Phillies Trade Rumors

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 ..."
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 ..."
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, ..."
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 ..."
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 ..."
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 ..."
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 ..."
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."
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. ..."
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 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, ..."
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 ..."
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 ..."
Pedro twice rebuffed in bids to join Yanks
Comment
October 31
New York Daily News
 
"There were plenty of "Who's Your Daddy" chants at Yankee Stadium on Thursday night when Pedro Martinez was on the mound for the Phillies, and as usual the former Red Sox ace ate it up, smiling as he came off the mound even as he fell to 0-2 with a 5.75 ERA in four career playoff appearances in the Bronx . But it's worth pointing out that Martinez twice made a bid to join his "daddies" in the family business - once when he was a free agent after the 2004 season, and again earlier this summer when he was also a free agent and worked out for numerous major league scouts. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that in both instances, there was a slim chance that Martinez was ..."
Rollins predicts victory
Comment
October 28
Camden Courier-Post
 
"Jimmy Rollins is back in the prediction business. On the eve of the World Series, Yankee Stadium was buzzing Tuesday over Rollins' boast on "The Jay Leno Show" that the Phillies will defeat the Bronx Bombers in five games to win their second consecutive championship. "He's Nostradamus, right? That's what I've heard," Yankees catcher Jorge Posada said. "He's been doing a lot of good predictions. We've got to take it away from him." Rollins, the Phillies' swaggering shortstop, called the Phillies the "team to beat" in the National League East before the 2007 season, angering the New York Mets. But he backed it up by winning the NL MVP and leading the Phillies to the division crown. In June, ..."
Myers back on Phils' roster
Comment
October 28
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Brett Myers moved his left heel a few inches and ended up on the World Series roster.The veteran righthander, who pitched one ineffective inning in the division series and was excluded from the National League Championship Series roster, was added to the Phillies again yesterday. He replaced utilityman Miguel Cairo.Pitching coach Rich Dubee said that the team needed an extra pitcher because of the shortage of off days during the World Series, and that Myers looked much improved while throwing two simulated games and two bullpen sessions during the NLCS."His fastball is a lot sharper," Dubee said. "His breaking ball is better than it was before. His fastball command has improved."Myers said ..."
Ibanez might need off-season surgery
Comment
October 26
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Phillies leftfielder Raul Ibanez might need off-season surgery on a small muscle tear near his abdomen. "I don't know, we'll see what happens," Ibanez said reluctantly yesterday when questioned about an article in Sports Illustrated that reported that Ibanez put off surgery in late June. Ibanez would not say that the lingering injury has affected his play. "No, I'm fine," Ibanez said. "I'm doing fine. That's all stuff that's in the past. I spoke to that [reporter] but that's stuff in the past. I don't even think about it. I'm fine right now." The SI report said Ibanez was given the choice to have surgery in June or go on the disabled list to rest and play through the injury for the ..."
Myers may not be finished yet
Comment
October 24
Camden Courier-Post
 
"The conversation was brief and largely one-sided. Brett Myers was ticked last week over not making the Phillies' National League Championship Series roster, so general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said the only thing he could. "I told him, "You still might make the biggest pitch of our season,' " Amaro recalled. Turns out, that may not have been empty consolation. The Phillies won't make final decisions about the composition of their 25-man World Series roster until after they know the identity of their opponent. But Amaro said Friday that adding Myers is "certainly something we'll have to consider," especially if they opt for 12 pitchers."
A healthy Happ could start Game 4
Comment
October 10
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Phillies pitcher J.A. Happ was pleased with the way his left leg responded to treatment yesterday, and all signs point to his starting Game 4 of the National League division series against the Colorado Rockies tomorrow night.Manager Charlie Manuel announced that Pedro Martinez would pitch Game 3 tonight, weather permitting. Manuel also said he would try to stay away from using Happ or Joe Blanton in relief tonight, so one of them could start Game 4.Though Manuel would not commit himself to a Game 4 starter, he hinted in a news conference that he liked the way Blanton could "beef up" the bullpen in this round of the playoffs. That, and the Rockies' vulnerability to lefthanded pitching, ..."
Bruised Happ: 'I'm OK'
Comment
October 9
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"J.A. Happ walked into his manager's office after yesterday's game and insisted he could pitch tomorrow, despite the line drive that bruised his leg in the seventh inning."I'm OK," he told Charlie Manuel."We'll talk about it tomorrow," Manuel said.Today, Manuel will finally have to name a starting pitcher for tomorrow's Game 3 of the National League division series, which is tied at one game apiece after Colorado defeated the Phillies, 5-4, at Citizens Bank Park. His choices are Happ, Joe Blanton and Pedro Martinez, and he said he was leaning toward the latter two.The situation was complicated even before the game, with Happ and Blanton available in the bullpen and both hoping to start ..."
Martinez ready if named Game 3 starter
Comment
October 9
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"How does Pedro Martinez look at it?"I guess I'm the only one standing," Martinez said last night at his locker after the Phillies lost Game 2 of the National League division series to Colorado, 5-4.Martinez is the only Phillies starter who hasn't pitched yet in this series."My experience tells me I might be the guy for the next game," the righthander said.Not so fast, Pedro. Manager Charlie Manuel said last night that his choice for tomorrow's Game 3 in Denver is probably between Martinez and Joe Blanton, who threw 19 pitches in a spotless sixth inning yesterday. J.A. Happ also wants in the mix despite leaving yesterday's game when he took a line drive to his left shin after four ..."
Manuel hints of Phillies' playoff rotation
Comment
October 2
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Charlie Manuel was coy about his starting rotation for the playoffs, but he allowed for some reading between the lines.The manager said before last night's game against Houston that if Colorado is the Phillies' opponent in the National League division series, he will take into account the Rockies' struggles against lefthanded pitching.Manuel also noted that J.A. Happ pitched well against the Rockies in his outing against them Aug. 5, when the rookie lefty pitched a dominating, four-hit shutout with a career-high 10 strikeouts.The Rockies are batting .254 against lefthanders and .261 overall.Manuel is expected to choose between Happ and righthander Pedro Martinez as the fourth pitcher in a ..."
Martinez taking no chances with injury
Comment
September 26
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"If the Phillies' lead in the National League East were slimmer, Pedro Martinez would pitch tonight. But despite improvement in his sore neck, Martinez decided not to make his scheduled start. Kyle Kendrick will fill in."We have a margin now that allows us to be smart," Martinez said. "It's not like [my neck is] getting worse; it's getting better. But I don't want to take a chance of not having a chance when it really counts."Martinez strained his neck while swinging and missing last Saturday in Atlanta. He underwent two chiropractic adjustments this week and played catch on Wednesday. After throwing again last evening, Martinez decided to be cautious.The Phillies have not said when his ..."
Phillies acknowledge it's time for alternative to Lidge
Comment
September 26
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"Nobody is sure how Charlie Manuel will handle the Phillies' next save situation, not even the manager himself. One thing is clear, though: The team feels it must find an option other than Brad Lidge, who blew his 11th save and saw his ERA climb to 7.48 in a 7-6 loss to the Marlins Wednesday.Before the Phillies' game against Milwaukee last night, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. echoed the sentiment Manuel has expressed over the last 2 days, saying the club likely will experiment with other options besides Lidge."Our best [plan] is to have Lidge pitch the ninth,'' Amaro said. "Right now, he hasn't been doing that effectively. And we might have to make an adjustment off of that."Lidge's job ..."
Myers optimistic about return
Comment
September 23
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Brett Myers boarded an airplane to South Florida last night, ready to rejoin the Phillies today and hoping to pitch by early next week. But a timetable set by the team was more conservative.An MRI in Philadelphia yesterday showed that Myers had suffered a Grade 1 strain of his right latissimus dorsi (back) muscle, a team spokesman said last night. The righthander is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Tuesday, and the Phillies hope - but did not guarantee - that he will return by the end of the regular season.Reached by telephone yesterday afternoon, Myers told The Inquirer that he was optimistic about appearing in a game early next week."I think I could be ready by the homestand," ..."
Phillies' Happ closer to returning after side outing
Comment
September 16
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"A bemused expression appeared on J.A. Happ's face when informed that manager Charlie Manuel had told reporters the lefthander could soon make his first start for the Phillies since suffering a mild muscle strain in his rib cage in Houston on Sept. 6."Is he still saying maybe?" Happ said.Manuel actually sounded more optimistic than "maybe." In fact, Happ now appears likely to rejoin the rotation at some point this week, although it is not clear on what day. The rookie lefthander will throw his second bullpen session in 3 days today, which means he could return to the mound as soon as Friday, when his normal spot in the rotation arrives. Happ, who threw 55 pitches in a bullpen session ..."
Victorino sits with bad knee
Comment
September 7
Camden Courier-Post
 
"Nearly six weeks ago, Shane Victorino bruised his left knee on the turf in Arizona while making a diving catch in center field. It's still bothering him. Victorino left Saturday night's game in the ninth inning, didn't play Sunday in the Phillies' 4-3 loss at Minute Maid Park, and according to manager Charlie Manuel, may not be in the lineup for today's series finale either. "If his leg is bothering him, we don't want to play somebody that's hurt," Manuel said. "We don't want you out there hobbling around. If you're hobbling around and you can't help us, you're not going to play." Victorino has experienced swelling in his knee and had it drained twice last week, Manuel said. The persistent ..."
Myers to rejoin Phillies today
Comment
September 4
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"After his final minor-league rehabilitation assignment Wednesday night with triple-A Lehigh Valley, Brett Myers said he was about as ready as he's going to be to return to the Phillies.Apparently, the team feels the same way.Myers, who had hip surgery on June 4, will be activated from the disabled list today. The righthander planned to travel to Houston with the team after last night's game against San Francisco at Citizens Bank Park.Manager Charlie Manuel said he was eager to see what Myers has, which indicates Myers will pitch this weekend if the opportunity arises. If all goes well, Myers would give the club an alternative to Brad Lidge as closer."We'll probably pitch him in the sixth ..."
Phillies to activate Brett Myers from disabled list
Comment
September 4
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"The heavy lifting is out of the way. Brett Myers has put in the work, passed the necessary tests, and proved to the Phillies that he is ready to pitch at the big-league level.Now that the club has announced plans to activate the veteran righthander from the disabled list today, the question involves how to use him.While Brad Lidge has struggled this season, converting just 27 of 36 save attempts while posting a league-worst 7.03 ERA, both the Phillies and Myers have attempted to diffuse any potential closer controversy. Manager Charlie Manuel has repeatedly said that Lidge would be his choice in the ninth inning of close games, and Myers has said throughout his six rehab appearances that ..."
Phillies shortstop Rollins won't rest again for a while
Comment
August 25
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"He needed the rest, right?Not really. It was just convenient to keep Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins out of the lineup yesterday.Rollins was hitting .277 since Aug. 2, but attempted only one steal in that span, a clear indication his legs might be a little heavy.Right?Nope."Just wanted to give him a day off," manager Charlie Manuel said. "Jimmy's legs are strong."It might be the last game Manuel can afford to have Rollins miss for a while. The Phils have 3 off-days scheduled the rest of the season, plus two doubleheaders.Rollins had 23 hits since Aug. 2, 12 for extra bases. He walked only three times, so he was only on first base 14 times. And, with 24 steals already, it's not as if teams ..."
A Phillie again? Wagner says no
Comment
August 22
Camden Courier-Post
 
"Eleven months removed from elbow surgery and one day after making a successful return to the majors, New York Mets reliever Billy Wagner was claimed off waivers Friday by the Boston Red Sox. The Phillies didn't have any interest. But even if they did, Wagner said he wouldn't waive his full no-trade clause to return to the Phillies, even for the last month of the season. The Mets, who have fallen out of playoff contention, are trying to dump some of Wagner's remaining salary and obtain a prospect to add to their depleted farm system. "No," Wagner said of whether he'd ever consider a return to the Phillies, for whom he was the closer in 2004 and 2005. "That (stuff) was hard enough for two ..."
Phils not expecting to make waiver move
Comment
August 19
MLB.com
 
"The Phillies still have time to tweak their 25-man roster before the Aug. 31 waiver trade deadline.They have had success in Augusts past. They got Jamie Moyer, Jeff Conine and Jose Hernandez in 2006, Russell Branyan in '07 and Scott Eyre and Matt Stairs in '08. But while Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Tuesday it is possible that the club could find help before the deadline, it also seems unlikely. "We have to keep an eye on that, but I'm more concerned with getting these guys healthy," said Amaro, referring to injured relievers Brett Myers, J.C. Romero and Clay Condrey. "I'd be surprised if we had an opportunity to add any more pitching." The Phillies could use a ..."
Nomar in Philly?
Comment
August 10
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The Phillies are looking for a right-handed bat off the bench, and the team's top scout was at the A's series in Kansas City. Did we mention that Philadelphia courted Nomar Garciaparra in the offseason? Could a waiver deal or a waiver claim be in the works? A's general manager Billy Beane would allow Garciaparra the courtesy of OKing a deal. Garciaparra, asked about Philly, said, "Sure, why not?""
Phillies reliever Durbin sharp in rehab outing
Comment
August 6
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"Phillies righthander Chad Durbin tossed a scoreless inning last night for Class A Clearwater in the Threshers' 5-1 win over Dunedin.Durbin, making his first rehab appearance, allowed one hit and a walk while striking out two. Of his 20 pitches, 13 were for strikes. He went on the disabled list on July 23 with a back ailment."It felt really good," Durbin said. "There was no anticipation of anything and no pain at all. The hard work the trainers have done has really paid off."Durbin is looking forward to tomorrow and his next rehab appearance."I have two innings [tomorrow]," said Durbin. "Then I will go back up [to Philly] to be re-eveluated and then we will see."Lefthander J.C. Romero will ..."
Martinez believes he's getting closer
Comment
August 2
Camden Courier-Post
 
"The second pitch of Pedro Martinez's first Triple-A game since 1993 left his right hand and was soon sailing over the high right-field wall at Coca-Cola Park. As the Columbus Clippers' Josh Barfield made his home-run lap around the diamond, the voice of a solitary boy shouted his displeasure from the seats behind home plate. "Come on, Pedro," he wailed, his tone both perturbed and impatient. Fans likely got both what they wanted and what they expected as Martinez, the 37-year-old three-time Cy Young Award winner, continued his bid to return to the majors with the Phillies in a rehab start for their Lehigh Valley IronPigs. After giving up that home run, he reverted to his All-Star form, not ..."
Lee deal could send Happ to Phillies' bullpen
Comment
August 1
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"It's a good problem to have. That's the baseball cliché about a lot of pitching depth, and it applies to the Phillies after they acquired Cliff Lee on Wednesday. But it is a problem nonetheless - what will the Phils do about their overcrowded rotation?Having improved the staff, the team must decide which two of Pedro Martinez, J.A. Happ and Jamie Moyer belong in the rotation, which of the three would be most likely to help in the bullpen, and whether to retain Rodrigo Lopez for a relief role. Manager Charlie Manuel said yesterday that Lopez would be available in relief in about three days.Lee, the 2008 American League Cy Young Award winner, represents an enormous upgrade at the top of a ..."
Several teams pursuing Sherrill
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July 29
Foxsports.com
 
"As many as eight teams are pursuing Orioles closer George Sherrill, and two or three are "actively engaged" with Baltimore in discussions, according to a major-league source. The Orioles expect that the number of teams serious about Sherrill actually might grow once the big-name starting pitchers get traded — or not. The Dodgers have maintained interest in Sherrill, and a number of their prospects appeal to the Orioles. The Angels, too, are among the interested teams. The Phillies are unlikely to act on Sherrill now that they are preparing to trade four prospects for Indians left-hander Cliff Lee."
Indians trade Cliff Lee, Ben Francisco to Philadelphia Phillies for four prospects
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July 29
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco are headed to the Phillies for four prospects, if all the players involved pass their physicals. The deal, according to one American League executive, could become official "within 10 to 24 hours." Lee is expected to make his next start Friday for Philadelphia. The Indians will receive righthanded pitchers Carlos Carrasco, Jason Knapp, catcher Lou Marson and infielder Jason Donald. Knapp, reportedly the key to the trade, is still on the disabled list. Donald just came off the disabled list following knee surgery. The is the second year in a row the Indians have traded a Cy Young winner. CC Sabathia went in 2008 and Lee is headed out today."
Sources: Phils reach agreement for Indians' Lee
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July 29
Foxsports.com
 
"The Phillies have reached agreement with the Indians on a trade that would bring them left-hander Cliff Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco for Class A right-hander Jason Knapp, Class AAA right-hander Carlos Carrasco, shortstop Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson, according to major-league sources. The deal is pending a review of medical records. Carrasco was scratched from his start for the Class AAA Lehigh IronPigs on Wednesday, and Donald and Marson were not in the lineup. It was not known whether Donald and Marson had scheduled off-days for an 11 a.m. start after a night game. Talks remain fluid — the Phillies also are talking to the Mariners about left-hander Jarrod Washburn, and the ..."
Source: Phillies in discussions for ace lefty Lee
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July 29
Foxsports.com
 
"The Phillies are in discussions with the Indians to obtain left-hander Cliff Lee and possibly another player for Class A right-hander Jason Knapp, Class AAA right-hander Carlos Carrasco, shortstop Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson, according to a major-league source. Carrasco was scratched from his start for the Class AAA Lehigh IronPigs on Wednesday, and Donald and Marson were not in the lineup. It was not known whether Donald and Marson had scheduled off-days for an 11 a.m. start after a night game. Talks remain fluid — the Phillies also are talking to the Mariners about left-hander Jarrod Washburn, and the Dodgers planned to make a "hard push" for Lee on Wednesday, according to a ..."