A report on ESPN.com, posted about 90 minutes ago, indicates the Phils were talking about a multi-year contract with reliever Joe Borowski but were advised by their medical staff to avoid anything more than a one-year deal with him because of concerns about his shoulder. I'm working on getting more details on this story.
I can tell you this: Borowski was hampered by a shoulder strain in 2004 with the Cubs and missed the first six weeks of 2005 after fracturing a bone in his right forearm during spring training. But he saved 36 games last season for the Marlins and was apparently healthy.
The Phillies view Borowski, a 35-year-old right-hander, as a setup man for closer Tom Gordon. But they also like Borowski's ability to close games whenever Gordon needs a rest.
More information as it becomes available to me.
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2 comments:
But when Borowski was on, he was extremely effective. His numbers this year were far better than previous years - 2003 aside when his ERA was sub 3. (2.63) One has to wonder if Prior and Wood we're totally healthy, how much he'd be making now with a bankroll like the Sox or Yankees.
Florida found him cheap. Dirt cheap. And i'm sure if i researched it, I'd find that he probably made more in incentives than he did on his original contract due to his 36 saves. The fish probably didn't expect that.
But that doesn't mean the Phils should sign him. They should probably just look to sign someone LIKE him, betting on the bargain that Borowski turned out to be.
Eric Gagne?
As always, good blog.
Thanks, Paul.
I posted Borowski's contract details with Florida. It was very incentive-laden, and the bonuses were based on games, not saves. That tells me the Marlins weren't expecting much of anything from him when they signed him.
Obviously, the stakes are higher now based on the sort of contract he's seeking. If he's willing to settle for another one-year, incentive-laden deal, they may be able to renegotiate. But I doubt that will happen.
At this point, David Weathers is probably a safer bet.
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