just six errors, fewest among full-time big-league shortstops. He had an 86-game errorless streak during the season.Rollins is the first NL shortstop to win three straight Gold Gloves since Rey Ordonez did so with the New York Mets (1997-99). He is the first Phillie to win three in a row at any ..."
Phillies like the third-base market
Comment
November 12
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"Two years ago, the Phillies acquired Brad Lidge from the Houston Astros during the general managers' meetings. But that was an exception, rather than the norm. Although Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said he had discussions with several teams about trades since arriving at the O'Hare Hilton on Monday, he never expected to leave the Windy City with a revamped roster."This is more of a recon mission than anything else," Amaro said as he waited in line to check out from the hotel late yesterday morning.What has the recon yielded?First and foremost that the Phillies like their odds of upgrading offensively at third base, most likely through free agency. Although Amaro said he has had ..."
Phillies closer Lidge has surgery
Comment
November 12
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"Closer Brad Lidge had surgery yesterday to repair his flexor pronator tendon, but the Phillies said in a statement that they are hopeful the righthander will be ready "close to Opening Day."Lidge, who blew 11 saves and posted a 7.21 ERA after going 41-for-41 in save opportunities in 2008, kept the periodic pain in his elbow under wraps during the regular season."Brad could be 1 to 2 weeks behind in spring training," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement, "but, overall, we feel very good about his recovery time.""
Rollins, Victorino win second Gold Gloves
Comment
November 12
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"While overshadowed by the postseason exploits of Cole Hamels in 2008 and Cliff Lee in 2009 and the most powerful lineup in the National League, the Phillies owe plenty of credit to their defense for back-to-back World Series appearances.Yesterday, for the second consecutive year, Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino received recognition for their roles, earning two of the nine Gold Glove awards given to National League fielders.Rollins, who committed a career-low six errors in 607 chances and led all major league shortstops with a .990 fielding percentage, became the fifth Phillie to win at least three Gold Gloves, and the first shortstop in franchise history to win the award in three ..."
Pirates face Phillies six times in spring schedule
Comment
November 12
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Six games with the Philadelphia Phillies -- including two in Citizens Bank Park April 2-3 -- and four with the Tampa Bay Rays dot the 33-game Pirates' spring schedule, the club announced yesterday. The Pirates and Phillies close the spring with a three-game set. After meeting twice before (March 6 and 15), they meet at Philadelphia's spring home in Clearwater, Fla., April Fool's Day. Then they travel for a night game in Philadelphia April 2 and an afternoon game the next day, before the regular season opens with the Pirates at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers April 5. The Pirates also are slated to play two exhibitions apiece against the World Series champion New York Yankees (March 8 ..."
Versatile Figgins drawing plenty of interest, especially from Phillies
Comment
November 11
SI.com
 
"Beyond the "Big Three" free agents (Matt Holliday, John Lackey and Jason Bay), there's still some decent action going on here at the GM meetings. And if there's a fourth coveted free agent, it just might be versatile leadoff man Chone Figgins, who is drawing interest from some unexpected sources. The two-time defending National League champion Phillies are said to be intent on pursuing Figgins hard as a potential replacement for Pedro Feliz, whose $5.5 million option was declined. Agents were jolted that a seemingly reasonable option such as that was rejected ("That's what we've come to? Pedro Feliz is a $4 million player?" asked one incredulously). But the reality is that the Phillies ..."
Phils, Cards, LA each take two Gold Gloves
Comment
November 11
MLB.com
 
"They flashed leather, pulled off web gems, picked it, got their uniforms dirty, and stoked stadiums with razor-sharp routes, dazzling dives and wall-scraping wows. They're the 2009 National League winners of the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards, announced on Wednesday. At first base, San Diego Padres slugger Adrian Gonzalez repeated his 2008 crown by tying for fourth in the league with a fielding percentage of .995. Gonzalez made only seven errors in 1,367 total chances in the midst of his second straight All-Star campaign. The second base Gold Glove returned to the possession of Orlando Hudson, the Dodgers veteran who won Senior Circuit hardware in 2006 and 2007 while with the D-backs after ..."
Sources: Phils looking at reliever Rodney
Comment
November 11
Foxsports.com
 
"The Phillies, looking to upgrade their bullpen, are showing preliminary interest in free-agent right-hander Fernando Rodney, according to major-league sources. Rodney, 32, converted 37 of 38 save chances with the Tigers last season, albeit with a 4.40 ERA. He would give the Phillies an alternative to closer Brad Lidge, who led the majors with 11 blown saves and had a 7.21 ERA. Tigers general manager David Dombrowski acknowledged Tuesday that he is not optimistic he can sign both of his free-agent relievers, Rodney and right-hander Brandon Lyon. Of the two, Lyon figures to be less expensive. Rodney, as a Type B free agent, is certain to draw heavy interest from a large number of clubs, ..."
Phils aim to improve at third, in 'pen
Comment
November 11
MLB.com
 
"Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Monday that his top two offseason priorities are finding a third baseman and improving the bullpen. He reiterated those priorities Tuesday. And the rotation? He said he sees a 2010 rotation that includes Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels. "Hamels is one of our starters next year," Amaro said in a telephone interview. "And we view the combination of Hamels and Lee as strong a top of the rotation as anybody's in the league." Amaro would not comment on the Phillies' reported interest in Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Roy Halladay, but sources said a trade for Halladay is highly unlikely. The Blue Jays requested right-hander Kyle Drabek, left-hander J.A. ..."
Jays' Hallday fit for Phillies?
Comment
November 11
Toronto Star
 
"Forgive us if it feels like summer again. First came the sunny, 18-degree days the GTA enjoyed earlier this week, and then came the Roy Halladay rumours, swirling as wildly as they did before last July's trade deadline. Tuesday the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the National League champion Phillies wanted to trade for Halladay. Again."
Amaro denies Hamels trade speculation
Comment
November 11
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"The rumored trade of Cole Hamels to somewhere for something has gotten back to Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.In short: It's not happening."We have no thoughts of trading Cole Hamels," Amaro said at baseball's general managers meetings yesterday. "I don't know where those rumors are coming from, but that's exactly what they are. Cole Hamels is our pitcher and we're keeping him, and I'm glad to have him."Amaro envisions Hamels bouncing back from this year's disappointing season and being a top-of-the-rotation twin with Cliff Lee next season.As for adding Toronto's Roy Halladay in a trade, Amaro predictably shot down speculation that it could happen, even though industry sources say ..."
Around the majors
Comment
November 10
SI.com
 (scroll down)
"• Andy Pettitte has indicated to teammates that he is leaning toward returning to the Yankees for one more year. If they need it for further convincing, one of the Yankees' sales points will be that 10-15 more wins will aid his Hall of Fame candidacy. • The Phillies are expected to try to lock up Cliff Lee, though with a year to go before free agency, they'll be looking at something less than nine figures. • While the Phillies declined the option on defensively adept third baseman Pedro Feliz for $5.5 million, they're interested in bringing him back at a slightly lower figure. • The Red Sox will still consider Alex Gonzalez after declining his $6 million option and also look at free agent ..."
Halladay more likely to go than Gonzalez
Comment
November 10
SI.com
 
"Baseball people seem to believe that of the two superstar players available in trade -- Roy Halladay and Adrian Gonzalez -- Halladay is more likely to be moved for a few important reasons, such as: 1) He's eligible for free agency after this year, whereas the Padres have Gonzalez for two more years. 2) He makes $16 million to only about $5 million for Gonzalez, who has $10.25 mil over two remaining. 3) He wants out of Toronto. In an especially weak free-agent starting-pitching market, Halladay, 31, would draw interest from several teams, and with a new GM in Toronto (Alex Anthopoulos replaced J.P. Ricciardi), the whole game could change. It isn't known how Padres GM Jed Hoyer or ..."
Phils' GM looks to fill in the blanks at meetings
Comment
November 10
Philadelphia Inquirer
 columnist Jim Salisbury
"Ruben Amaro Jr. arrived at the annual general managers' meetings late yesterday afternoon and listed his priorities for upgrading his team this off-season."Third base, bullpen, bench," the Phillies' GM said in the lobby of the O'Hare Hilton, where the meetings run through tomorrow.What about starting pitching?"We're more bullpen-intensive than anything else," Amaro said.The Phils' attempt to build a better bullpen this winter apparently won't stop them from trying to strengthen their starting rotation.More than one baseball official with knowledge of the Phillies' off-season plan said yesterday that the team remains very much in the picture to acquire Toronto Blue Jays righthander Roy ..."
Phils still in the running for Halladay
Comment
November 10
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Ruben Amaro Jr. arrived at the annual general managers' meetings late this afternoon and listed his priorities for upgrading his team this off-season. "Third base, bullpen, bench," the Phillies' GM said in the lobby of the O'Hare Hilton, where the meetings run through tomorrow. What about starting pitching? "We're more bullpen-intensive than anything else," Amaro said. The Phils' attempt to build a better bullpen this winter apparently won't stop them from trying to strengthen their starting rotation. More than one baseball official with knowledge of the Phillies' off-season plan said today that the team remains very much in the picture to acquire Toronto Blue Jays righthander Roy ..."
Phillies shopping for third baseman
Comment
November 10
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"When athletic performance and millions of dollars are involved, no personnel decision is as simple as it may seem. Talent evaluation is a big part of the equation, but it is also the part over which teams have the most control. Less predictable, yet equally important, is how the 29 other teams in the marketplace evaluate that talent, and what dollar value they place upon it, and what means they have to act upon that valuation.By the time the Phillies arrived back in Philadelphia following their season-ending loss to the Yankees in Game 6 of the World Series, the evaluation part of the equation, thanks to the efforts of the organization's pro scouts who spend the year canvassing the majors, ..."
All Feliz ever did for Phillies was show up for work every day
Comment
November 10
Philadelphia Daily News
 columnist Bill Conlin
"WHEN I'M KING of the world . . . The Phillies will give Pedro Feliz a little more respect than being tossed onto the market like a Cash-for-Clunkers auto . . . OK, I get it. General manager Ruben Amaro is probably making a shrewd business move by hoping there won't be a lot of clubs lining up to offer a big number - or even a low-medium number - to a 34-year-old player who just happened to play third base for a back-to-back National League pennant winner. Sign him on the cheap after the big spenders have tapped out on the high-ticket guys.Maybe I'm soft on players who show up for work every day carrying a lunch pail, keep a low profile and drive in 82 runs batting in the No. 7 spot most of ..."
Phillies decline Feliz' 2010 option
Comment
November 9
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"THE PHILLIES are officially in the market for a third baseman, bringing a new level of intrigue to the offseason as members of the front office arrive in Chicago today for the start of baseball's annual general managers meetings. Last night, the club announced that it has declined Pedro Feliz' $5.5 million option for the 2010 season, making the 2-year starter a free agent. It leaves general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. with an opportunity to upgrade a lineup that led the National League in runs and home runs, but was prone to maddening stretches of impotence, thanks in part to its vulnerability against lefthanded pitchers. Feliz contributed to both areas, driving in 82 runs and hitting .336 ..."
Phillies decline option on Feliz
Comment
November 9
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Pedro Feliz has played his last game for the Phillies.Or maybe he hasn't.The team announced last night that it had declined the third baseman's $5.5 million contract option for 2010. Feliz, who becomes a free agent, will be paid a $500,000 buyout.With the move, the Phillies will look for an alternative at third base. It the team does not find one, it can re-sign Feliz to a new contract, probably for less than the $5.5 million he would have been guaranteed had the Phils exercised his option."This doesn't preclude us from bringing Pedro back," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "While this allows us to explore other opportunities, we will keep the lines of communication open with Pedro ..."
Phils Decline Feliz Option
Comment
November 9
Camden Courier-Post
 
"A year ago, after the Phillies won the World Series, Ruben Amaro Jr. said he was leery of leaving the lineup unchanged. So, he elected not to re-sign longtime left fielder Pat Burrell, replacing him with free agent Raul Ibanez. This year, it appears Amaro will make a change at third base. Amaro has announced tonight that the Phillies won't exercise their $5.5 million option on Pedro Feliz's contract for 2010, making Feliz a free agent. And while this doesn't prevent them from negotiating with 34-year-old Feliz and his agents, Seth and Sam Levinson, it seems likely that Feliz will be playing elsewhere next year. "This doesn't preclude us from bringing Pedro back next season," Amaro said in ..."
Phillies' future hinges on Hamels
Comment
November 8
Philadelphia Inquirer
 columnist Bob Ford
"If the Phillies are going to get back to the World Series in 2010, they will need Cole Hamels to pitch like Cole Hamels and quit channeling his inner Tyler Green. The front office believes that Hamels will return to form and is risking a great deal on that belief. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Friday that acquiring another top starting pitcher during the off-season is "unlikely," so those who want the Phils to go out and finally land Roy Halladay are going to be disappointed again. Amaro expects the Phillies' payroll - it finished just below $140 million for 2009 - to remain at about the same level for the coming season. The team drew 3.6 million fans and played to 102 percent of ..."
Phillies' Manuel will finally take a break
Comment
November 8
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"For Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, this off-season will really be an off-season. "He should go hibernate," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. Amaro delivered that message to Manuel in person after the Phils' bid to repeat as World Series champions came to an end Wednesday night in a loss at Yankee Stadium. Over the last two seasons, no major-league skipper has participated in more games than Manuel, who has presided twice over spring training, taken two trips to the World Series, and managed an All-Star Game. Off the field, Manuel spent last winter fulfilling countless media requests, tending to team promotional obligations, and enjoying the spoils that go with winning a World Series. ..."
Figgins a tough decision for Angels
Comment
November 8
Orange County Register
 columnist Mark Whicker
"On July 14, 2001, the Register reported the Angels had traded Kimera Bartee to Colorado for an infielder named Desmond Figgins. Desmond DeChone Figgins, to be precise. None of his three names seemed destined for fame. Figgins had spent two years in the Carolina League. He did have a fanciful 34 triples that second year, but he was in Double-A when the Angels got him. It was hard to imagine that he would ever be a tough decision for the Angels. He is now. Assuming that he files for free agency, Chone Figgins is fixing to find out how much he is loved and, more important, valued. He is one of the best offensive players in this class. Even the most critical Angels fans must admit that Figgins ..."