Phillies place Gordon on DL; Swindle recalled

Right-handed reliever Tom Gordon has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow inflammation, according to the team Web site.

Beerleaguer: Gordon has appeared in four games since missing 11 days with a sore right shoulder. He pitched yesterday, allowing a run in 2-3 of an inning. This isn't a surprise, although his elbow hasn't been the issue so much as the "balky" shoulder. He's pitching through a partially torn labrum and missed significant time with that ailment last season. Frankly, expect spotty contribution the rest of the way from the 40-year-old. Manager Charlie Manuel has been slowly weaning Ryan Madson back into the later innings lately. R.J. Swindle will give them a second lefty option behind J.C. Romero, who will be asked to share the eighth-inning load even more. Swindle has yet to appear in a game, but we'll definitely get to see his low-50s junk now.

It's worth pointing out that Brett Myers, as expected, remains in Triple-A. The troubled right-hander finally has something worth smiling about, however: a possible "in" back into the big leagues. If more dominos start to fall in the Phils bullpen, they won't keep him in Triple-A.

Comments

[Tray]

Hurray!

[RSB]

Well, let's see if the Phillies stop with the charade of giving Myers starts in Allentown. Until they do, we can't just presume that he's going to be reborn as a rock star set-up man. I imagine he'd probably okay it if they were so inclined, however.

Regarding Burnett: please, check the record before making posts that Burnett has post-season experience. He does not. He was inactive when the Marlins went to the post-season in 2003. He has the ring, well la-de-dah. He was all of 0-2 that year. Essentially they'd be trading for Brett Myers' clone - a guy with all this potential and 'stuff' who's never been anything but mediocre when he's not on the DL. He's no difference-maker, and he's certainly not a winner. They'd be better off just going for the Lidle/Lohse mold. Burnett doesn't get this team anywhere.

[Tray]

RSB, wouldn't you agree that when he's right (more often than not), he's a better pitcher than the Lidles and Lohses of the world? And that even this season, it's pretty unfair to be calling him Brett Myers's clone in anything but mental makeup? It's natural to be biased against underachievers, but he's still a guy with a career 3.87 ERA.

[RSB]

Tray: I'm a little more concerned with what his ERA is this year. It's terrible. If they can get him cheaply enough, go for it. But even one upper-tier prospect would be too much.

[Tray]

Of course we wouldn't want to trade for him if we thought he'd replicate his current performance with us; the argument is that the switch to the NL would do him good, at least enough good that he'd be, at worst, our fourth best starter. Suppose Myers never recovers and we're just forced to shut him down, leaving us with a probable postseason rotation of Hamels, Moyer, Kendrick, or Eaton - or, a three-man rotation, which historically is a problem with the short rest. Surely you'd rather see Burnett in the rotation than Eaton.

[RSB]

"Surely you'd rather see Burnett in the rotation than Eaton."

Yes, I would. But I'd also rather see young players like Carrasco, Marson, Donald, and Cardenas stay in this organization than waste their futures on an aging never-was no-'count walking medical chart like Burnett. Even Myers can beat his seasonal career-high in wins (12). That's not what I would call an impact pitcher.

[Tray]

But who said we needed an Impact Pitcher? Maybe we just need a pitcher who'd make an impact. I agree that he's not worth Carrasco, Cardenas, or the apparent catcher of the future, but he'd be an upgrade of sorts. To be clear, he's far from the first or second guy I'd like to see in a Phillies uniform, I'm just saying that it wouldn't be a bad acquisition.

[davthom73]

From this morning's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

"Brewers make trade for pitcher C.C. Sabathia
Minor-league prospect Matt LaPorta is included in the deal
By TOM HAUDRICOURT
In a bold move designed to end the club’s 26-year playoff drought, the Milwaukee Brewers agreed in principle Sunday night to acquire Cleveland left-handed pitcher C.C. Sabathia in exchange for top prospect Matt LaPorta and three other minor-leaguers.

A Brewers official confirmed the deal, which will be officially announced today by both teams. The Brewers are expected to have the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner on the mound Tuesday night at Miller Park against the Colorado Rockies.

Neither side would officially confirm the deal because paperwork still was being completed and medical records exchanged. But a source familiar with the discussions said minor-league pitchers Zach Jackson and Rob Bryson also were in the deal.

A fourth player, officially designated as "to be named later," could turn out to be third baseman Taylor Green, the Brewers' minor-league player of the year in 2007. Cleveland has been scouting Green, with the idea of moving him to second base, and might want to see him play more . . . .

He's a difference maker," one team official said.

Sabathia, 27, was placed on the trade market when Cleveland fell into last place in its division and was unable to sign him to a contract extension. Sabathia, who can be a free agent after the season, turned down a four-year, $72 million offer from the Indians in the spring and said he didn't want to negotiate during the season.

The Brewers immediately targeted Sabathia as the pitcher who could help them make the playoffs and engaged the Indians in intense negotiations over the weekend. Other teams also joined the bidding, including the Philadelphia Phillies."

link: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=769685

[DanTheMan]

How much longer do the Phils have to go before they start seriously considering adding another bat as well. Aside from the Braves series, they aren't hitting anything. Jason Bay in that 6th hole might do some good.

[davthom73]

From this morning's Cleveland Plain Dealer, about the Indians' Sabathia negotiations with the Phillies:

"An Indians source said that as of Sunday afternoon, the Tribe was still waiting to get final proposals from the Dodgers and Phillies. However, the Brewers were always their main bargaining partner because of LaPorta . . .

The Phillies were offering several prospects. Among the players the Indians expressed interest in were second Adrian Cardenas, catcher Lou Manson and left-hander Antonio Bastardo. The Indians wanted Class AA pitcher Carlos Carrasco, but the Phillies didn't want to give him up."

link:

http://blog.cleveland.com/sports/2008/07/tribe_on_verge_of_trading_saba.html

[davthom73]

On my above post -- The reference to "Lou Manson" a/k/a "Lou Marson" was in the original Plain Dealer article.

[GM-Carson]

I see the Phils making a push for Ron Mahay and Randy Wolf. Mahay would be a great addition to the bullpen, plus he'll still be around next season. Wolf isn't lighting the world ablaze right now, but he knows Philly and Philly knows him, he could certainly help in the rotation.

As for the offense, Ruiz and Taguchi need to be outted. Go grab Jason Michaels off the Pittsburgh scrap heap and call Jaramillo or Marson up while sending Chooch down.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

If the Phillies main move for a pitcher is to acquire Randy Wolf, I will vomit continuously for 5 days. That would be like leading the division by 2 games with 4 to go and, for no apparent reason, spot starting Eaton, Condrey and Francisco Rosario.

I'm sorry but Wolf is not an answer to the Phillies needs. They do not need another LH unless that LH is throwing upwards of 95 MPH. Wolf is just another soft tossing LH that will give up a bunch of HR. I liked him as much as anyone when he was with the Phils, but his hour has long since passed in Philadelphia. He needs to stay on the West coast where a larger percentage of the inordinate amount of fly balls he gives up will stay in the yard.

Besides, I was skeptical about even Sabathia if it meant 4 LH in the rotation. I could live with Sabathia being the 4th LH, but not Wolf. If the Phils acquire a LH as the answer to their rotation problems, that assures that Brett Myers is back in the rotation as one of 2 RH. There is no way they go anywhere with 4 LH. Especially if they had to play a team like the Brewers, who murder LH pitching (Especially soft tossing LH). The Cubs are also RH heavy in their lineup. To make matters worse, the D-Backs are also RH heavy.

Thus the likely possible match-ups for the Phils in any playoff scenario would be 3 teams that are heavily RH. I would much rather have 2 RH going up against either of those teams.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Parker: I agree about the vomiting for days. Good one.

I also am beginning to think this team needs to add a bat.

[clout]

There is zero chance of the Phillies trading for Wolf. Ridiculous to even say it.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

Pitchers That I would be O.K. with the Phils acquiring:

1.) A.J. Burnett
2.) Zack Grienke (not at all likely)
3.) Aaron Harang (Not happening)

LH
1.) Erik Bedard (I am shaky at best about this right now. I would have been gun-ho about it prior to the knowledge of his hip injury, but not now).

Batters:

1.) Randy Winn: (Clear #1 choice IMO) (Trade Jenkins, if possible) (Switch hitter w/speed, average, some pop, can play all 3 OF positions, likely available, has hit Oliver Perez and Johann Santana well in his career).
2.) Ryan Freel: See above except he is RH, and injury prone.
3.) Jose Guillen: Ok, except his numbers against Perez/Santana are horrible. (Not really somebody I would want, unless they are absolutely desperate for a bat).

Catcher:
1.) Benji Molina: Probably not available, but with the Giants drafting Buster Posey, I would not be surprised if they dealt Molina. The guy can hit, and that would be a major improvement.
2.) Ramon Hernandez: I'm not crazy about this guy, but when I see Carlos Ruiz bat, I get crazy about Rod Barajas.

[clout]

It looks like Madson is the new setup man by default. He's matured this season and has pitched well. His stuff is just slightly north of mediocre, but I think he's the best option. Romero gets crushed by righties and walks too many. Durbin is way too valuable as a middle relief innings eater who's kept pressure off the backend. Swindle, if his tricks can fool big league hitters, could be a legit LOOGY and Condrey remains mopup. Not sure what the deal with Seanez is since Cholly refuses to use him. Also not sure what happens if Madson fails as a setup man.

[clout]

Parker: Freel is on the D.L. with a complete hamstring tear and not expected back before August. I like him, he's a real sparkplug type, but I doubt they'll deal for a guy out another month.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

Ouch,

B. Molina v.s Johann Santana: 23 AB, 11 H, 2 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI

B. Molina v.s. Oliver Perez: 6 AB, 3 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI

Ok, get this guy, and don't worry about Randy Winn (unless he comes with Molina cheap).

[clout]

Parker: As I recall the Giants had to sign a AAA vet as a backup when their regular backup got hurt. They have no replacement in the minors for Molina, who bats cleanup for them. What would you say the odds are of the Phillies getting Molina from the Giants? My guess: Equal to the odds of a huge meteor hitting the earth tomorrow.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

Clout: Maybe so (on Molina). I said I didn't think he would be available. However, what do you think about Randy Winn? Look at his numbers against Santana/Perez/overall numbers. He looks like he should be wearing a Phillies uniform, IMO.

[joe l]

Equal to the odds of a huge meteor hitting the earth tomorrow.
Oh crap.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

BTW: I have heard Buster Posey talking about Winn being available. His actual quote:

"Winn is really going to end up helping some contender this season."

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

Damn: Buster Olney, oops.

[GM-Carson]

Jose Guillen would be nice, but he's staying in KC. They signed him to make a statement and to hopefully build around him...he's still in the 1st year of the contract.

Trading Jenkins is wishful thinking. The only way another club would take him at this point is if the Phils released him and they signed him at league minimum while the Phils picked up the rest of the chunk of change.

[Cipper]

Maybe I'm just being ridiculous, but shouldn't we just be looking for an improvement to our pitching staff?

Just checking around the basement dwelling teams through out the league, you can find Tim Redding, who has an ERA and WHIP just ever so slightly higher than CC Sabathia:

Redding: 4.04 ERA, 1.34 WHIP
Sabathia: 3.83 ERA, 1.23 WHIP

(I will note that CC has about 2 times the strikeouts).

Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't Redding pitched amazing in CBP? Not to mention he would be cheap, i think he is making a 1 mill this year...

I'm just lookin at other routes the Phills could take so dont crucify me if you think im an idiot haha.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

Cipper: One big problem with the Redding analysis:

All the good numbers Redding put up in CBP came against the Phillies. If he played for them, he wouldn't get to face them. My guess is that his numbers v.s. the rest of the NL east are pretty horrible. Also, mentioning Tim Redding in the same sentence as Sabbathia should be a crime.

[AFish]

Regarding Ruiz, I think Phillies management has repeatedly said that Jaramillo and Marson aren't ready. Unfortunately, Ruiz is performing this year like the Phillies feared he'd perform last year. The Barajas signing now makes slightly more sense. That said, I don't think an untested rookie would be an upgrade over a good defensive catcher.

The worst move yesterday was pulling Burrell in the 8th. The Mets got to use Schoeneweis against two lefties (Howard and Jenkins). I'd rather have had Burrell face Smith. If Burrell is a borderline All Star, shouldn't his potential offensive punch in a close game outweigh his defensive liabilities?

[Cipper]

I know but maybe it's just me, but I would like Hamels to get that big contract, i think he deserves it, i would like Burrell to stick around, and i think we need Howard to stick around, and with a big time pitcher, unless hes just a rental, the possibilities of these things happening are minimal, am I wrong?

[davthom73]

Regarding Jaramillo -- despite some posts here last week about how well Jaramillo was hitting at AAA Lehigh Valley -- the guy has batted only .231 over his last 10 games, with a .255 season average, and low run production, with only 27 RBI's in his 70 games and 255 at bats. Jaramillo -- at this stage of his development -- would not hit even at Ruiz's present production in the big leagues.

[Reed]

Maybe time off has helped Piazza's throwing arm & knees.

[BobbyD]

Taking Burrell out late in the games has been bothering me forever. AFish is exactly right. What other all-star candidate is consistently taken out of games?

[JB]

Gordon at this point is no better than Condrey with Charlie and Dubee always having to play Flash Roulette.

Eventually the result of some "itis" will rear it's ugly head and Phils lose another game.

Surprise, surprise, surprise as it was Gordon's tendons, tissues, or muscles that are inflammed, overused, or simply too old.

Let's just use him even less then before or put him on the DL until he is better.

With a rental set-up man and one left-handed reliever I wonder how long the Phils can continue to play this game before their luck really runs out.

[Jerry]

Glad to see we're back to real conversation. What's up with the Mets fans on here yesterday? "You stink and we're great?" What are they, 11? And don't they have spellcheck or Caps in NYC?

Anyway, how many times this weekend could Howard have helped the team by just making a different kind of out than a K?

[Lake Fred]

I don't think Flash can go a whole season without getting worn out. I'm not too thrilled about dropping the last two games to the Mets. I guess it's getting too hot for hitting season.

[rocky]

to watch howard strike out with a man on third and less than two outs.is killing me to watch.choke up and hit it to the left side,or just make contact.a real team player would do that.on the road trip only once do I remember him hitting a ground ball to the left side.I know he has a lot of rbi but how many were clutch.the top of this order gets on.plus is it only me but does rollins look lost at the plate,he is fielding great but at the plate he doesn't look like the rollins were are used to seeing.

[mike cunningham]

@rocky -- Yes... all 76 Runs Batted In were absolutely un clutch and worthless.

[rocky]

mike cunningham don't you think he should try to choke up with less than two outs and try to make contact.it is a rally killer to strike out with less than two outs and runners on when if you make contact you have a chance to drive in a run,mike I never said his rbi were worthless and un clutch.just by watching him for the last month a lot of strikeouts with runner on less than two outs was my point

[The Truth Injection]

The clutch argument is the worst one in baseball.

Also, when discussing guys we should get for our line-up how well they hit Santana and Perez really shouldn't factor a whole lot. They need to beat a league, not one team.

The Mahay addition would be great. I still think Bedard is the best option for the starting rotation depending on what you would have to give up for him.

[rocky]

why is the hitting in the clutch the worst argument in baseball.?

[rocky]

I was just reading some articles on the c.c. trade.the thing that got me is they gave up prospect with very little chance to sign him,according to the article they will let him walk and sheets and get four high picks out of the first fortyfive to sixty range.they must have a lot of confidence in there scouting dept.they are trading a top pitching and hitting prospect for a rent a player.

[Jon]

I agree with Truth, Bedard and Mahay would be excellent additions! Of course, the Phils have to make those moves first...

[Tommy Hutton's Wristbands]

"My guess: Equal to the odds of a huge meteor hitting the earth tomorrow."

clout don't post stuff like that. Now if I do see a giant blast wave heading toward me from a meteor impact tomorrow I won't be thinking of my family, God or my cats I'll be thinking: "I wonder what that clout guy thinks about this?"

[matt]

I saw Gordon walking off the casino floor at the Borgata with his wife on Saturday night around midnight...guess he shot down there right after the game...then I came home and saw on Sportsnite he was put on the DL.

[cookies]

The phillies can't be willing to stay with swindle,condrey,and seanez.To me this would really be crazy.They will burn out the other members.None of those three can be trusted with the lead,in the sixth or seventh inning.