... but what about Chris Coste, you ask? Good question.Well, the Rod Barajas signing relegates Coste to being a third-string catcher, and by itself, appears to hurt his chance of making the team. But the Conine deal (to Cincinnati for two minor leaguers) seemingly enhances Coste's value as a right-handed pinch-hitter. Asked tonight if Conine's departure solidifies a roster spot for Coste, GM Pat Gillick (pictured) wouldn't take the bait.
"I can't use the word 'solidify,'" Gillick said. "We need a left-hand hitter, and the fact that [newly acquired OF Jayson] Werth can catch some, with [Carlos] Ruiz, Barajas and Coste, there's some flexibility there."
Translation: Coste isn't being guaranteed anything, even though after batting .328 last season, he should be. Once again, there's a lot of time before the season starts. But to me, Coste's job isn't in much jeopardy. The Phils will have five players on the bench, and right now, they have only Werth, Ruiz (or Barajas) and IF Abraham Nunez. That leaves two spots for Coste and the lefty hitter Gillick is looking for.
So, breathe easy, Chris Coste fans. At least for now.
2 comments:
Well I'm most certaintly a Coste fan. It's probably not enough to say simply that the guy deserves a spot on the '07 roster, but his his play lst year and numbers say that he's definately earned it. But he will go to spring training trying to make the team like everyone else.
What gets me is that Gillick touts the Werth signing as positive in many ways including his ability to catch. Google Werth's career numbers and tell me how many games he's caught at the ML level.
Nil. I'm sure Coste knows that as well. If he can survive Fasano, I think he can survive this. Question is, will he even want to for PG?
Paul: Coste spent 11 seasons in the minors, including five in independent ball. If Saddam Hussein owned a major-league team and gave Coste a chance to play, I'm sure he would. So, desire isn't going to be a problem.
On Werth, and I probably should've noted this in today's article: He came through the minors as a catcher in the Orioles' and Blue Jays' farm systems. Somewhere along the line, he was converted to the outfield because of his long, lean body type. You don't find many 6-4, 210-pound catchers. Gillick isn't suggesting Werth will be used as a catcher. But, in an emergency, he could play there, which means the Phils wouldn't necessarily have to carry three catchers.
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