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Amaro's men tout Ramirez, sorry to lose d'Arnaud

Final nuggets from the Phillies' visit to Reading this week.

Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. was asked to talk about the players the team received for Cliff Lee. "We felt like we received three very, very good prospects," he said. "People talk about Phillippe Aumont and Tyson Gillies, but (assistant GM and former Seattle assistant) Benny Looper really loves J.C. Ramirez and talks about him all the time. We feel like we’ve got two good, quality arms that could pitch in the rotation at the Major League level. In Gillies, he’s got a chance to be a pretty special outfielder. He's a high-energy guy with a lot of tools who is still learning his abilities."

Amaro was then asked to talk about the players they traded away. "It’s tough to part with premium type pitching prospects, guys like Kyle (Drabek). But I tell you what, Travis d’Arnaud ... outstanding catching prospects are hard to come by. There were a lot of guys in our system that weren’t happy with me moving him in particular. Anytime you move that kind of talent, and even in the Cliff Lee deal, you move guys like (Carlos) Carrasco and (Lou) Marson and (Jason) Donald and (Jason) Knapp, that’s a lot of talent to move out of your system in a short period of time."

Happ as reliever: I asked Amaro if the Phillies have finally closed the book on J.A. Happ as a reliever. "I think he proved to us that he’s best suited for being in the rotation," he said. "I think he learned a lot last season. I think Charlie (Manuel) felt and Dubes (pitching coach Rich Dubee) felt that putting him in the bullpen during the playoffs was the best bet with the match-ups that we had, but for me, J.A.’s got a job as one of our starters and it’s his job to lose. He’s a conscientious guy and doesn’t take things for granted, and will be very well prepared for sure."

Pedro: Asked if the Phillies have kept the lines of communication open with Pedro Martinez: "We’ve kept in contact with Pedro and we’ll continue to do so," he said. "Right now, his expectation and our expectations haven’t matched up. He was absolutely fantastic for us. He's a tremendous professional, and if there was an opportunity down the road, or a need, you never know what can happen."

Notes: The Phillies are still hunting last-minute additions for the bullpen. According to Jayson Stark, the Phillies are hoping to land Alan Embree and Ron Mahay on minor league deals, but the veteran lefties are holding out for big league deals. Also, the Red Sox, Phillies, Diamondbacks and Rockies watched Oscar Villarreal throw this week, according to Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse. ... Right-hander Steven Register, who pitched two innings for the Phillies last season, has signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays. Elsewhere, Tyler Walker has signed on with the Nationals.

Phillies once discussed trading for Franklin Gutierrez

Last night at the Winter Tour, I asked Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. how they arrived at the decision to get Ben Francisco as part of July's Cliff Lee 4-for-2:

"We had been looking for a right-handed bat off the bench since the offseason of ’08," Amaro said. "It was tough. We had had some discussions about either (Franklin) Gutierrez or (Ben) Francisco over the course of that year. We had talked internally about both those guys. Then in '09, once we added that fourth prospect, we felt like we had to get another name back rather than go 4-for-1. We were fortunate to get him back, and he gives us some versatility."

Gutierrez was traded to the Mariners in a three-team deal in December of 2008 and hit .283/.339/.425 with 18 for Seattle in 2009. Many of the larger stat houses, including Fangraphs.com and Baseball Information Solutions, consider him to be perhaps the best defensive player in baseball. The Mariners agreed, signing the 26-year-old centerfielder to a four-year, $20 million extension this month.

Amaro: Bastardo pitching 'lights-out' in winter league

Beerleaguer asked Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. to handicap the race between Antonio Bastardo and Sergio Escalona last night during the Winter Tour stop in Reading.

"Bastardo was lights out yesterday in the Dominican," Amaro said. "He’s been outstanding this winter, pitching very well." Phillies officials who've monitored the young lefty's offseason have been excited by the results, watching him throw 2 1-3 perfect innings with three strikeouts Wednesday night in the Dominican Winter League finals. Bastardo also earned the victory in Tuesday's game, striking out three over 1 2-3 innings. All told, Bastardo has pitched in 17 innings this postseason, allowing just four hits, three walks while striking out 26 for an ERA of 0.53.

"Escalona has not been as consistent," he said," but we’ll match them up in spring training and they’ll get to pitch a lot." Asked if the Phillies have closed the door on Bastardo as a starter: "Absolutely," he said. "He’s no longer a starter for us; we think he’s going to be much more effective as a bullpen piece."

Amaro: Contreras was a high-level target for Phillies

Reading Eagle cohort Brian Smith and I had the privilege of getting some quality one-on-one time with Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. at tonight's winter caravan stop in Reading.

Brian arrived at the media session a little earlier than Beerleaguer and asked Amaro about new acquisition Jose Contreras, which was officially announced by the Phillies today: "It's interesting," Amaro said. "From the time that we were going our advance scouting on Colorado our guys really, really liked him, especially with the transition going into the bullpen at that time. He was very effective. We knew he was very durable. We felt like he could help us. He actually was one of the high-level targets for us. We just couldn't match up his expectations on the contract with ours, but sometimes patience kind of pays off. We ended up getting him under a contract we felt very comfortable with and feel that he can give us versatility."

Beerleaguer: Contreras's deal came in at $1.5 million, which is a real steal. Label me legitimately excited to see what the 38-year-old will bring to the 'pen now that we know the extent of the Phillies' interest. I mean, the Phillies are already talking about him as a late-inning option. More reports from the Winter Tour to follow ...

Report: Phillies considering bringing back Pedro

According to Scott Lauber via Twitter, Pedro Martinez wants $5 million or more to pitch a full season.

Beerleaguer: You really have to wonder about Jamie Moyer at this point; with all the complications from surgery, it just doesn't seem like much of a reality if they're serious about Pedro. Martinez, 38, was 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in nine starts with the Phillies, but it seemed like conditions had to be absolutely perfect for the three-time Cy Young winner to be totally effective. Parto of the problem could have been missing all the preparation that would have happened during an organized spring training. He couldn't have finished the season on a worse note. He was brutally bad in cold weather in Game 6 of the World Series. Absolutely pathetic actually. It's difficult to see a fit, and certainly not for $5 million over a full season. It makes some sense in a "half-season" incentive-laden lower-cost plan if Moyer is indeed done, knowing the Phillies won't really need a fifth starter until it starts warming up in May.

Update: Jayson Stark informed me that he first floated the Pedro story a week ago in his Rumblings column. I didn't think people actually read this site. 

Beerleaguer for breakfast: Cairo catches on with Reds

Miguel Cairo, part of the Phillies' 25-man roster through the first two rounds of the postseason, went 12-45 (.267) with one home run during the regular season and a combined 0-5 (.000) in the Division and Championship Series.

Cairo, 35, broke camp with the Phillies as the 25th man and split the season between Philadelphia and Triple-A Lehigh Valley, seeing most of his action at second base, his specialty over a 14-year Major League career. In 1,227 career games, he is a .266/.315/.358 hitter with 28 homers and 320 RBIs. Following the NLCS, Cairo was replaced by Brett Myers on the World Series roster, while Eric Bruntlett filled the team's utility and speed need. Cincinnati was seeking someone who could back up Paul Janish at shortstop and play around the infield, according to the team's Web site. The deal is of the minor league variety, and Cairo has been asked to attend big league camp with the Reds. Beerleaguer: Cairo will be the player who stumps Philadelphia sports trivia buffs at Paddy's Pub when contestants are asked to name the Phillies' 2009 postseason roster. I almost forgot myself.

Phillies claim SS Bocock off waivers from Blue Jays

Brian Bocock, 24, appeared in 34 games with the Giants in 2008, hitting .143/.258/.156 in 93 plate appearances, starting 26 games at short. He split last season between San Jose (A) and Connecticut (AA).

Via Rotoworld: “Bocock, who was claimed off waivers from the Giants earlier this month, is quickly becoming the Hot Stove's hot potato. The 24-year-old shortstop hit .143 in 77 at-bats with the Giants in 2008 and hasn't made much progress at the plate since, batting just .230/.302/.316 with three home runs and 51 RBI between two levels in San Francisco's minor league system last season. He doesn't offer much besides a nice glove.”

Bocock, who opened the 2008 season as the Giants' starting shortstop despite never appearing above Single-A, first became available to the Jays when the Giants needed to clear roster space for signing Juan Uribe in November.

Beerleaguer: I dug up this quote from the Giants blog, McCovey Chronicles: "Bocock will always stand out to me as a symbol of GM Brian Sabean’s disregard for minor league statistics. It’s not that Sabean ever thought that Bocock was going to be anything other than a light-hitting defensive shortstop; it’s that Sabean thought Bocock could fake it long enough to buy time until Omar Vizquel returned from an injury. Bocock was a shortstop who was just six months removed from hitting .220 in A-ball and was just over a year removed from playing for Stetson University. But he passed over whatever AA or AAA shortstop should have been in place in the event of an emergency. Why? Not entirely sure." 

Bocock and his .614-career OPS would look good only on Reading's bench so as not to impede on anyone's development time. His stat line, high strikeout totals, age, defensive position and the fact that he once earned a Major League cup of coffee reminds me an awful lot of Brad Harman. I would be shocked if he receives an invite to spring training. (Update: He was added to the 40-man roster, so he'll be there). It's a strange signing, too. All I can think is that one of their organizational infielders got hurt in winter ball.

Notes: The Yankees have acquired Beerleaguer favorite Greg Golson, who was designated for assignment by the Rangers last week. Chooch passed his physical, so three-years, $8.85 million is official.

Beerleaguer for breakfast: Chase Utley speaks!

The media was all over Chase Utley like flies on shut-your-mouth yesterday as the second baseman dropped into town to attend various community and charity gigs. The Phillies second baseman spoke on a number of topics, including the need for days off and the acquisition of Roy Halladay. The coverage reminds me of one of those British pop music magazines, like Uncut or Mojo, with headlines like "Keith Speaks!" Or, excuse me, "Keef Speaks!" A number of links to these exclusives can be found on the right sidebar.

Report: Phillies lock up Chooch for 3 more years

As expected, the Phillies have avoided arbitration with Carlos Ruiz, signing their starting catcher to a three-year extension believed to be worth $9 million, according to CSNPhilly's Jim Salisbury. [Link]

The 31-year-old backstop rode a second-half surge to a career year for the Phillies, hitting .255/.355/.425 with nine homers and a 104 OPS+. Chooch was in his first season of arbitration eligibility. He and the Phillies weren't far apart when the two sides exchanged numbers last week, and following the three-year extensions granted to Shane Victorino and Joe Blanton, the Phillies rewarded their valued catcher with a deal that buys out his arbitration years. The signing means all the Phillies' key components are in the books for 2010 and that most of the core will remain intact until at least 2011. Chooch's deal will be finalized pending next week's physical, according to the report.

Update: Todd Zolecki writes that a source told MLB.com that the deal includes a fourth-year option worth $5 million with a $500,000 buyout. Nice deal for Ruben Amaro, Scott Proefrock and their team, and a strong vote of confidence for their franchise catcher.

Sunday: Phillies folk hero signs with San Diego

Matt Stairs, whose majestic homer during the '08 NLCS ranks as one of the greatest moments in Phillies history, heads West on a minor league deal.

Stairs, 42, had trouble getting on the field for the Phillies last season, hitting just .194./.357/.379 with five homers, failing to record a hit between July 11 and Sept. 10. ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, who first reported this deal, also says that the Canadian has shed 31 pounds this winter in an effort to boost his defensive game. The Padres had been searching for a left-handed bench bat and plan on using him as their designated hitter during interleague play. If nothing else, Stairs remains a respected home run threat who will draw walks.

More on Contreras: The Phillies' preliminary agreement with Jose Contreras is a move I like more with every passing report, especially if Jim Salisbury's source correctly estimated the dollar amount at $1 million. The 38-year-old right-hander has a chance to become a valued workman in a swing role, and when you dissect the numbers, Contreras brings excellent sleeper potential starting fresh in a new league. His 6-13, 4.92 mark between the White Sox and Rockies is a shallow indication of performance based on several factors, including the quality of the ChiSox defense and the fact that he was still mending from a 2008 ruptured Achilles, an injury that typically takes a year to heal. His strikeout totals stood at an encouraging 7.2 S0/9 last season, his highest mark since 2004, and he's still quite good at forcing grounders and keeping the ball in the park.

Minor league transactions: Right-hander Jordan Meaker and utilityman Brandon Pinckney become the latest names added to the Phillies' minor league inventory. Meaker, 23, was a 20th round choice by the Diamondbacks in '08 and pitched for Class-A South Bend last season, primarily in relief. Pinckney, who will turn 28 in April, hit .291/.309/.358 over 267 plate appearances with Triple-A Norfolk (Baltimore). In seven seasons, most of his action has come at shortstop, second and third. The signings were first reported by Baseball America.

Breaking: Phillies sign Jose Contreras to 1-year deal

Dominican baseball writer Enrique Rojas, reporting for ESPN Deportes, has learned that the Phillies have signed veteran right-hander Jose Contreras to a one year deal. Earlier today, ESPN's Jayson Stark said the Phillies "have been in on Jose Contreras, proposing a similar scenario to the deal that enticed Chan Ho Park last year," in other words, preferring him in a bullpen role, but willing to let him compete for the fifth starter's job in spring training. The 38-year-old Cuban right-hander appeared in 28 games (23 starts) with the White Sox and Rockies last season, going 6-13 with a 4.92 ERA (94 ERA+). Terms of the deal are not immediately available. ESPN says the deal is pending a physical. More coming ...

Beerleaguer: From the horse's mouth, via Scott Lauber: "We’re just looking for someone who can give us some versatility,” said Ruben Amaro Jr. In other words, they don't know how they'll use Contreras until they get more clarity on Jamie Moyer's health and Kyle Kendrick's progress. Here's the other thing: Technically, the Phils won't need a fifth starter until the end of the month - April 26 to be exact (hat tip MPN). So the fifth starter position will be in a state of flux, just as it always is.

Personally, I'd prefer to stick Contreras in the 'pen and be done with it. The ability to experiement is a luxury the Phillies can afford. Use it to see if Kendrick can reestablish himself and if Contreras can get his second wind in the bullpen. The Phils have had a pretty good hunch with these types of swing men (Durbin, Park, and eventually, Franklin), and the bullpen is where they need the most help.

The price of success: Phillies reward Vic with 3 years

Sources have confirmed that Shane Victorino is set to receive a three-year extension, which would buyout two years of arbitration eligibility and first year of free agency. The deal is believed to be worth $22 million.

Beerleaguer: Twice a Rule 5 pick, the Flyin' Hawaiian, 29, traveled a longer road to reach this point than many major leaguers, and has been just as vital to the club's success as anyone. To me, players like Vic and Jayson Werth are why the Phillies got over the hump. So rather than make it a year-to-year issue, the Phillies ignore service time and gladly pick up the tab to reward their All-Star, Gold Glove center fielder. It's the same type of gesture they gave many of his teammates, including Joe Blanton earlier today and Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels last season. It's the price of success, and something the Phils, basically, had to do if they wanted to stay true to this group. The deal will reportedly be finalized Friday. We'll have more tomorrow.

Joe Blanton to eat innings for three more seasons

The Phillies and right-hander Joe Blanton came to terms on a three-year, $24 million extension today, avoiding his final year of arbitration eligibility with a deal that will pay him just $7 million this season.

Blanton, 29, went 12-8 with a 4.05 ERA for the Phillies in ’09 and was reportedly seeking $10.25 million when the two sides exchanged figures Tuesday. He settles for less than the Phillies were offering ($7.5 million) in exchange for some long-term security to stay in Philadelphia. Averaging $8 million a season, the deal is generally in line with what comparable pitchers, like Jason Marquis and Joel Pineiro, received via free agency.

Beerleaguer: Locking in, long-term, with starting pitching became a surprising focus for Ruben Amaro and the Phillies this offseason, but the real key to the Blanton extension could be assembling a back-loaded deal in order to free up dollars in hopes of adding another arm. And, despite what the scouting magazines might say, the perceptions of the Phillies’ farm system may be a tad inflated, especially when it comes to starting pitching in the upper levels.

As for the deal, I’m ok with it; $8 million per seems a tad high, but a decent trade-off considering that the durable Blanton is a couple years younger than Pineiro and Marquis; Blanton will only be 32 by the time his contract expires; Pineiro and Marquis are 31 right now. It's actually the exact same money they gave Adam Eaton over three years, so if he completely bombs like Eaton, which I doubt, it's not too terrible a burden. Blanton is a good pitcher and the Phillies know what they're getting; he was perhaps their most consistent pitcher in 2009 – and I believe the Phillies had an obligation to reward Kentucky Joe’s service to a World Series winner with a little something extra. Overall, this is a better deal for Blanton than it is for the Phils. To me, Blanton is an essential part of the "methodical march" through 162 games, but a non-essential component once the calendar flips to October.

That said, the Phillies are stuck with yet another financial hurdle to clear past 2010, and you begin to wonder how much longer the whole gang can stay together (i.e. Jayson Werth).

Beerleaguer for breakfast: Duckworth loses in D.R.

Brandon Duckworth and several other Phillies were on the receiving end of a 13-4 thrashing in Game 3 of the Dominican Winter League Championship.

Duckworth, who signed a minor league deal with the Phillies last week, allowed five hits and four runs (only 1 earned) over 2 2-3 innings, giving way to seven relievers left to clean up the mess, including Reading Phillie Alex Concepcion, who let up two runs in an inning of work. Veteran shortstop Wilson Valdez, who figures to be at Lehigh Valley this season, went 1-for-3 to raise his average to .190. Former Phillie Nelson Figueroa picked up the win for Escogido. Beerleaguer: Just for fun, count the number of ex-and-current Phillies participating in the winter leagues. Today's headline grabbers include Aqualino Lopez, Gustavo Chacin, Figueroa and Jose Offerman, who received a lifetime ban for punching an umpire. Great Beerleaguer fun on a light news day. [Link]

Minors: BA rates Taylor as second-best A's prospect

Michael Taylor, traded to the Jays as part of the Roy Halladay deal, then flipped to the Athletics for corner-infield prospect Brett Wallace, has also been mentioned in preseason Rookie of the Year talk.

Eyeing a clear path to the majors with Oakland, Baseball America believes Taylor will be given a chance to win Oakland's left-field job in spring training, a chance he wouldn’t have been given in Philadelphia until at least 2011. The scouting magazine likes the left fielder’s raw power and other tools and rated him as the best hitter (for average) in the Oakland chain. However, the magazine believes conditioning, related to his juvenile diabetes, could become an issue down the road. On a separate note, Adrian Cardenas, part of the Joe Blanton trade of 2008, rated ninth among A’s prospects. [Link]

Links: Brian Smith of the Reading Eagle profiles local product and Phillies spring invitee Ryan Vogelsong. [Link] The Rangers signed Colombian catcher Jorge Alfaro, who had been in the Phillies' sights. [Link]

Report: Gagne will workout for Phillies scouts

Former Cy Young Award closer Eric Gagne is attempting a comeback after being out of baseball in 2009. A report from CKAC Sports Radio in Quebec says the Phillies will watch him pitch today.

The 34-year-old right-hander spent last season pitching as a starter for the Quebec Capitales of the independent Can-Am League. Before that, Gagne last pitched for Milwaukee after signing a one-year, $10 million deal to become the Brewers' closer in 2008. He was shut down in May with rotator cuff tendonitis and returned late in the season in a setup role. He was released by the Brewers in March of '09. A Yahoo! Sports report claims Gagne is trying to make his way back to the Majors as a starting pitcher, adding a cutter to his arsenal. A veteran of 10 seasons, Gagne was a perfect 55-for-55 in save opportunities in 2003, helping him net the National League Cy Young. He was listed in the Mitchell Report for using human-growth hormone.

Beerleaguer: Quipped one reader on Scott Lauber's blog: "Unless (Kirk) Radomski is included in the deal, I think Gagne is finis’ " That's probably true. Be that as it may, if the Phillies see that he has something left, why not give it a shot?  Swap the Dominican Republic with Quebec and this is Pedro Martinez all over again. For a time, Pedro and Gagne were two of the best pitchers going in baseball. Although he was gassed in Game 6, Pedro was a good signing. The Phils could structure a minor league deal for Gagne with an early summer out clause, test him in Lehigh Valley and see what happens.

Phils, Blanton nearly $3M apart; Vic through '11?

The Phillies and their three remaining arbitration eligible players, Shane Victorino, Joe Blanton and Carlos Ruiz, have exchanged figures.

According to reports, Victorino wants $5.8 million, the Phillies countered with $4.75 million; Blanton seeks $10.5 million, compared to the Phils offer of $7.5 million; and Carlos Ruiz has asked for $2.5 million, and the Phils offered $1.7 million. Blanton's request is nearly $5 million more than the right-hander earned last season. According to CSNPhilly's Jim Salisbury, the club is trying to hammer out a multiyear deal with their centerfielder, one that would take him through 2011.

Beerleaguer: Is it any wonder the Phillies attempted to move Blanton this fall? This would be a record sum in arbitration. He's asking for $1.5 million more than Cliff Lee will make this season. To me, someone like Jason Marquis, who got a two-year, $15 million deal on the open market, is a fair Blanton comp. The Phillies went in low, but if the two sides head to arbitration with these figures, I like the Phils' chances.

Nevertheless, you can't blame the guy; Blanton is exactly the type of middle-of-the-road starter getting burned by this market, and this might actually be his best shot to cash in. A couple years ago, he could expect to hit Carlos Silva-type free agent paydirt. Not anymore brother.

Report: Rollins OK after quake rocks Cayman Islands

The Phillies confirmed that shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who is in the Caribbean preparing for his weekend wedding, was unharmed as a 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck Tuesday. According to the U.S. Geological survey, the 6.2-mile deep quake hit at 9:23 a.m. ET, 40 miles from George Town. The club's official Twitter writes that Rollins was forced to vacate his building. Several players are expected to attend. Ex-Phil Bobby Abreu is reportedly among the groomsmen.

Tuesday: Durbin reaches deal before soft deadline

The Phillies and reliever Chad Durbin avoided arbitration and have reportedly agreed on a one-year, $2.125 million deal. The 32-year-old right-hander went 2-2 with a 4.39 ERA (97 ERA+) in 2009.

The Phillies have until noon today to settle on new deals for their three remaining arbitration-eligible players: Joe Blanton, Shane Victorino and Carlos Ruiz. If they cannot come to terms, the two sides will exchange salary figures to determine if a February trip to the arbitration table will be scheduled (the two sides may continue to work out a deal until then; this whole process is designed to facilitate and expedite settlement). The Phillies, who avoided arbitration with 11 eligible players last season and have a good track record for avoiding the process, would rather not place their financial commitments in the hands of an arbiter. With payroll commitments already reaching a reported $120 million, the Phillies may be more inclined to lowball the unsigned trio, bearing in mind that this tactic backfired two years ago when the club lost their arbitration case with Ryan Howard, who took home a record $10 million instead of $7.5 million.

Duckworth note: Matt Gelb, supplying the Inquirer's Andy Martino with a winter break, says Brandon Duckworth will not be invited to major league spring training, meaning he's viewed as minor league roster fill.

Monday: The long and short of Chase Utley's ABs

Beerleaguer's first in a series of short, winter player valuations deals with the man voted 2009 Phillies MVP by readers of this space.

The problem with the offseason is that we spend so much time monitoring rumors, debating new acquisitions and projecting the value of peripheral players that superstars like Chase Utley are ignored for months. When was the last time we discussed Utley? Ages ago. So let's do this. In terms of baseball "aptitude," Utley will end his career graduating summa cum laude as a second baseman and base-runner, but only magna cum laude as a hitter.

Let's explain. Defensively, he's always in sync with the action on the field, as demonstrated by his World Series pump fake in the definitive play from the 2008 World Series. We all agree he's brighter than a lightbulb on the bases (some consider him the best baserunner in baseball). However, there's a general perception that he's the same student of the game at the dish, but I question that. I see a beautiful, compact swing, good for driving the ball hard and deep, but I don't necessarily see a grandmaster able to outwit opposing pitchers. Actually, the longer opposing pitchers were given to flash a couple of different looks, the more likely they were to turn him away.

That's obviously true for many hitters, but especially true for Utley. Like many of his teammates, Utley is an exceptional hitter early in the count. He wants to jerk a fastball or hanging curve into the right field bleachers. But once he sees more than four pitches, the results are generally terrible. According to Bill James, he hit .218/.399/.365 when he saw four or more pitches, and just .109/.397/.191 when the battle reached seven or more. I also wonder about all the times he's hit by a pitch. There was a study done recently by The Baseball Analysts that found was hit by pitches 449 percent more than the average hitter last season. In addition to crowding the plate, that tells me he's basically set to pull the string on that compact stroke, down and in, even as a baseball is about to burrow into his ribcage.

None of this is a complaint, mind you. Maybe his offensive genius is all in the repetition and mechanics of his swing. Whatever gets it done, and nobody's complaining.

Sunday: Phillies dig deep with Duckworth, Standridge

The rumored birth of the Phillies' 2031 heir to ageless shortstop and leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins is confirmed. With an hour to spare between the next feeding/changing/fungo drill, let's catch up on the latest.

Duckworth and Standridge: The Phillies continued to add minor league inventory this week with a pair of connected right-handers: Brandon Duckworth, 33, part of a tire-spinning teams of the early decade, and Jason Standridge, a former Tampa Bay first-round draft choice by then GM and current Phillies assistant GM Chuck LaMar. As with many of these minor league signings, there's nothing scientific behind these deals and no expectation of success. Randy Miller reported the Phillies watched Duckworth and Standridge, former Royals teammates, square off in a Dominican winter league game and were moved to sign them. [Link]

Duckworth's biggest contribution to baseball is that he helped the Phillies net Billy Wagner. He was able to ride the momentum of two, big strikeout seasons for a very long time, the first occurring in 2000 with Double-A Reading (a very entertaining season indeed), cementing his status as something of a prospect, the second over a full season in 2002. But since his 2004 trade to Houston, he's floated in and out of the bigs so many times it's hard to keep track. The Astros gave up on him in 2005 and he's spent the last four years languishing in Kansas City. Even there, he was unable to stick. The right-hander spent all of 2009 with Triple-A Omaha, going 3-6 with a 5.31 ERA in 20 games, all but one appearance as a starter. Clout offers his take:

"Duckworth is fine for the LV rotation. He's settled into a career as a Triple-A guy who can come up in an emergency and give you 6 or 7 mediocre 5-inning starts. He was originally an undrafted, no-stuff righty out of Cal State-Fullerton who looked like he could be a surprise when he went 8-9 in 2002 with a K/BB of 2.42. But his control and command reverted back to being terrible, a fatal flaw for a no-stuff pitcher. If his walk rate had been 1/9 instead of 4/9 and his HR rate 0.5/9 instead of 1.1/9, he might've been something. The Duck Pond was drained long ago."

Standridge, 31, turned a 1997 first-round nod by Tampa into a 12-year minor league career that includes stops in Japan and, most recently, Somerset of the independent leagues. He last appeared in four games with Kansas City in 2007. In parts of seven seasons between Tampa, Texas, Cincinnati and Kansas City, he's 3-9 with a 5.80 ERA.

Lidge goes under the knife: Nothing gets blown out of proportion more than if a pitcher is expected to be mildly behind schedule come spring training, especially when it comes to a team as seasoned as the Phillies. "Behind schedule" has been Brad Lidge's Clearwater calling card, and his third go-round feels a lot more like the first, en route to a perfect season, than the second, en route to disaster. Lidge underwent minor surgery on his knee last week after it flared up during his offseason workouts. His agent said it was "really next to nothing." If anything, it simply reinforces something we already knew: at this stage, the Phillies' closer is a fragile physical specimen at this stage of his career. Lidge pitched through a balky elbow and knee in 2009 and needed offseason surgery for both.

What can you say; at least he was proactive about it in January rather than February. Games in April count just as much as September and yada-yada-yada. But April, to the Phillies, is basically an extension of spring training. Games are sloppy, rosters flimsy. If Lidge needs to sit the first two weeks, they won't miss him. A .500 April from this traditionally late-charging club would be a spectacular success.

Arbitration: As expected, Shane Victorino, Joe Blanton, Chad Durbin and Carlos Ruiz formally filed for salary arbitration. You'll read more about where these negotiations are headed next week.

Programming note: Posting will be light for the next 18 years.

Beer nuts: Phillies make decision on Aumont's future

Citing Phillies assistant GM Benny Looper, Jim Salisbury writes that 21-year-old right-hander Phillippe Aumont will work as a starter after spending all of last season in the bullpen. [Link]

Beerleaguer: When faced with a decision like this about a newly acquired project player, the new team inevitably decides that the old team got it wrong. They do this because baseball is a giant sausage fest and the competitive juices aren’t limited to the playing field. In the near term, the Phils will need to start grooming both the starters and relievers of tomorrow, but to limit a high-ceiling, 21-year-old arm to 60 innings, as opposed to 160, seems like a waste of valuable development time. Now's the time to see if Amount can add pitches to his repertoire rather than fill a shorter-term need in the 'pen. Looper says the bullpen will become a fallback for the 6-7 Canadian, who said he prefers life as a reliever. But at 21, he doesn’t know jack about squat, like many of us at that age. Most people think he’ll begin the year at Double-A Reading next season, but given this decision, on top of adapting to a new organization, Clearwater could be a softer landing. There's absolutely no rush.  

Myers official: Brett Myers is officially an Astro after signing a one-year, $5.1MM deal today. His contract will pay him $3.1MM in 2010 and includes an $8M mutual option/$2M buyout for '11. He will be a starter.

Poll: Phillies change the mix with several newcomers

The Phillies made a number of additions and subtractions this offseason, with the possibility of more on the way. From this list of six acquisitions, pick the player with the best chance of providing a boost over their predecessor.

New poll: Phillies searching for the next J.A. Happ

Our rapid-fire polling continues with a question about the Phillies' young arms. Team GM Ruben Amaro Jr. says that a number of young pitchers will audition this spring for one or two open slots in the rotation and bullpen. Weigh in on which young hopeful has the best chance at making a difference in the thread below.

Beerleaguer for breakfast: Most improved player poll

There is no new news to report from this weekend, so let's lead off the week with an open poll about the upcoming season. Discuss your answer in the thread below. Seems like a good time to start looking ahead, so we'll return later today with a second poll on the 2010 Phillies campaign.

Astros, Myers reach agreement pending physical

Houston, one of Brett Myers' original suitors once he hit the open market in November, had reportedly been competing against Texas for his services. The 29-year-old right-hander rejoins former Phillies GM Ed Wade and a host of other ex-Phils, including Jason Michaels, Michael Bourn and Pedro Feliz. The deal is reportedly for one year at $5 million, according to a source for the Associated Press. Myers finished his Phillies career with a 73-63 record and a 4.40 ERA (99 ERA+) over eight seasons, both as a starter and reliever. He's likely to start in Houston, as the Astros have already taken measures to improve their bullpen through free agency. Myers becomes the second ex-Phils pitcher to sign this week. Clay Condrey agreed to a one-year deal with Minnesota Wednesday. Beerleaguer: Great pic, isn't it? One more for the road [Audio] And one for good measure. [Video]. But here's the best of all [Video].

New additions Wasserman, Sardinha receive invites

Sidearm right-hander and former White Sox hurler Ehren Wasserman, and Hawaiian catcher Dane Sardinha, who spent time with Detroit last season, are among 13 Phillies added as Phillies non-roster spring invitees. But the real story is the number of highly regarded prospects coming to camp.

Phillipe Aumont and Tyson Gillies, two of the three players included in the Cliff Lee trade, will join the big club in Clearwater, along with top prospect Domonic Brown, shortstop Freddy Galvis, reliever B.J. Rosenberg and left-hander Joe Savery. In addition, the Phils are bringing back minor league veteran Ozzie Chavez to boost the confidence of opposing relievers, along with the catching cavalcade of Tuffy Gosewisch, Kevin Nelson and John Suomi, soon to be seen squatting in a row along a fence. Ryan Vogelsong, who we reported on yesterday, is also invited, rounding out the list of 13.

Sardinha is a former second-round pick of the Reds who never panned out and has basically been stuck in Triple-A for an eternity, but he has enough experience to make the Phillies reasonably comfortable in case Carlos Ruiz or Brian Schneider get hurt. Is he better than Paul Hoover? Even the most hard-bitten Beerleaguer doesn't care about that one. Wasserman, who appeared in 57 games with the Southsiders between 2007-08, is strictly inventory.

Personally, Aumont, Rosenberg and Savery are the most intriguing players on the list. I think everyone knew Brown was coming. After watching a few clips, I’m anxious to see the gargantuan Canadian Aumont in action. The Rosenberg invite is an interesting tell; you’re starting to see his name pop up more and more as a legit bullpen prospect and it's rare you see someone groomed to relieve. This is a make-or-break year for Savery and I’m expecting to see him get at least a few Grapefruit League starts to make an impression (although the fact that Amaro didn’t mention him the other day doesn’t give me a strong impression).

Here’s the complete list as it appeared today, courtesy of the Phillies:

Phillipe Aumont, RHP: Aumont, 21, split last season between single-A High Desert and double-A West Tennessee where he combined to go 2-6 with 16 saves, a 3.88 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 51.0 innings (44 games). Following the season, he pitched for Peoria in the Arizona Fall League. A 6-foot-7, 254-pound native of Gatineau, Quebec, Aumont also pitched for Team Canada in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

Domonic Brown, OF: Following the 2009 season, Brown, 22, was named the Phillies' top minor league prospect by Baseball America. Brown began last season with single-A Clearwater where he was named a Florida State League All-Star after hitting .303 with 11 home runs and 44 RBI in 66 games. He finished the season with double-A Reading, batting .279 with three home runs and 20 RBI in 37 games. After the season, Brown played for Scottsdale in the Arizona Fall League and was named to the AFL's Top Prospect team.

Ozzie Chavez, INF: Chavez, 26, spent last season with double-A Reading where he appeared in 112 games and batted .259 with 34 RBI and scored 37 runs. Also a non-roster invitee to Phillies spring training in 2009, Chavez made 96 appearances at shortstop and 15 at second base. He batted .289 (26-90) with 32 RBI with runners in scoring position. Following the season, Chavez played for Toros del Este in the Dominican Winter League.

Freddy Galvis, INF: Galvis, 20, spent the majority of the 2009 season with single-A Clearwater, batting .247 with 15 RBI over 63 games, all at shortstop. He was named Phillies Minor League Player of the Week for April 20-26, after batting .417. Galvis missed time in May due to a fractured right ring finger but returned to finish the season with double-A Reading.

Tyson Gillies, OF: Gillies, 21, who was acquired from Seattle along with Aumont, spent the 2009 season with single-A High Desert where he hit .341 with 50 extra-base hits and 42 RBI over 124 games. He led all Mariners minor leaguers with 44 stolen bases and his .341 batting average ranked second. A native of Kamloops, British Columbia, Gillies recorded 52 multi-hit games on the season and batted .350 with 31 RBI with runners in scoring position.

Tuffy Gosewisch, C: Between stops at double-A Reading and triple-A Lehigh Valley last season, Gosewisch, 26, batted .235 with 21 RBI over 76 games. With Reading, he batted .365 against left-handed pitching. Following the season, Gosewisch, who was also a non-roster invitee to Phillies spring training in 2009, played for Scottsdale in the Arizona Fall League where he batted .318 in 11 games.

Kevin Nelson, C: Nelson, 28, spent last season with double-A Reading where he set career highs in several offensive categories including games (53), hits (40), home runs (9) and RBI (27). He also appeared in four games for triple-A Lehigh Valley. Between both clubs, Nelson threw out 15 of 44 potential basestealers (34.1%).

Brian (B.J.) Rosenberg, RHP: In 2009, Rosenberg, 25, pitched for both single-A Lakewood and double-A Reading. He was named a South Atlantic League All-Star with Lakewood after going 7-2 with 19 saves and a 0.89 ERA in his 37 appearances. Between both clubs, he converted 22 of his 26 save opportunities and 38 of his 47 appearances were scoreless. Following the season, Rosenberg pitched for Yaquis de Obregon in the Mexican Pacific League.

Dane Sardinha, C: Sardinha, 30, split last season between triple-A Toledo and the Detroit Tigers. The Hawaii native began the season with Toledo before being recalled by the Tigers to serve as their backup catcher from late April through June. With Toledo he batted .178 with three home runs and 16 RBI in 38 games. For his major league career, Sardinha has appeared in 31 games between the Reds (2003, 2005) and Tigers (2009).

Joe Savery, LHP: Savery, 24, combined to go 16-6 with a 4.40 ERA in 28 games (27 starts) between double-A Reading and triple-A Lehigh Valley. With Reading, Savery went 5-0 with a 1.76 ERA in six June starts en route to being named Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Month. In addition, Savery who was also a non-roster invitee to Phillies spring training in 2008, was named to the Eastern League midseason All-Star team.

John Suomi, C: After spending parts of the 2007 and 2008 seasons in the Phillies minor league system, Suomi, 29, was in the Kansas City Royals organization in 2009. In 60 games between double-A Northwest Arkansas and triple-A Omaha, the Toronto native batted .246 with eight home runs and 25 RBI. Last season, Suomi appeared in 40 games at catcher, 12 as designated hitter, five in left field and three as a pinch-hitter.

Ehren Wasserman, RHP: Wasserman, 29, pitched for triple-A Charlotte last season where he went 7-3 with a 3.68 ERA in 43 appearances. He finished second on Charlotte's staff in appearances and third in wins. Following the season, Wasserman pitched for Venados de Mazatlan in the Mexican Pacific League. For his major league career, he has a 2-3 record with a 5.06 ERA in 57 games with the White Sox (2007-08).

Ryan Vogelsong, RHP: Vogelsong, 32, has not pitched professionally in the United States since the 2006 season. He spent the past three years pitching in Japan for the Hanshin Tigers (2007-08) and Orix Buffaloes (2009). For his career, Vogelsong has a major league record of 10-22 with a 5.86 ERA over six seasons between the Giants (2000-01) and Pirates (2001, 2003-06).

Breaking news: Scott Eyre announces his retirement

According to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, the 37-year-old left-hander was seeking the same $2 million deal he received last season, but the Phillies extended only a minor league offer.

An important midseason addition during the Phillies’ 2008 run to the World Series, Eyre finished with an ERA south of 2 (1.62) in 61 regular season appearances with the club, nice value for a guy who was picked off the Cubs' scrap heap. A veteran of 13 seasons, he puts the stamp on a career that includes a 28-30 mark and 4.23 ERA (106 ERA+). According to Zolecki, Eyre said Thursday that “even if the club had offered a Major League contract he likely would have retired.” In the meantime, the Phillies are reportedly seeking a low-cost alternative to Eyre. David Murphy provides a list of available LOOGYS today on his blog. It's a larger list than you think (Value Village is thriving these days). (Beerleaguer returns momentarily with a word on 13-more Phillies non-roster invitees).

Links: Eyre discusses his career with Zo. [Link]

Beerleaguer for breakfast: Wang, Sheets on the radar

Just a short blurb to open discussion this Wednesday morning.

Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. says he has touched base with the agents of free agent right-handers Chien-Ming Wang and Ben Sheets, each returning from surgeries. Sheets, 31, missed all of 2009 recovering from surgery to repair the torn flexor tendon in his pitching elbow. His last, deep start occurred in Philadelphia during the Phillies’ pivotal four-game sweep over Milwaukee in 2008. Wang, who will turn 30, was awful in '09 before getting shut down in July for surgery to repair a torn shoulder capsule. Amaro also indicated that resigning Scott Eyre was unlikely based on a Tuesday morning conversation he had with Eyre’s agent. (based on multiple reports)

Readers weigh in: “Sheets, Garland, Bedard, Washburn, Wang et al. "They are out of the Phillies' price range. I'm not convinced that Eyre can land a guaranteed contract, so there's still hope there. Some secondary type FA SPs still on the market (correct me if I'm wrong): Doug Davis, Livan Hernandez, Looper, Pedro, Padilla, Prior, Redding, Wellemeyer. Davis, Pedro and Padilla are also likely out of the Phils' price range. Prior is a huge injury risk. That leaves Looper, Redding and Wellemeyer. If any of them revert to prior seasons' success (rather than repeat last season) they could be a nice bargain. But RA might be better off spending what's left on the bullpen." - clout

Phillies ink Kutztown product Ryan Vogelsong

The 32-year-old right-hander returns to the states after spending the last three seasons in Japan. GM Ruben Amaro Jr. announced the minor league signing today.

Vogelsong, a fifth-round selection of the Giants in the 1998 draft, went 10-22 with a 5.86 ERA in 120 games (30 starts) over a six-year career with San Francisco and Pittsburgh. He pitched on and off with the Orix Buffalos in 2009, taking time off midseason for a paternity leave and was given his official release in December. Before that, he had a good thing going with Hanshin, posting a 4.08 ERA in 32 starts between 2007-08. A product of Octorara Area High School in Atglen, Pa., and also Kutztown University in beautify Kutztown, Pa., he had been making his home in Rokko Island, Kobe, Japan.

Beerleaguer: I actually saw Vogelsong pitch when I was in Japan, but that’s another story. Always great when local guys join the fray; this will make Beerleaguer's senior coorespondent, a KU booster, very happy indeed. Now, here’s the interesting part: According to Amaro (via Jim Salisbury), Vogelsong will be in the mix for the final starter's job, along with Andrew Carpenter. I would be shocked if he's anywhere other than Lehigh Valley next season, but it's interesting that he's starting to name names.

Phillies stretching their dollar to fill in the gaps: Over the holiday, a lot of people asked my take on the Halladay deal. Most sentiments echoed the negative reaction I’ve heard the last month on talk radio during my commute from hell. My response is that I’m always skeptical of the popular opinion and that the Cliff Lee portion of the trade involved a number of complex factors, but that I see both sides of the argument.

My inner contrarian would like to take the same approach to a pair of earlier signings: Juan Castro, met with disdain, and Brian Schneider, accepted with aplomb. Castro, being the last man off the bench, is never, ever going to play. Eric Bruntlett never played. Neither did So Taguchi. In fact, Castro might play even less than those two since Placido Polanco can slide over to second. The Phillies, paper-thin with infield depth, sunk $750,000 into Castro’s glove, which can be used all around the infield. Other teams paid significantly more for the same tools (Omar Vizquel, $1.35M; Alex Cora, $2M; John McDonald, $1.5M). By his own standards, he hit well last year, posting a .277/.311/.339 (76 OPS+) in 121 plate appearances. Anything he provides offensively will be a bonus; the Phils added 2009 pinch hitting league leader Ross Gload to take care of that. He’ll join Greg Dobbs, who led the league with 35 pinch hits a year earlier. Meanwhile, people seem to believe the Phils added a starting catcher in Schneider. Don’t get me wrong; Schneider was a good get at two-years, $2.75 million, but age, injuries and that sub-Castro 67 OPS+ in ’09 suggest otherwise.

Counting today’s $5.25M, two-year announcement of Danys Baez, and the Phillies have invested just under $6 million for a utility infielder, a good pinch hitter, experienced catcher and eighth-inning reliever. That’s stretching your dollar.

Breaking news: Baez gets two years, $5.25 million

The Phillies made Danys Baez official Tuesday. The 32-year-old right-hander went 4-6 with a 4.02 ERA with Baltimore in 2009.

Beerleaguer: To compare, Matt Capps got one-year, $3.5M from Washington, Mike Gonzalez received two-years, $12M from Baltimore, LaTroy Hawkins will earn $7.5M over two years from Milwaukee, Brandon Lyon is set for three-years, $15M from Houston, J.J. Putz got a one-year, $3M deal from the White Sox and Fernando Rodney was inked for two-years, $11M by the Halos. By comparison, this seems like a reasonable deal for a healthy, stable arm. Baez figures to see time alongside Ryan Madson and J.C. Romero in a situational setup role. If Brad Lidge and Romero return to form, and with the addition of Baez in a seventh/eighth inning role, the Phils could be very strong in the later frames.

Tuesday: Money now the obstacle for arb eligibles

Several arbitration-eligible Phillies, including Shane Victorino, Carlos Ruiz, Joe Blanton and Chad Durbin, are due raises. The Phillies are hoping to avoid going to the table. Players can file today.

Last year, the Phillies deftly sidestepped arbitration with eight eligible Phillies. Team president Dave Montgomery approved the spending, resulting in lucrative, longer-term deals for Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, Jayson Werth, Ryan Madson and Greg Dobbs, designed to keep the championship nucleus together. This time around, the Phillies may be faced with a different set of hurdles. Where as the looming arbitration cases became last year's primary objective - a way to placate a large volume of players including a couple megastars in Howard and Hamels - this year, establishing a long-term top-of-the-rotation solution and third base really took precedent. And as the offseason has unfolded, we've uncovered more specifics on that self-imposed salary cap, believed to be around $140 million.

It's hard to see the Phillies taking the same cavalier approach, rewarding multi-year deals as a gesture of good faith. But it's possible. Guys like Victorino and Ruiz are vital components and they may decide to reward their service by guaranteeing a spot on the club beyond 2010. Of the two, Ruiz, who earned a scant $475,000 last season and is arbitration eligible for the first time, might be the better candidate for a longer extension due to the sheer lack of capable catchers down in the minors (Ruiz's agent certainly has the leverage to negotiate for a more comfortable living, and I wonder what Ruiz would get out on the open market). As for Victorino, who took home $3.5 million a year ago, eventually, youth needs to be served, and centerfield is one area the Phillies have been stockpiling. Meanwhile, Blanton, who earned $5.5 million, may have been approached about an extension as a way to stay within the bounds of the Pat Gillick Rule (no more than three years for free agent pitching). But just like Cliff Lee, Blanton has never experienced a major payout, which he's more likely to receive testing free agency.

Monday morning: DN details international signees

Paul Hagen dishes the Monday morning scoop on a pair of enticing new recruits: 21-year-old Taiwanese outfielder Chia-Jung Lee and towering Dominican righthander Miguel Nunez.

Nunez, who stands 6-6, reportedly agreed to a $220,000 signing bonus before Christmas, while Taiwanese sources claim that Lee would receive $100,000. In other stories we’re tracking this morning, the Phillies may be close to completing their winter shopping. With Danys Baez soon to be in the fold, pending this week’s physical, most insiders expect the Phils to dole out only a minor league contract or two, possibly to round out the bullpen. Bear in mind the Phils still have a minor-league offer on the table to Scott Eyre. (Taiwanese flag pictured right)

Holiday weekend wrap: Bozied and Baez discussed

It's been a frigid holiday weekend in Philadelphia, but the Phillies kept the hot stove lukewarm with a pair of reported signings, including veteran reliever Danys Baez.

We've talked about Baez all week, so let's start with minor league journeyman Tagg Bozied, a non-prospect with an unfortunate past. Bozied, a slugging first baseman who once rated as Baseball America's fourth-best prospect in the Padres' chain, ruptured his patella tendon in his left knee while celebrating a walk-off grand slam midway through a breakout season in 2004 (.315/.374/.629, 16 homers in 239 plate appearances for Triple-A Portland of the hitter-friendly PCL). He attempted a comeback the next season, but it was cut short with back and knee problems stemming from ruptured tendon. Blocked out of a clear spot with San Diego anyway, he was cut lose after 2005 and spent the next three seasons with the Mets, Cardinals, Marlins, never making it out of Triple-A. A non-roster invitee with Oakland last spring, he signed on with the Brother Elephants of the CPBL to start 2009, but was released mid-season and latched on with Indianapolis (AAA Pittsburgh), where he hit .288/.360/.477 in 240 plate appearances, seeing time in the infield and outfield corners.

Bozied, who led NCAA Division I with a .936 slugging percentage in 1999 and would eventually become San Diego's third-round pick, will likely become the right-handed cleanup complement to Andy Tracy, taking over for the departed Mike Cervenak, in what is shaping up to be another mess in Lehigh Valley. It would take a barrage of devastating injuries for Bozied to reach Philadelphia.

On to Baez. I've read the expression "low risk/high reward" with this one, but from every indication, the Phils are guaranteeing two years to an average back-end reliever. His injury issues are in the rearview, so I think the Phils will be getting average results at a fair cost, and I think it was a smart play to add veteran certainty to the team's biggest weakness.

Phillies agree to terms with RHP Danys Baez

Last week's speculation was confirmed in a Phillies.com report today; according to sources, veteran Danys Baez, 32, has agreed to a two-year deal pending the outcome of a physical. The right-hander went 4-6 with a 4.02 ERA in a setup role with Baltimore last season.