So, I promised you a few words about Pedro Feliz, didn't I? Well, here goes ...Considering the Giants' offensive struggles (problems that will worsen without Barry Bonds), Feliz was rather surprised that he won't be playing in San Francisco any longer. It seems they could benefit from having a 20-homer guy in the middle of their lineup. But I've heard through the grapevine that the Giants had grown frustrated with Feliz's career .288 on-base percentage and his general inconsistency. So, even though their only other in-house third base options are Rich Aurilia and Kevin Frandsen, they decided to move on without him.
Anyway, the Phillies are perfectly happy ("feliz" for the Spanish speakers among us) to have Feliz at third base. Assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. even called Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Feliz the "best infield in Major League Baseball." Do you agree? Disagree?
And while the Phils are optimistic that Feliz can hit more home runs in Citizens Bank Park, their biggest reason for signing him is the potential impact of his glove. Feliz led NL third basemen with a .973 fielding percentage and is an upgrade over the Wes Helms-Greg Dobbs combo. Feliz committed 11 errors in 143 games last season, better than Helms (nine errors in 68 games, .932 fielding percentage) and Dobbs (seven errors in 68 games, .945 fielding percentage). "Pitching and defense rules the day," Amaro said. "We know we already have a quality offensive club. But we felt it was an important piece to add, to give our pitchers some relief and catch the ball."
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It took longer than anticipated (90 minutes more than they were initially allotted), but the Mets finally landed Johan Santana. Here are some details on the deal, courtesy of the New York Times. But, as we covered the other day in the 50-center and on The Blog, the Phillies insist they aren't going to make a panic move for another pitcher just to keep pace with the Mets. It wouldn't surprise me, though, to see them make a run at Kris Benson after watching him throw this week.
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Some housekeeping: LS pointed out a mistake in my Friday story on Feliz. Bonds was injured for most of 2005, so Feliz couldn't have batted behind him for most of the season. Bad error by me. Gold Glove-caliber catch by LS, who should consider becoming a copy editor. But my point remains that Feliz was part of the Bonds circus for most of the past seven years in San Francisco, so he's unlikely to be overwhelmed by the often-demanding media and fans here in Philly. (And, in 2004, Feliz did spend a good deal of time batting in front of and behind Bonds.)
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Finally, with Barack Obama stumping in downtown Wilmington (looks like a lot of you attended) and those Super Bowl parties, baseball probably isn't on your mind this weekend. But the 50-center still features your Sunday MLB notes, breaking down the Santana deal. Back in December, Charlie Manuel thought the Mets had something up their sleeve. Turns out, he was right. Also, there's news from Caesar-Rodney grad Ian Snell, who wants to pitch for the Pirates for a long time.Meanwhile, I'm visiting friends in Boston this weekend, so I'm in prime Patriots country. Call me crazy, but I like the Giants' chances (something like 34-31, G-Men).
If I'm wrong, hey, I cover baseball.
4 comments:
Scott,
I like the Super Bowl prediction. You got the margin of victory and winning team correct.
How'd you like that last improbably TD drive by the Giants? Eli looked like he was sacked for a huge loss, but stayed on his feet and fired a 35-yard strike to a no-name wide receiver. Then a rookie receiver had a crucial first-down grab on third and ten and had the presence of mind to stay in bounds before getting hit. And, to cap it all off, the TD was grabbed by a man who'd been playing hurt all year long and was a virtual non-factor in the game.
Absolutely the best Super Bowl I've ever witnessed - what about you?
Rob, how can it be the best Super Bowl ever witnessed when the hated Giants win?! Aside from the ending, I thought it was actually a rather boring game.
Anyway, 10 days until pitchers and catchers report!
Rob, how can it be the best Super Bowl ever witnessed when the hated Giants win?! Aside from the ending, I thought it was actually a rather boring game.
Anyway, 10 days until pitchers and catchers report!
Rob: I'm 31 years old, and I think my memory of Super Bowls goes back to when the Redskins beat the Dolphins in 1983. Last night's game is definitely in my top five. I'd probably put it with the Giants beating Buffalo (Scott Norwood's missed field goal), the Rams beating Tennessee (Titans were stopped on the goal line as time expired), the Patriots upsetting the Rams (Tom Brady's first Super Bowl) and the 49ers beating the Bengals (Montana's late pass to DSU's John Taylor).
Peyton: Why can't you be happy for your little bro, Eli? Different Peyton, I suppose. But you're right: Phillies pitchers and catchers have their first workout in 10 days. Amazing, isn't it?
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