Sept. 1 -- SIMON & GORDON

Word from the Bank is that Tom Gordon will make a second rehab start Saturday for Class A Clearwater. After that, he'll be evaluated again.

Also, the Phils have traded for first baseman Randall Simon, who infamously clubbed the bratwurst on the head with a bat during the Sausage Race in Milwaukee a few years ago.

Here's the official press release from the Phillies. My colleague, Kevin Tresolini, will have complete coverage in tomorrow's News Journal and at www.delawareonline.com.

Friday, September 1, 2006

PHILLIES ACQUIRE SIMON; GORDON TO MAKE ANOTHER REHAB START

First baseman Randall Simon was acquired from the Texas Rangers in exchange for cash considerations, Assistant General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced today. Simon was playing for Oklahoma, the Rangers’ triple-A affiliate.

Simon, 31, began the season with Potros de Tijuana of the Mexican League. He batted .348 with 18 home runs and 69 RBI in just 63 games before being acquired by Texas in early August. Simon hit .308 with one home run and 10 RBI in a combined 24 games between Oklahoma and the rookie-level Arizona League Rangers.

A native of Willemstad, Curacao, Simon is a career .283 hitter with 49 home runs and 235 RBI in 514 games. He previously played in the major leagues with the Braves (1997-99), Tigers (2001-02), Pirates (2003-04), Cubs (2003) and Devil Rays (2004). His last appearance in the major leagues was September 7, 2004 with Tampa Bay.

Simon will report to the Phillies tomorrow and will wear #12.

In other Phillies news, righthander Tom Gordon will make another rehabilitation start for single-A Clearwater tomorrow at Bright House Networks Field against Dunedin. Gordon made a rehab start last night for Clearwater and pitched 2.0 scoreless innings with a walk and three strikeouts.

Gordon was placed on the 15-day disabled list on August 21 (retroactive to August 13) with a strained right shoulder.