Phillies Rumor Roundup

by dajafi on Dec 9, 2008 11:58 AM EST Comment 10 comments

Real quickly, here are the stories in play for the Phillies right now:

They're pursuing Cubs super-utilityman Mark DeRosa, either straight up or as part of the Chicago-San Diego deal for Jake Peavy. DeRosa is 33 and coming off a career year, but he's a guy who does everything pretty well--hits for average, hits for power, plays decent-to-good defense at multiple positions--and is signed for 2009 at $5.5 million. Rumored to be going the other way are J.A. Happ and Chris Coste. DeRosa probably would start the year at second base for the injured Chase Utley, then shift to left field upon Utley's return. Oh, and I think I'm legally obligated to mention that DeRosa is a University of Pennsylvania graduate who played quarterback for the Quakers during the mid-'90s.
Other outfield options include Juan Rivera, Raul Ibanez, and Delmon Young. Rivera's coming off a bad year, but he could be a decent relatively low-cost option in a platoon. Ibanez is coming off a good year, and would be a terrible idea: he's four years older than Pat Burrell, plays almost as badly in the field, is left-handed, and would cost the Phils their first-round draft pick. Young is 23 and cheap, and has all-world talent, but fell into the bad graces of two organizations in the space of two years. Still, he'd be my clear choice.
As the Jamie Moyer contract negotiations have bogged down and bad blood seems to be rising on both sides, the Phillies have started to explore other options including Derek Lowe and possibly Braden Looper and/or Randy Wolf. Moyer reportedly is seeking at least two years and $14 million, and maybe as much as $20 million.
Manager Charlie Manuel wants his 2010 option picked up, and a third year guaranteed at $3 million. It's expected he'll get it, but then everyone thought Moyer would be signed by now as well.

Feel free to discuss these and any other Phillies-related goings-on right here.

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oh, and a Mets note

The NL East runners-up are reportedly close to inking former Angels closer Francisco “K-Rod” Rodriguez to a three-year, $37 million deal.

This would be a pretty good signing for the Mets—the terms are very close to the Phils’ extension with Brad Lidge—if, and it’s a huge if, K-Rod stays healthy. His peripherals declined in 2008 even as he set the single-season saves record; reports are that his fastball velocity dipped as well. If the Mets had committed, say, five years and $65 million to Rodriguez, I’d be giddily expecting Billy Wagner II, but this contract makes it somewhat more likely they’ll get relative value before Rodriguez breaks down.

by dajafi on Dec 9, 2008 12:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

While I like DeRosa, I’m a little wary about the deal we’re rumored to be making. I explained my reasoning over on the other thread, but just to sum up: there are better ways to spend money (likely $11 million dollars in this case) than DeRosa and Marquis.

by PhillyFriar on Dec 9, 2008 12:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I refuse to acknowledge the possibility of Eaton II—I mean, Marquis—until circumstances force me to do so.

by dajafi on Dec 9, 2008 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And speaking of unwanted players — Jayson Stark has us (along with the Cubs and Mets) in the lead for Ibanez!

I completely agree with you that this is a terrible idea. I even like Ibanez — well, as a hitter — but he makes zero sense in light of the current situation. I mean, why not just re-sign Pat Burrell, who’s a better hitter and — here’s the whammy — just as good a fielder?

by PhillyFriar on Dec 9, 2008 12:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and right handed as well… FTW

World F*ckin' Champions, indeed...

by foos05 on Dec 9, 2008 1:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Someone on www.phuturephillies.com said the Cubs are willing to cover 4-5 mil of Marquis salary….now it all makes sense.

by Clyde Simmons on Dec 9, 2008 3:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

on moyer

not a big point, but I heard last night that they offered him 2 years at 14mil, but he still wants 2 years at 18 (or maybe 20).

by char6587 on Dec 9, 2008 12:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

So tell me again why they didn’t offer moyer arbitration?

by jemagee on Dec 9, 2008 11:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

the best rumor of all the rumors

6:56 p.m. — Phils looking to deal Eaton

Philadelphia is trying to give away underachieving right-hander Adam Eaton.

The Phillies will deal Eaton to any team that will take on $1 million of the $9 million he is due for the final guaranteed season of a three-year contract. The Phillies want nothing in return.

Eaton was 4-8 with a 5.80 ERA this season and spent part of the year in the minors. The Phillies did not include him on the postseason roster. —Gerry Fraley

!!!

I don’t really see the point in just getting rid of him if we are still going to be paying 8 of his 9 million, but somehow, I’m still excited.

by char6587 on Dec 10, 2008 7:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs