BY SCOTT LAUBERLAS VEGAS -- Greetings from Sin City.
Checked in to my hotel at about 10:30 p.m., Pacific time, last night, just in time to take a walk along the famous (or infamous, depending on your view) Strip and a spin around the lobby at the posh Bellagio. Saw Robin Roberts (he's in town for the Hall of Fame Veterans Committee announcement today). Saw Tommy Lasorda, too. Rays manager Joe Maddon was walking around. So were any number of agents. Didn't see any Elvis impersonators, but I'm sure they'll make their presence known before the week is over.
Didn't see Ruben Amaro Jr., or any members of "Amaro's Eleven" either. But I'm told they have arrived. In fact, word is the Phillies' contingent will be holed up in meetings throughout the morning. Presumably, one of those meetings will be with Charlie Manuel and his agent, Pat Rooney. If nothing else this week, the Phillies are expected to pick up Manuel's option for 2010, as we mentioned in our Sunday baseball notes. They may even extend his contract through 2011. So, we'll keep tabs on that situation.
Big names you're likely to hear in association with the Phillies this week: Derek Lowe, Raul Ibanez, and of course, Jamie Moyer. But, really, it'll be the less heralded players, like relievers Juan Cruz and Russ Springer, outfielders Juan Rivera and Rocco Baldelli and infielder Nick Punto who may draw the Phillies' interest. Among the many things that "Amaro's Eleven" learned from former GM Pat Gillick, it's that the little moves often have the biggest impact.
The rival Mets, meanwhile, have already met with Francisco Rodriguez, and they're expected to talk to Brian Fuentes and Kerry Wood. Everyone knows a leaky bullpen cost the Mets a playoff spot last season, so GM Omar Minaya seemingly is cornering the market on closers.
Almost time to take our first lap of the day around the lobby. Back with more in a bit.
1 comment:
7:15 OUR time? That's pretty early out there!
Do you really think we have a shot at Derek Lowe? I'd love to see it, but I would think he's expecting a bit more than Gillick's protege (Amaro) might want to shell out in his first "big" deal....
Try the Casino Royale, next to Harrahs a couple blocks north on the other side - $1 Michelobs and $1 margaritas 24/7
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