Randy Wolf may not be the only southern California native to bolt the Phillies for the Dodgers.Before a game at St. Louis last summer, Mike Lieberthal told me he wouldn't mind playing for his hometown Dodgers, if they'd consider offering him the short-term contract he's seeking. And a report in today's Los Angeles Times indicates the Dodgers may be willing to give Lieberthal a one-year, $1 million deal to come home and back up young catcher Russell Martin. Lieberthal, 35, grew up in Westlake Village, just outside LA, and was married last month. The Phillies likely wouldn't stand in Lieberthal's way of playing elsewhere by offering him salary arbitration.
Here's something to watch for: Pat Gillick said last week the Phillies are in the market for a "young backup" catcher, someone who could share time with Carlos Ruiz and presumably start if Ruiz is a flop in the majors. Could that someone be Toby Hall, the Dodgers' backup who wouldn't return to LA if Lieberthal goes there? Hall, 31, made $2.25 million last season and batted .368 in 21 games after being traded to the Dodgers on June 27
3 comments:
I guess 31 would be considered "young" by the geezer Gillick.
Have you heard anything on Piazza coming home to Philly? Rosenthal on Foxsports.com reported Piazza is deciding between the A's and the Phils. What are your thoughts on how much Piazza would help/hurt the Phils?
Ed: Ken Rosenthal is a good friend and a great reporter. But, in all of my discussions with Phillies people, I've gotten the impression they are not interested in Piazza. Last year, they had some interest, but the price got too high. This year, Charlie Manuel is content to go with Ruiz and Coste, and if they add anyone, it's probably going to be a less expensive and younger catcher than Piazza.
Personally, I think Piazza would hit well in Citizens Bank Park, and as a local guy, he'd be an instant fan favorite. But I don't believe he's a $7 million player anymore. I would allocate that money elsewhere.
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