So, the Phillies finally got around to introducing Pedro Feliz to the media today at the Bank, which means he passed his physical and signed his two-year, $8.5 million contract. I'll have more on Feliz later today.But I wanted to pass this along. In response to the Mets trading for Johan Santana (at this point, all that's left is the negotiating), the Phillies don't appear to feel pressure to overpay for another pitcher. Ruben Amaro Jr. said today that hasn't spoken lately with right-hander Kyle Lohse's agent, Scott Boras. And although he wouldn't rule out picking up those conversations again, a deal between the Phillies and Lohse is hardly imminent. Of course, the clock is ticking for Lohse, who I'm certain would love to have a job before pitchers and catchers report to spring training in two weeks. And the Mets, one of Lohse's suitors, would be out of the running if they can finalize their deal with Santana.
Amaro did, however, confirm that the Phillies will send representatives to Atlanta next Tuesday to watch right-hander Kris Benson's latest workout. Benson, who missed all of last season because of shoulder surgery, didn't impress the Phillies when they watched him work out in mid-December. "He really wasn't cutting it loose then," Amaro said. "We'll see how he's improved. We will keep our minds open on him."So, how important is it for the Phillies to find another pitcher before the season starts?
8 comments:
VERY IMPORTANT -- Let's get Lohse and go compete. If we get Lohse our rotation will be "good enough" to win...especially with some good arms in the minors in case of injuries.
Who moves off the 40-man roster to make room for Feliz?
GV
GV: Amaro said there's been no move yet. I'll let you know when the Phillies announce it.
Id say Benson.
costs less and has a higher reward factor. id rather go into the season without benson and his cost than with Lhose and his.
I don't want either guy ... what's the sense of adding a couple of mediocre (at best) pitchers? If a starting pitcher is needed I'd look to the Durbin trins or JA Happ.
RutgersESQ, the sense is that this team of ours is on the cusp of being a World Series contender. Our prime rival in the division has just acquired the best starter in baseball and a #3 or #4 pitcher is crucial, even if they are stuck with him for an extra year. I think Lohse is a priority now, even if we're stuck with him for an extra year. This team's core players are in their prime and now is the time to take advantage of that. We can't keep waiting until next year.
Pitcher? Once Benson divorced his wife, he lost all the pop from his arm, ahem. They don't need pitching. The Phillies need to sign heavy-hitting Gil Valesquez.
"Feliz has been in the supporting cast of the daily Barry Bonds drama in San Francisco for the past seven years. He even spent most of 2005 batting behind Bonds in the Giants"
Bonds started all of 13 games in 2005. Scott, is it too much trouble to look up this kind of stuff? In fact, the majority of at-bats Feliz had as a Giants came in the 7 hole.
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