This is old news at this point, but it's the first time that I'm getting a chance to sit down and write about it. As you all know by now, Ruben Amaro did it again on July 29, getting right fielder Hunter Pence from the Houston Astros for four prospects.
First, and most importantly, Pence fills a big need for the Phillies this season. He's a right handed bat that can hit in the middle of the lineup, which is something that hasn't been there all season long. His .308 batting average with Houston would lead the Phillies, and he also has 11 home runs and 62 RBI for an Astros team that is one of the worst in baseball. He can also play solid defense in right, something that Ben Francisco and Domonic Brown were not able to do each game.
Secondly, the Phillies did well in not giving up two of their better prospects at the major league level. Neither Brown, nor Vance Worley were involved in the deal, which sent Jarred Cosart, Jonathan Singleton, Josh Zeid and a player to be named later to the Astros. While Cosart and Singleton are two of, if not the best, prospects that the Phillies had, they're just that: prospects. Kyle Drabek was once considered the best pitching prospect in Philadelphia, and he's been struggling with the Blue Jays. J.A. Happ was considered a pitcher of the future, and he's had a horrible season in Houston. Prospects are never a sure thing, that's why they're prospects. Meanwhile, Pence is a sure thing. He's an all-star caliber right fielder that can fit into this lineup right away without a problem.
The aftermath of this is what is going to happen to Domonic Brown. For the moment, Brown has been sent back to Triple A Lehigh Valley, where he'll be playing in left field for the Iron Pigs. That seems like the best move at the moment, because with Pence and Ibanez playing the corner positions, the chances of Brown seeing much playing time is very slim. With a young player like Brown, you want him to get as much playing time as possible, and he can get that down in the minor leagues. It gives him a little time to learn how to play left field and keeps him in a starting lineup every night. Come September, he'll be called up again, and once Raul Ibanez's contract expires at the end of this season, he'll become the every day left fielder for the Phillies. It's not a bad thing that he was sent down, it was needed.
Now, is this the move that's going to put the Phillies over the top and give them another World Series title? It's certainly possible, but nothing is set in stone. Remember when the Phils got Roy Oswalt last year, everyone thought that was the move that was going to secure another ring. It didn't happen. The Giants are still a damn good team with a damn good pitching staff, and pitching will beat hitting in the playoffs nine out of ten times. However, the Phillies have a pretty solid pitching staff as well, and should be getting Roy Oswalt back sooner, rather than later. Placido Polanco was taken off the disabled list today, which is almost like trading for another all-star player.
This was a good trade for the Phillies, there's no doubt about that. When Ruben Amaro sets out to get someone, it seems like he always gets him, no matter what it will take. So far, it's gotten the Phillies some good players, but this move signals that the team is World Series or bust this year. There's no middle ground. Without that ring, this season is a failure, and all of us fans know that now as well.
The next two months should be very, very fun to watch.
Showing posts with label Big Trade Come. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Big Trade Come. Show all posts
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
So, some things happened today, didn't they?
Well then, today was a busy day, and I'm glad that my "NFL Lockout" rule is over on this blog. Yes, I wasn't posting anything major until the lockout ended, as per me. Today, however, makes things even better.
It's a bit late tonight, and I can't really comment on much, but I'll be here tomorrow for all kinds of responses on the moves made by both the Phillies and Eagles today.
Let me just say this....it's a good day.
It's a bit late tonight, and I can't really comment on much, but I'll be here tomorrow for all kinds of responses on the moves made by both the Phillies and Eagles today.
Let me just say this....it's a good day.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Done Deal: Roy Oswalt is a Phillie
It had been building for a few weeks, but today, with the trade deadline looming, the Phillies made their trade for another ace pitcher. As reported by CSNPhilly.com, the Phillies have acquired Roy Oswalt from the Houston Astros for J.A. Happ and minor leaguers Jonathan Villar and Anthony Gose. On top of that, the Astros will be picking up $11 million of the $23 million that Oswalt is owed through the 2011 season.
At first glance, this is a great trade by the Phillies and Ruben Amaro. Then, at second and third glance, it looks like an even better trade. No offense to J.A. Happ, but he;s not Roy Oswalt. I loved having Happ in the rotation, but Oswalt is much, much more proven than Happ is and could ever be. Happ's been included in trade talk for Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay and now finally got moved for Oswalt, and you had to see it coming. The only way that the Phils were going to be able to get Oswalt away from the Astros was to include Happ, so he had to go. When you look at the two prospects that the Phillies sent to Houston, they're just that: prospects. Jonathan Villar looks like a solid defensive prospect at shortstop with good speed, but he struggles at the the plate. Meanwhile, Houston turned around and sent Anthony Gose to Toronto for Brett Wallace, so they already moved him. Gose is one of the fastest players in the minor leagues, but like Villar, he's not great at the plate so far and has no power to speak of. So for now, the deal is just Oswalt for Happ, which I would make 100 times out of 100 if I had to.
Not only that, but the Phillies got Houston to pay for over half of Oswalt's salary through the 2011 season, keeping their own payroll down and allowing them to make a little more room for other roster moves. While this move looks like it means the end of Jayson Werth in Philadelphia after this season, you can never have enough starting pitching, and having Roy Oswalt, Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels as the top three pitchers in your starting rotation is amazing. Add into that the fact that all three of them could potentially be with the team through the 2012 season, and that's a top of the rotation that measures against any in baseball. Yes, the Phils would have to foot the bill for Oswalt's $16 million option in 2012, but they don't have to cross that bridge yet. For now, they just get to enjoy a pitcher who has been one of the best in the National League over the past decade with playoff experience.
Sure, Oswalt has struggled this season, but he still has a 3.42 ERA. The Astros managed just 2.5 runs in support of Oswalt in 20 starts this year, and they were shut out 5 times with him on the mound as well. All in all, he just wasn't getting the run support that he needed to have a solid record down in Houston, and the Phillies are really starting to heat up at the plate, meaning that Oswalt should be a very good fit here with the Phils.
Over the last 12 months, the Phillies have traded for Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt. The time to list this team as a pretender is officially over. With each one of these trades, they've moved closer and closer to the territory of the Yankees and Red Sox as a team that you expect to come out and win the World Series every single year. The talent is there at the plate, and now the Phillies have three pitchers who could be a number one starter for most of the other teams in baseball. It's a good feeling to have after watching this team struggle for years. Having this rotation for the rest of the season and next year is going to be a lot of fun.
Thanks, Ed Wade. You seem to make better trades for the Phillies with you in Houston than you did here. Nice job.
CSNPhilly.com: Phillies trade for Oswalt
At first glance, this is a great trade by the Phillies and Ruben Amaro. Then, at second and third glance, it looks like an even better trade. No offense to J.A. Happ, but he;s not Roy Oswalt. I loved having Happ in the rotation, but Oswalt is much, much more proven than Happ is and could ever be. Happ's been included in trade talk for Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay and now finally got moved for Oswalt, and you had to see it coming. The only way that the Phils were going to be able to get Oswalt away from the Astros was to include Happ, so he had to go. When you look at the two prospects that the Phillies sent to Houston, they're just that: prospects. Jonathan Villar looks like a solid defensive prospect at shortstop with good speed, but he struggles at the the plate. Meanwhile, Houston turned around and sent Anthony Gose to Toronto for Brett Wallace, so they already moved him. Gose is one of the fastest players in the minor leagues, but like Villar, he's not great at the plate so far and has no power to speak of. So for now, the deal is just Oswalt for Happ, which I would make 100 times out of 100 if I had to.
Not only that, but the Phillies got Houston to pay for over half of Oswalt's salary through the 2011 season, keeping their own payroll down and allowing them to make a little more room for other roster moves. While this move looks like it means the end of Jayson Werth in Philadelphia after this season, you can never have enough starting pitching, and having Roy Oswalt, Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels as the top three pitchers in your starting rotation is amazing. Add into that the fact that all three of them could potentially be with the team through the 2012 season, and that's a top of the rotation that measures against any in baseball. Yes, the Phils would have to foot the bill for Oswalt's $16 million option in 2012, but they don't have to cross that bridge yet. For now, they just get to enjoy a pitcher who has been one of the best in the National League over the past decade with playoff experience.
Sure, Oswalt has struggled this season, but he still has a 3.42 ERA. The Astros managed just 2.5 runs in support of Oswalt in 20 starts this year, and they were shut out 5 times with him on the mound as well. All in all, he just wasn't getting the run support that he needed to have a solid record down in Houston, and the Phillies are really starting to heat up at the plate, meaning that Oswalt should be a very good fit here with the Phils.
Over the last 12 months, the Phillies have traded for Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt. The time to list this team as a pretender is officially over. With each one of these trades, they've moved closer and closer to the territory of the Yankees and Red Sox as a team that you expect to come out and win the World Series every single year. The talent is there at the plate, and now the Phillies have three pitchers who could be a number one starter for most of the other teams in baseball. It's a good feeling to have after watching this team struggle for years. Having this rotation for the rest of the season and next year is going to be a lot of fun.
Thanks, Ed Wade. You seem to make better trades for the Phillies with you in Houston than you did here. Nice job.
CSNPhilly.com: Phillies trade for Oswalt
Monday, July 19, 2010
We'll miss you, Gagne
It shouldn't have been like this. Not after ten years, and especially not after he came back from his broken foot to help get the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals. However, it did happen this way. Today, the Philadelphia Flyers traded Simon Gagne to the Tampa Bay Lightning for defenseman Matt Walker and a fourth round pick in next year's NHL Draft.
From a player for player perspective, the Flyers lost out on this trade big time. Gagne has been a proven player in this league for years, while Walker is tough defenseman, but contributes little on the offensive side of the puck. In seven NHL seasons, Walker has a total of four goals and 26 assists. That's not exactly the kind of production that the Flyers need to replace Gagne. This move reeks of a salary cap dump, and that's exactly what it is, because earlier in the month, the team made a move that made trading Gagne almost necessary.
On July 9th, the Flyers signed Nikolai Zherdev to a one year, two million dollar contract that put them over the salary cap for next season. With Gagne's contract still on the books, the Flyers had to make room for Zherdev, who was the fourth overall pick in the 2003 Draft. Zherdev has talent, but he's never shown the maturity and leadership that Gagne has shown on the ice in his career. It's going to take a lot for Flyers fans to accept him over Gagne, you can believe that much. Considering Zherdev has already played for two NHL teams, and one KHL team in Russia, you have to wonder how much his heart is into the game. When you look at Gagne, you don't have to question his heart. You know what you're getting the second he steps onto the ice.
Honestly, this doesn't look like a great move for the Flyers right now. Gagne was one of the biggest reasons that they made it to their first Stanley Cup Final since 1997, and Zherdev has shown little to prove that he can replace him in every way, shape and form. Gagne was a leader on the ice as well as off it, and his toughness is going to go down in Flyers history. I have no idea what Paul Holmgren was thinking with this move, save for it being to save salary cap space, since Matt Walker can't hold Gagne's jockstrap out on the ice. To see Simon Gagne go, in this manner, really hurts. He deserved better. He really did. Now, the Flyers are left without one of their leaders and with expectations that they can make it back to where they were last season. This upcoming season isn't going to be that fun, but that's just how I feel about it right now.
I wish you the best of luck, Gagne. It's rough to see you leave, especially in a trade like this.
CSNPhilly: Gagne traded to Lightning
From a player for player perspective, the Flyers lost out on this trade big time. Gagne has been a proven player in this league for years, while Walker is tough defenseman, but contributes little on the offensive side of the puck. In seven NHL seasons, Walker has a total of four goals and 26 assists. That's not exactly the kind of production that the Flyers need to replace Gagne. This move reeks of a salary cap dump, and that's exactly what it is, because earlier in the month, the team made a move that made trading Gagne almost necessary.
On July 9th, the Flyers signed Nikolai Zherdev to a one year, two million dollar contract that put them over the salary cap for next season. With Gagne's contract still on the books, the Flyers had to make room for Zherdev, who was the fourth overall pick in the 2003 Draft. Zherdev has talent, but he's never shown the maturity and leadership that Gagne has shown on the ice in his career. It's going to take a lot for Flyers fans to accept him over Gagne, you can believe that much. Considering Zherdev has already played for two NHL teams, and one KHL team in Russia, you have to wonder how much his heart is into the game. When you look at Gagne, you don't have to question his heart. You know what you're getting the second he steps onto the ice.
Honestly, this doesn't look like a great move for the Flyers right now. Gagne was one of the biggest reasons that they made it to their first Stanley Cup Final since 1997, and Zherdev has shown little to prove that he can replace him in every way, shape and form. Gagne was a leader on the ice as well as off it, and his toughness is going to go down in Flyers history. I have no idea what Paul Holmgren was thinking with this move, save for it being to save salary cap space, since Matt Walker can't hold Gagne's jockstrap out on the ice. To see Simon Gagne go, in this manner, really hurts. He deserved better. He really did. Now, the Flyers are left without one of their leaders and with expectations that they can make it back to where they were last season. This upcoming season isn't going to be that fun, but that's just how I feel about it right now.
I wish you the best of luck, Gagne. It's rough to see you leave, especially in a trade like this.
CSNPhilly: Gagne traded to Lightning
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Donovan McNabb is...A REDSKIN??
I'm sure most of you have already heard the news by now, but if you haven't let me break it to you. As of about 8:30 tonight, Donovan McNabb is a Washington Redskin. The Philadelphia Eagles traded their long time quarterback to Washington for a second round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, as well as either a third or fourth round pick in the 2011 Draft. Ladies and gentlemen, the Donovan McNabb era has ended in Philadelphia.
Of course, that means that Kevin Kolb is now the starting quarterback for the Eagles. In the two games that Kolb started in place of McNabb last season, he put up great numbers, but you once again have to remember that the Eagles were playing against the Kansas City Chiefs and the New Orleans Saints, two teams that weren't exactly known for their pass defense early in the season. Now, it's Kolb's team on offense, and he's got to prove that he can in fact get to places that Donovan couldn't. That means that this guy has to win the Super Bowl. Not too much pressure on you, kid.
I really, really tried to think about something good to say about this deal, but nothing is coming to me. The second round pick is nice, especially with it being so high in the second round, but to trade Donovan McNabb, the best quarterback the Eagles have ever had, to a division rival makes no sense what so ever. I have no idea what this team was thinking when they made this deal, because it doesn't help the Eagles out in any way. Sure, the team gets a second round pick, but you know that McNabb has already got the two games against the Eagles marked down, and he's going to go all out to show this team and this city how good they really had it over the past 11 years. This whole situation boggles my mind.
How can you trade a franchise quarterback to a division rival? I don't know if there were any other teams with offers on the table, and quite frankly, I don't care. What I know is that the Eagles should have listened to other offers before even thinking about going through with the one that they did. I don't care whether or not Donovan didn't want to go to Oakland. I would have been fine with him in silver and black, because the Eagles don't play the Raiders twice next season. I knew that this trade was coming, as did most other Eagle fans, but not to the Redskins. Why would you make another team in your division better? About the only thing that the Redskins were missing last year from making a decent run was a good quarterback, and now they have that with Donovan. Washington has a top ten defense, a solid running game and good young receivers. Now, they have the quarterback that can put all of that together.
If you look at what the Eagles have done so far this offseason, it's clearly a rebuilding process now. They've either traded, released or let go their starting quarterback and running back from last season, as well as a former All Pro offensive tackle, their starting middle linebacker for half of the season, almost all of their defensive linemen and, arguably, their best cornerback from last season. If anyone thinks that this team isn't going to take a big step back next year, I want to have some of what you're smoking. Instead of Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook in the backfield, the Eagles now have Kevin Kolb and LeSean McCoy, two players that look like they could be good, but have proven very little yet. There is no leader on this team right now. Sheldon Brown seemed to step into the role, and now he's gone on defense. Westbrook and McNabb were the veteran voices on offense, and now it's DeSean Jackson and Jason Peters, with Brent Celek there as well. This is a team that is going nowhere next season, and possibly the 2011 season as well.
Honestly, I would be surprised to see the Eagles win eight games next year. They still have too many questions in that defense, and no amount of their 11 draft picks this season are going to make that defense good enough to compete with the Dallas Cowboys this coming season. It's just not going to happen, I'm sorry to say. Then again, perhaps the front office saw that the Eagles weren't going to be able to compete over the next few years and decided to get what they could for McNabb now, before the market completely dried up. That would be the only rationale that I could accept when it comes to making this trade. I still think McNabb has a bit left in his tank, and while he's never been the most accurate passer in the league, he was still able to do plenty with what he had on the Eagles, but his time is up now.
In the 11 years that McNabb was the quarterback for the Eagles, he got the team to the NFC Championship five times. However, he came up short in four of those games, giving Philadelphia fans enough of a reason to call for his head each and every time the Eagles couldn't get over the hump. The one time he did get the Eagles to the Super Bowl, he apparently was winded in the huddle during the last two minutes of the game, and that would become his legacy in Philadelphia: a player that was good, but couldn't get himself, or his team, to the promised land. It's honestly a sad way to be branded, and he doesn't deserve all of the blame. McNabb was never really liked by all Eagle fans from the day he was drafted. The idiots that booed him are probably cheering the loudest tonight, even though this team isn't going anywhere this, or next season. I hope that Kevin Kolb can fill McNabb's shoes, but I don't exactly have the highest hopes right now. I just hope that this team can prove me wrong.
McNabb won 82 games with the Eagles (though most came before the 2005 season), passed for 216 touchdowns and almost 33,000 yards and rushed for 3,249 yards with 28 touchdowns on the ground. From his first start with the Eagles, fans could see that he was something special, and through the years, he proved it again and again. Whether it was fourth and 26, a 14 second scramble against the Cowboys, or the seasons where he led the offense with James Thrash and Todd Pinkston as his starting wideouts, McNabb always made me feel like the Eagles had a chance to win the game. Whether they would or not is another story, but on this night, when Donovan McNabb is done as an Eagle, I want to remember the good times.
Donovan, I wish you nothing but the best down in Washington, and next year, and I mean this, I hope you come to Philadelphia and kick the Eagles' asses. Show this team and these fans what you can do. Best of luck, #5.
CSNPhilly.com: Eagles trade McNabb to Redskins for picks
Of course, that means that Kevin Kolb is now the starting quarterback for the Eagles. In the two games that Kolb started in place of McNabb last season, he put up great numbers, but you once again have to remember that the Eagles were playing against the Kansas City Chiefs and the New Orleans Saints, two teams that weren't exactly known for their pass defense early in the season. Now, it's Kolb's team on offense, and he's got to prove that he can in fact get to places that Donovan couldn't. That means that this guy has to win the Super Bowl. Not too much pressure on you, kid.
I really, really tried to think about something good to say about this deal, but nothing is coming to me. The second round pick is nice, especially with it being so high in the second round, but to trade Donovan McNabb, the best quarterback the Eagles have ever had, to a division rival makes no sense what so ever. I have no idea what this team was thinking when they made this deal, because it doesn't help the Eagles out in any way. Sure, the team gets a second round pick, but you know that McNabb has already got the two games against the Eagles marked down, and he's going to go all out to show this team and this city how good they really had it over the past 11 years. This whole situation boggles my mind.
How can you trade a franchise quarterback to a division rival? I don't know if there were any other teams with offers on the table, and quite frankly, I don't care. What I know is that the Eagles should have listened to other offers before even thinking about going through with the one that they did. I don't care whether or not Donovan didn't want to go to Oakland. I would have been fine with him in silver and black, because the Eagles don't play the Raiders twice next season. I knew that this trade was coming, as did most other Eagle fans, but not to the Redskins. Why would you make another team in your division better? About the only thing that the Redskins were missing last year from making a decent run was a good quarterback, and now they have that with Donovan. Washington has a top ten defense, a solid running game and good young receivers. Now, they have the quarterback that can put all of that together.
If you look at what the Eagles have done so far this offseason, it's clearly a rebuilding process now. They've either traded, released or let go their starting quarterback and running back from last season, as well as a former All Pro offensive tackle, their starting middle linebacker for half of the season, almost all of their defensive linemen and, arguably, their best cornerback from last season. If anyone thinks that this team isn't going to take a big step back next year, I want to have some of what you're smoking. Instead of Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook in the backfield, the Eagles now have Kevin Kolb and LeSean McCoy, two players that look like they could be good, but have proven very little yet. There is no leader on this team right now. Sheldon Brown seemed to step into the role, and now he's gone on defense. Westbrook and McNabb were the veteran voices on offense, and now it's DeSean Jackson and Jason Peters, with Brent Celek there as well. This is a team that is going nowhere next season, and possibly the 2011 season as well.
Honestly, I would be surprised to see the Eagles win eight games next year. They still have too many questions in that defense, and no amount of their 11 draft picks this season are going to make that defense good enough to compete with the Dallas Cowboys this coming season. It's just not going to happen, I'm sorry to say. Then again, perhaps the front office saw that the Eagles weren't going to be able to compete over the next few years and decided to get what they could for McNabb now, before the market completely dried up. That would be the only rationale that I could accept when it comes to making this trade. I still think McNabb has a bit left in his tank, and while he's never been the most accurate passer in the league, he was still able to do plenty with what he had on the Eagles, but his time is up now.
In the 11 years that McNabb was the quarterback for the Eagles, he got the team to the NFC Championship five times. However, he came up short in four of those games, giving Philadelphia fans enough of a reason to call for his head each and every time the Eagles couldn't get over the hump. The one time he did get the Eagles to the Super Bowl, he apparently was winded in the huddle during the last two minutes of the game, and that would become his legacy in Philadelphia: a player that was good, but couldn't get himself, or his team, to the promised land. It's honestly a sad way to be branded, and he doesn't deserve all of the blame. McNabb was never really liked by all Eagle fans from the day he was drafted. The idiots that booed him are probably cheering the loudest tonight, even though this team isn't going anywhere this, or next season. I hope that Kevin Kolb can fill McNabb's shoes, but I don't exactly have the highest hopes right now. I just hope that this team can prove me wrong.
McNabb won 82 games with the Eagles (though most came before the 2005 season), passed for 216 touchdowns and almost 33,000 yards and rushed for 3,249 yards with 28 touchdowns on the ground. From his first start with the Eagles, fans could see that he was something special, and through the years, he proved it again and again. Whether it was fourth and 26, a 14 second scramble against the Cowboys, or the seasons where he led the offense with James Thrash and Todd Pinkston as his starting wideouts, McNabb always made me feel like the Eagles had a chance to win the game. Whether they would or not is another story, but on this night, when Donovan McNabb is done as an Eagle, I want to remember the good times.
Donovan, I wish you nothing but the best down in Washington, and next year, and I mean this, I hope you come to Philadelphia and kick the Eagles' asses. Show this team and these fans what you can do. Best of luck, #5.
CSNPhilly.com: Eagles trade McNabb to Redskins for picks
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
It's Official: Phillies Land Halladay
After all the wheeling and dealing over the past few days, you would think that the Phillies had to be close to a deal with Toronto for Roy Halladay, right? Well, according to Todd Zolecki, the deal is not only done, but there is a press conference scheduled for 5:00, where the Phils will introduce Roy Halladay.
I've already gone over how I feel about the trade, so I'm not going to go into long winded details again. However, I think the signing of Halladay to an extension is what makes this deal a winner for the Phillies. Rather than lose Cliff Lee after this year, since he was going to test free agency and the Yankees and Red Sox were going to pull up to his house with one of those giant checks, the Phillies got arguably the best pitcher of the decade, and locked him up through 2013. It cost a lot, but it's a good move.
So, what exactly is each team getting in this deal? Well, it's now apparently become a four team group of trades, and here's how it shakes out, according to ESPN.com.
The Phillies Get:
Roy Halladay-Top 5 pitcher in baseball (from Toronto)
Phillippe Aumont-Minor League pitcher (from Seattle)
Tyson Gillies-Minor League outfielder (from Seattle)
Juan Ramirez-Minor League pitcher (from Seattle)
$6 million (from Toronto)
The Blue Jays Get:
Travis d'Arnaud-Minor League catcher (from Philadelphia)
Kyle Drabek-Minor League pitcher (from Philadelphia)
Brett Wallace-Minor League infielder (from Oakland)
The Mariners Get:
Cliff Lee-Top 10 pitcher in baseball (from Philadelphia)
The Athletics (this would be the new, fourth team) Get:
Michael Taylor-Minor League outfielder (from Toronto via Philadelphia)
Everybody got all of that? Good. Like I said, giving up Lee, Taylor and Drabek hurt, considering the Phils didn't want to give up the minor leaguers back in July to get Halladay, and have now essentially cleaned out the top ten prospects that they had to get Cliff Lee in July and Roy Halladay now. Fortunately, nothing is ever set in stone with young players, and the three the Phillies are getting from Seattle aren't anything to sneeze at. To get a pitcher on the level of Roy Halladay, the Phillies would have to give something up, and they did that, but in trading Lee to Seattle, they not only freed up the room to sign Halladay long term, but they got prospects back in return.
Everyone just settle down...Halladay is going to just fine in Philadelphia. This was a good trade for everyone involved.
I've already gone over how I feel about the trade, so I'm not going to go into long winded details again. However, I think the signing of Halladay to an extension is what makes this deal a winner for the Phillies. Rather than lose Cliff Lee after this year, since he was going to test free agency and the Yankees and Red Sox were going to pull up to his house with one of those giant checks, the Phillies got arguably the best pitcher of the decade, and locked him up through 2013. It cost a lot, but it's a good move.
So, what exactly is each team getting in this deal? Well, it's now apparently become a four team group of trades, and here's how it shakes out, according to ESPN.com.
The Phillies Get:
Roy Halladay-Top 5 pitcher in baseball (from Toronto)
Phillippe Aumont-Minor League pitcher (from Seattle)
Tyson Gillies-Minor League outfielder (from Seattle)
Juan Ramirez-Minor League pitcher (from Seattle)
$6 million (from Toronto)
The Blue Jays Get:
Travis d'Arnaud-Minor League catcher (from Philadelphia)
Kyle Drabek-Minor League pitcher (from Philadelphia)
Brett Wallace-Minor League infielder (from Oakland)
The Mariners Get:
Cliff Lee-Top 10 pitcher in baseball (from Philadelphia)
The Athletics (this would be the new, fourth team) Get:
Michael Taylor-Minor League outfielder (from Toronto via Philadelphia)
Everybody got all of that? Good. Like I said, giving up Lee, Taylor and Drabek hurt, considering the Phils didn't want to give up the minor leaguers back in July to get Halladay, and have now essentially cleaned out the top ten prospects that they had to get Cliff Lee in July and Roy Halladay now. Fortunately, nothing is ever set in stone with young players, and the three the Phillies are getting from Seattle aren't anything to sneeze at. To get a pitcher on the level of Roy Halladay, the Phillies would have to give something up, and they did that, but in trading Lee to Seattle, they not only freed up the room to sign Halladay long term, but they got prospects back in return.
Everyone just settle down...Halladay is going to just fine in Philadelphia. This was a good trade for everyone involved.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Ok, So the Phillies May Have Made Some Moves Today...
Man, I picked a hell of a day to start working again, didn't I? After hearing about Ruben Amaro trying to get Roy Halladay since July, it seems like a deal is just about in place, and man, is it a big one. Three teams are involved, with the Seattle Mariners joining the Blue Jays and Phillies. In the most recent update I've seen from ESPN's Jayson Stark, the Phillies would receive Halladay, Seattle's top pitching prospect Phillippe Aumont and outfield prospect Tyson Gillies. Toronto would receive three Philadelphia prospects: Michael Taylor, Travis d'Arnaud and either Kyle Drabek or J.A Happ, while the Mariners would pick up Cliff Lee, who is a free agent after this season. Yes, it's a blockbuster for all three teams.
Personally, I feel like losing Lee while picking up Halladay is a lateral move, but it's one that almost had to be done. The Phils had been talking with Lee in regards to an extension earlier this month, but most people have said that he wanted a long term, C.C. Sabathia like deal, this almost had to be done. Part of the trade includes Halladay signing an extension through the 2013 season with the Phillies, which will give the team a genuine ace for the next four seasons. If the Phils had stuck with Lee through this year, there was a very, very small chance that he would have signed with them, but it was highly unlikely. With a deal like this, the Phillies not only get the pitcher they wanted last July, but they have him signed for the next four years.
Of course, this deal isn't perfect. I'm not too happy with giving up Kyle Drabek, which was one of the big hold ups in making this deal with Toronto last year. Picking up Phillippe Aumont is hopefully going to make it hurt less, though. Aumont is a big, young pitcher with great stuff, but he's had issues with his hip in the past, and the Mariners were working on turning him into a relief pitcher in an attempt to get him to the majors quicker. It's always a big if when talking about a pitcher and hip issues, but if he does have them worked out, he could fill Drabek's shoes. The only question is when he would be ready for the majors, as he struggled in Double A ball this year with the Mariners. It looks like he's at least a year or two away, but he's only 20 and is still developing, so that time frame may decrease as the 2010 season starts. As for Tyson Gillies, he didn't start out as a prospect to watch, but after a great season in High Single A ball this year, he looks like someone that could reach the majors. He has great speed, but doesn't have much power, and while the California League does seem to inflate offensive numbers in the minors, I've read reports that place his ceiling as high as a Juan Pierre type player. I'm not saying that's great, but Juan Pierre has had a decent major league career, so it's better than nothing.
As with every trade, you have to give up something to get something in return, but at least the Phillies are getting something major back. Roy Halladay is one of the top five pitchers in all of baseball, and should only get better pitching in the National League. It does hurt to give up Cliff Lee after the run that he helped the Phillies on last year, but at the same time, knowing that Halladay is signed through 2013 makes that fact a little less painful. Losing Michael Taylor and Kyle Drabek or J.A. Happ is going to hurt, but taking two of the better players from Seattle's minor league system will hopefully help ease that pain. Besides, before they prove themselves in the major leagues, prospects are just that...prospects. Who can say that Drabek won't blow his arm out again in his first year in the majors, or Taylor turns out to be someone who can't handle the major league spotlight? I'm not wishing ill will on either one of them, in fact, I hope they have great careers, but it's just something to keep in mind.
The one thing to remember about this right now is that none of this is even official yet. Jayson Stark has reported that the deal is "close, but not done." If it doesn't get done, then forget everything that you just read. However, if it does get done, and that is more than likely going to happen, I just want everyone to get ready for the site of Roy Halladay in Phillies red. It's going to be a beautiful thing.
ESPN.com: Halladay to Phillies, Lee to Mariners deal close
Personally, I feel like losing Lee while picking up Halladay is a lateral move, but it's one that almost had to be done. The Phils had been talking with Lee in regards to an extension earlier this month, but most people have said that he wanted a long term, C.C. Sabathia like deal, this almost had to be done. Part of the trade includes Halladay signing an extension through the 2013 season with the Phillies, which will give the team a genuine ace for the next four seasons. If the Phils had stuck with Lee through this year, there was a very, very small chance that he would have signed with them, but it was highly unlikely. With a deal like this, the Phillies not only get the pitcher they wanted last July, but they have him signed for the next four years.
Of course, this deal isn't perfect. I'm not too happy with giving up Kyle Drabek, which was one of the big hold ups in making this deal with Toronto last year. Picking up Phillippe Aumont is hopefully going to make it hurt less, though. Aumont is a big, young pitcher with great stuff, but he's had issues with his hip in the past, and the Mariners were working on turning him into a relief pitcher in an attempt to get him to the majors quicker. It's always a big if when talking about a pitcher and hip issues, but if he does have them worked out, he could fill Drabek's shoes. The only question is when he would be ready for the majors, as he struggled in Double A ball this year with the Mariners. It looks like he's at least a year or two away, but he's only 20 and is still developing, so that time frame may decrease as the 2010 season starts. As for Tyson Gillies, he didn't start out as a prospect to watch, but after a great season in High Single A ball this year, he looks like someone that could reach the majors. He has great speed, but doesn't have much power, and while the California League does seem to inflate offensive numbers in the minors, I've read reports that place his ceiling as high as a Juan Pierre type player. I'm not saying that's great, but Juan Pierre has had a decent major league career, so it's better than nothing.
As with every trade, you have to give up something to get something in return, but at least the Phillies are getting something major back. Roy Halladay is one of the top five pitchers in all of baseball, and should only get better pitching in the National League. It does hurt to give up Cliff Lee after the run that he helped the Phillies on last year, but at the same time, knowing that Halladay is signed through 2013 makes that fact a little less painful. Losing Michael Taylor and Kyle Drabek or J.A. Happ is going to hurt, but taking two of the better players from Seattle's minor league system will hopefully help ease that pain. Besides, before they prove themselves in the major leagues, prospects are just that...prospects. Who can say that Drabek won't blow his arm out again in his first year in the majors, or Taylor turns out to be someone who can't handle the major league spotlight? I'm not wishing ill will on either one of them, in fact, I hope they have great careers, but it's just something to keep in mind.
The one thing to remember about this right now is that none of this is even official yet. Jayson Stark has reported that the deal is "close, but not done." If it doesn't get done, then forget everything that you just read. However, if it does get done, and that is more than likely going to happen, I just want everyone to get ready for the site of Roy Halladay in Phillies red. It's going to be a beautiful thing.
ESPN.com: Halladay to Phillies, Lee to Mariners deal close
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
NFL Trade Deadline comes and goes...wait, the Eagles made a trade?
This might be the first time that I can remember that the Eagles have actually made a trade at the deadline, and they made a move for a player that plays at a position of need right now. The Eagles traded rookie WR Daniel Gibson and a 2010 fifth round pick to the St. Louis Rams for linebacker Will Witherspoon. While Gibson had been a favorite for Eagles fans during the preseason, he had been on the inactive list for all five games so far this year, and more than likely wasn't going to see any playing time this season.
Witherspoon has been a solid player ever since he came into the league back in 2002. He started his career with the Carolina Panthers, then joined the Rams in 2007 as a free agent. He's recorded 100 or more tackles five times, and has a reputation as being one of the most durable players in the league. Of course, he left St. Louis' last game against Jacksonville with a knee injury, but I doubt it's that serious if the Eagles were willing to trade for him. More importantly, he's played both weakside and middle linebacker in the NFL, giving him versatility in a position where the Eagles are hurting this year.
I'm not going to sugarcoat how the linebackers have been playing this season for Philadelphia. Jeremiah Trotter hasn't exactly set the world on fire in the two games that he's played, and both he and Omar Gaither are complete liabilities when it comes to pass defense. For those of you that didn't get to see Oakland embarrass the Eagles on Sunday, Zach Miller was able to pick apart the Eagles in the middle of the field, which is the area where the linebackers are responsible for coverage. What the Eagles had out there wasn't working, and I'm impressed that they realized that there was a problem and are trying to fix it. Plus, Gaither sprained his foot on Sunday, and is questionable for the game Monday night against Washington.
Honestly, this is a very good deal for the Eagles. While they had to let a young, potentially talented wideout leave, they did so for a player that could be an instant upgrade at the linebacker position. He's coming from St. Louis, and their head coach, Steve Spagnuolo, worked for eight years under Jim Johnson here in Philadelphia, so he's going to have a basic idea of the system already. Whether or not he's able to contribute right away remains to be seen, but I have a feeling that he will, and this more than likely means the end of Trotter in an Eagles uniform once again. Right now, being able to cover tight ends is far more important than having a player on the team for sentimental reasons. For now though, well played, Eagles. Well played.
Witherspoon has been a solid player ever since he came into the league back in 2002. He started his career with the Carolina Panthers, then joined the Rams in 2007 as a free agent. He's recorded 100 or more tackles five times, and has a reputation as being one of the most durable players in the league. Of course, he left St. Louis' last game against Jacksonville with a knee injury, but I doubt it's that serious if the Eagles were willing to trade for him. More importantly, he's played both weakside and middle linebacker in the NFL, giving him versatility in a position where the Eagles are hurting this year.
I'm not going to sugarcoat how the linebackers have been playing this season for Philadelphia. Jeremiah Trotter hasn't exactly set the world on fire in the two games that he's played, and both he and Omar Gaither are complete liabilities when it comes to pass defense. For those of you that didn't get to see Oakland embarrass the Eagles on Sunday, Zach Miller was able to pick apart the Eagles in the middle of the field, which is the area where the linebackers are responsible for coverage. What the Eagles had out there wasn't working, and I'm impressed that they realized that there was a problem and are trying to fix it. Plus, Gaither sprained his foot on Sunday, and is questionable for the game Monday night against Washington.
Honestly, this is a very good deal for the Eagles. While they had to let a young, potentially talented wideout leave, they did so for a player that could be an instant upgrade at the linebacker position. He's coming from St. Louis, and their head coach, Steve Spagnuolo, worked for eight years under Jim Johnson here in Philadelphia, so he's going to have a basic idea of the system already. Whether or not he's able to contribute right away remains to be seen, but I have a feeling that he will, and this more than likely means the end of Trotter in an Eagles uniform once again. Right now, being able to cover tight ends is far more important than having a player on the team for sentimental reasons. For now though, well played, Eagles. Well played.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Breaking News! Phillies Trade for Cliff Lee
Here's the word from Mr. Jayson Stark:
So...the Phillies get the 2008 Cy Young Award winner and a right handed bat off the bench, and don't give up any of the pieces that the Blue Jays wanted for Roy Halladay? Wow, I can't believe that Ruben Amaro pulled this off. While I think Carrasco, Marson and Donald could have been very good players in Philadelphia, they're all prospects, and there's no telling how things are going to turn out with them.
With Cliff Lee, the Phils are getting a pitcher who has won his last three starts and allowed only four runs since the All Star break. He's struggled a bit this year, but is still a top of the rotation pitcher that can certainly provide a good jolt to the starting rotation. He doesn't walk many batters, and gives up very few home runs, so pitching in Philadelphia shouldn't be a problem.
The sleeper in the deal is Ben Francisco. He started in Cleveland, but will come off the bench here, but is going to provide a right handed bat with power off the bench, and if he can get his head on straight, he could be another Jayson Werth type of player. Charlie Manuel's done well with players like him in the past, so hopefully he can do the same this time.
Yes, I wanted Roy Halladay. All the Phillies fans did. However, the Blue Jays wanted the Phils to basically give up their future for a pitcher that might not have even stuck around after next season. What the Phillies got instead is a good pitcher who has been playing very well of late, and has a proven track record if you look back at last season. This right here was a very good trade for the Phillies, and could prove to be the thing that helps put them on top of the baseball world again come late October. For now though, we just wait and see.
Source: Cliff Lee traded to Philadelphia Phillies by Cleveland Indians-ESPN
The Philadelphia Phillies and the Cleveland Indians agreed to a
trade that would bring Cliff Lee to the NL East leaders along with outfielder Ben
Francisco for four minor leaguers, according to league sources.
Triple-A right-hander Carlos Carrasco, Single-A righty Jason Knapp, catch Lou Marson -- the likely heir
apparent to Victor Martinez -- and shortstop Jason Donald will be sent to
Cleveland.
So...the Phillies get the 2008 Cy Young Award winner and a right handed bat off the bench, and don't give up any of the pieces that the Blue Jays wanted for Roy Halladay? Wow, I can't believe that Ruben Amaro pulled this off. While I think Carrasco, Marson and Donald could have been very good players in Philadelphia, they're all prospects, and there's no telling how things are going to turn out with them.
With Cliff Lee, the Phils are getting a pitcher who has won his last three starts and allowed only four runs since the All Star break. He's struggled a bit this year, but is still a top of the rotation pitcher that can certainly provide a good jolt to the starting rotation. He doesn't walk many batters, and gives up very few home runs, so pitching in Philadelphia shouldn't be a problem.
The sleeper in the deal is Ben Francisco. He started in Cleveland, but will come off the bench here, but is going to provide a right handed bat with power off the bench, and if he can get his head on straight, he could be another Jayson Werth type of player. Charlie Manuel's done well with players like him in the past, so hopefully he can do the same this time.
Yes, I wanted Roy Halladay. All the Phillies fans did. However, the Blue Jays wanted the Phils to basically give up their future for a pitcher that might not have even stuck around after next season. What the Phillies got instead is a good pitcher who has been playing very well of late, and has a proven track record if you look back at last season. This right here was a very good trade for the Phillies, and could prove to be the thing that helps put them on top of the baseball world again come late October. For now though, we just wait and see.
Source: Cliff Lee traded to Philadelphia Phillies by Cleveland Indians-ESPN
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