Helms: Gone

by dajafi on Apr 5, 2008 11:18 PM EDT

Update: Helms is going back to the Marlins for cash or a PTBNL, per Zolecki

The Phillies designated infielder Wes Helms for assignment today to clear room for newly acquired reliever Rudy Seanez. The team has ten days to waive or trade Helms; it's nearly certain that they'll owe him $2.9 million for his 2008 salary plus a $750,000 buyout for 2009.

The Phils evidently wanted to trade Helms for Seanez, given that the Dodgers have a hole at third base, but Los Angeles wouldn't bite. It's possible that he'll wind up signing with Joe Torre's team next week, but a more likely bet might be that Helms returns to one of his former employers in the NL East in Atlanta or Florida. If that's the case, here's hoping he hits as badly against the Phillies as he did for them.

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sunk costs

I like that the team is showing an understanding of sunk costs. It's just too bad they incurred the cost in the first place. He was coming off a career (and anomolous) year, and they overpaid for it.

by David S. Cohen on Apr 2, 2008 5:18 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks David

Have often wondered why the phils stick with mistakes so long while other teams eat alot of dollars ridding themselves of unproductive players. Helms was excess baggage this year so Pat IMO made the right decision. Twas a mistake but lets move on. Hopefully we can get some more pitching though. Flash is a big concern.

by Steve-O- on Apr 2, 2008 7:09 PM EDT reply actions

Lets take it a step further and cut loose Gordon. I can't take his 135 ERA any longer. There has to be somebody in Allentown better.

Pat The Bat - Your 2008 NL MVP

by IOwnLotsOfTylerGreenRookieCards on Apr 4, 2008 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions

As for Helms, meh. Another in a long line of FAs kissed by Lance Parrish disease.

But what a strange trip it's been since Schmidt left this position. Such a lot of psychic trauma and half-starts-- Dave Hollins, Charlie Hayes, Kim Batiste, Scott Rolen, Placido Polanco. Rolen was really the only home-grown, long-term fix. Everyone else has been a stopgap. Very strange for a starting 8 position. It's been almost 20 years since Schmidt retired. You'd think a team could come up with more than that.

"You can't worry if it's cold; you can't worry if it's hot; you only worry if you get sick. Because then if you don't get well, you die." -Joaquin Andujar

by Wet Luzinski on Apr 4, 2008 3:19 PM EDT reply actions