Adam Eaton, the $24.5 Million Man, has accepted an assignment to the Phillies' minor league system.The Phillies' won't announce a roster move until tomorrow in Washington, but odds are, J.A. Happ will be recalled as a left-hander for the bullpen.
Eaton, who signed a three-year, $24.5 million contract before last season, is 4-8 with a 5.80 ERA in 21 games (19 starts). He was moved to the bullpen 10 days ago after the Phils traded for Joe Blanton, and he had made only two relief appearances. In his most recent outing, yesterday against the Braves, he allowed three runs in the fourth inning. Last season, Eaton posted a 6.29 ERA that was among the worst in baseball.
Like Brett Myers earlier this month, Eaton had a right to refuse the assignment because he has spent five years in the majors. But team officials met with Eaton after yesterday's game, and the move was made today after Eaton agreed to it.
More in a bit.
(Updated, 12:54 p.m.): Spoke to Pat Gillick moments ago, and he said Eaton probably will be pitching in the farm system until the end of the minor-league season, which means Labor Day weekend. Gillick said the Phillies began discussing this move with Eaton's agent, Jim Lindell, for about five days. They presented the idea to Eaton on Thursday, and he agreed to the move yesterday. "We can't give him regular work here," Gillick said. "He's been a starter all his life. At this point, he's unproductive as a starter. This is the only way he can get back on track."
(Updated, 7:55 p.m.): More from Gillick: "At this moment, he can't throw the ball where he wants to. He can't locate at the moment. With his stuff, he's got to be able to locate with better command than he's had thus far. If he does that, he'll be fine. Until that happens, it’'s very difficult."
I know y'all have an opinion about this, so let's hear it. Are you surprised the Phillies made this move?
8 comments:
Seems too little too late. Happ seems like he'd be wasted out of the Pen. Has he been traded? Why wait so long to announce his call up?
Anon: Happ has not been traded. The reason to wait is that the Phillies are still talking about potential deals. If they can make a move before tomorrow, it may affect Happ. They don't play tonight, so there's no reason to make the move today.
Scott,
Are you as surprised as I am that Gillick and Amaro are admitting some guilt with this move? Isn't this, in a sense, admitting to Monty and the boys that they threw away twenty-four million?
I assumed the move would be Rudy, not Adam.
By the way, I'm a big fan - keep telling it like it is!
Thanks for all you do to keep us on top of what's happening. It keeps us checking back-- your blog has become the first place I look for the latest...
The Phillies are in trouble. It was only a couple of weeks ago that Dubee said repeatedly that Eaton would not benefit from being in the minors and now they send him down. I don't think Dubee and the "management" of the team has much of a clue about how to run an organization or recognize talent (or non-talent). With Rollins tanking every day, do not look for the playoffs. (For the Phillies fans, that means the season will not go past 162 games).
Scott, a bit off topic... Went to see the Twins at Yankee Stadium last week and the difference between Yankee and Phillie fans was huge. Yankee fans helped us on the trains and subway, joked about the Twins losing the night before and were extremely friendly. I have never had a reception like that for an out of town fan in Philadelphia. In addition, the Yankees fans were knowledgeable about the game, something the Phillies fans often lack. Great experience in New York. Phillies fans could learn something. For a city that touts it's fans, Philadelphia doesn't rank all that high.
There's still time for the Phillies to acquire heavy-hitting Gil Valezquez for the stretch run.
"For a city that touts it's fans, Philadelphia doesn't rank all that high."
wow, you think so?
Post a Comment