So, the Phillies sent minor-league pitching coordinator Gorman Heimueller to the University of Miami yesterday to watch Freddy Garcia throw a simulated game. And Garcia's agent, Peter Greenberg, has told the Phillies that Garcia would be open to returning after a terribly disappointing 2007 season. (Truth is, after undergoing major shoulder surgery last August, Garcia is open to pitching for any team that's willing to give him a job.)That's all very interesting.
But it's difficult to imagine Garcia coming back to Philly. For starters, the Phillies don't have an opening for another starter. Not with Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer and Kyle Kendrick entrenched in the starting rotation, and J.A. Happ waiting in the wings if there's an injury. Secondly, after their experience with Garcia last season, it's unlikely the Phillies will make a tremendous push to get him.
Scott Eyre may be a different story.
Eyre (above) was designated for assignment yesterday by the Cubs, who activated closer Kerry Wood. Here's the skinny on Eyre, who has held left-handed hitters to a .244 average during his career. He has battled injuries and ineffectiveness this season, but he has to be a better option than Les Walrond or Happ, starters by trade who got bombed last night to assure that Moyer's mastery of the Marlins would finally end. Eyre already has cleared waivers, giving the Cubs seven days to trade him. Bank on them getting a call from the Phillies.
***
Pedro Feliz had trouble doing routine exercises last week. His back problems, caused by a bulging disk, have lessened, but don't count on seeing Feliz over the weekend when he's eligible to be activated. He hasn't resumed throwing a ball or swinging a bat, and he won't until after tomorrow when he sees the back specialist who gave him an epidural injection last week.
***
Adam Eaton's line last night at double-A Reading: 3-1/3 IP, 4 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 4 K. Here's how it happened.
***
Attention gossip-column enthusiasts: Kendrick reportedly is dating Stephenie LaGrossa, a former Survivor contestant.
***
Finally, a camera was installed next to the Phillies' dugout to test possible angles for instant replay. An MLB spokesman said it was being used strictly for informational purposes, so it wasn't any help to the umpires last night when Shane Victorino hit a home run that appeared to be foul. After watching the replay, third-base umpire Dale Scott later admitted that it was foul. More proof that MLB could benefit from replay, which likely will be implemented by the final month of the season and/or playoffs.
OK, three questions for you this morning:
1. Would the Phillies be crazy to bring back Garcia?
2. Eyre: Good move or bad move?
3. Replay: Good idea or bad idea?
Fire away.
3 comments:
Eyre isn't great but if you can get him on the cheap why not! he's experienced and is better than Walrond which isn't saying much.
Garcia-no! Eyre-yes if he's healthy, he was great before his last 3 games.If Feliz is out for an extended period of time why not Rich Aurilia, supposedly he's available just to get out from under his contract. Instant replay is good because a homerun can really turn around a ball game and as one umpire said the new ballparks are not umpire friendly.
Garcia: No
Eyre: Why not
Replay: ONLY for plays where there is no continuation, so to speak. Either it's a home run, or it's foul.
Even then, I'm not real happy about it. But, I also don't like them changing the game in mid-season or the postseason. Then, you are playing the championship under different rules than existed during the season.
I didn't like replay in the I-AA playoffs, either. Just for that reason, though.
Post a Comment