Cormier traded to Reds for young starter

The Phillies continued to unload veterans for prospects this morning by dealing situational left-hander Rheal Cormier to the Reds for 23-year-old starter Justin Germano. Cormier, 39, was in his sixth season with the Phils.

Cormier was having a comback season for the Phightins’, going 2-2 with a 1.59 ERA in 34 innings. Cormier becomes a free agent after the season and is the fourth reliever Cincinnati has added in the past few weeks .

Germano, originally a 13th-round draft pick of the San Diego Padres in the 2000 draft, made two appearances for the Reds this season, including a start on Saturday in which he gave up four runs in 5 2-3 innings against the Brewers, but also fanned 8 batters. He was 8-6 with a 3.69 ERA for Triple-A Louisville and has been used exclusively as a starter his entire career. Germano was acquired by the Reds as part of the Joe Randa deal from July of 2005.

Over his minor-league career, the 6-3, 200 lb. pitcher has some pretty solid strikeout-to-walk ratios and has been stingy with home runs, allowing only 76 of them in his previous 6 minor league seasons. At his highest, Germano was ranked by Baseball America as San Diego's seventh-best prospect prior to the 2005 season.

To replace Cormier, the Phillies have recalled 27-year-old reliever Brian Sanches, who was closing games for Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre.

Beerleaguer take
There’s nothing not to like about this deal, other than the Phillies will be forced to add Germano to the 40-man roster next season. He’s used up some options and has had a slow ascent to the majors, so the timetable will be short. Nevertheless, getting a starting prospect in a straight-up deal for Cormier is a plus, even if he projects, at the very best, as a No. 5. In addition, it clears a spot for Sanches to continue his development with the big club.

Comments

[Billy Mac]

DavThom, Coste's throw was a standard throw to second base. Strong, accurate, nice release. Nice homerun to LF over the SouthWest sign. By the way, Nunez is just downright embarrassing out there. Two strikeout lookings and two terrible throws to first base. I never really noticed how slow his right handed swing was before. Are the Phils serious about trotting Nunez out there for two months ? Is there really any point ? I would prefer to see if Coste can play third and can't imagine that Scales wouldn't be an improvement over Nunez. At the game to amuse myself watching this "gritty" team, I count the number of times Rowand misses the cutoff man. Today's count was 2. On Friday night it was 3. It's fun -- give it a try sometime.

[kdon]

"The irony is that I felt Abreu was a prime culprit of the indifference Lidle is speaking of. Abreu insisted he "cared" in his parting comments yesterday. I have no doubt that Abreu cares about what he does. It's evident he has as much pride as anyone. But it's obvious that Lidle is accurate: just by watching them, an observer can tell they play as if they don't expect to win. And Abreu was the poster child for that attitude. Even his most ardent supporters must concede that he didn't exactly convey a sense of great determination out there. Who else could Lidle have been referring to?"

This is example A of the BS that surrounds Abreu. Do you have ANY evidence Lidle was talking about Abreu? Has one player ever singled out Abreu as someone who doesn't play to win. The kind of lable you pin on him is downright offensive and not supported by one shred of evidence. When you talk about Burrell, their are at least some idications he has a negative affect on the team, but this Abreu crap is a joke...get it through your head, he is a quiet ballplayer.

DO you really think Lidle is talking about the guy WHO IS STILL HIS TEAMATE!!!! "Who else could he refer to" is not evidence. It;s not even an argument. Make all the arguments you want about payroll flexibility and young talent, but give up on Abreu until you can come to this site with one f-in piece of a bit of a shred of evidence to support your claim.

[kdon]

I forgot to add what a marvelous bit of rhetorical work it was to interchange "Phillies" and "Abreu" even though Lidle was explicitly talking about the former. You really do just make **** up.

[Davthom73]

Let's put it this way on Nunez. I don't get the Nunez commitment, even with his guaranteed money at this point. Very shortly there will not even be any colorable excuse to continue to play the guy as an automatic out, day, in and day out. I don't even think it is a favor to Nunez for the Phillies to keep him at this point. Like most of the Phillies bench players at the beginning of the season, Manuel went with a set lineup essentially all but one game a week. Nunez never got into a groove, and now the guy's confidence at the plate is clearly shot. Although Nunez likely would not agree, the real favor to both Nunez, and to the Phillies at this point, would be to designate Nunez, and bring up Scales for a look. For that matter, why Coste has not even played an inning at third base yet this season for the Phillies, after he was the IL All Star third abseman in the AAA All Star game last summer, is way beyond me. Perhaps they want him to concentrate on catching, but Coste played a very good third base for S W-B last season.

[kdon]

Sorry, shouldn't have cursed...the waiver from Jason is up and it's out of line.

[joe]

At this point, since we're in rebuilding mode, Coste should be playing mearly every day, somewhere, until the wheels come off, or we find out that he's the real.

[MG]

Congrats on Weitzel for reaching over 200 comments. This definitely is the best Phils blog out there and generates alot of passion both the fans. One of the few websites I actually follow and post on with any kind of consistent basis. Kudos!

[MG]

I would really appreciate a post that reviews the flurry of activity the past few days. If I had to give Gillick a report card, I would give him a C- or a D.

I will be surprised if any of the prospects acquired in the multitude of trades has any kind of huge impact on the Phils down the road. At best, the Phils' acquired an arm or two that may help them in seasons to come but no 3B or C prospect let alone real starting pitching help.

I am also disappointed that Rowand and Lieber are still on this team. Unless Lieber suddenly becomes a workout warrior, I don't see how he will improve his '06 numbers that much. Also, Rowand has been a disappointment both defensively and offensively. Plus, that is the one position (Victorino/Bourn) where the Phils have some younger players ready to step in.

Guess we have to wait for the offseason but I am not holding my breath. This is a weak FA crop and I don't see the Phils being major players. More tinkering around the edges. Sadly, I think the Phils will pretty much have the same rotation they have now to start next season. Figure Myers-Hamels-Lieber-Mathieson-Floyd/Madson. Maybe the Phils resign Wolf or another marginal 4th/5th starter.

Basically it means this team with take alot more lumps as the young guys gain experience. Maybe I am wrong but if the Phils post two or three seasons of 75-80 win teams (very possible given the poor state of this farm system), I think you are going to see alot of diminished crowds and attendance at Citizens Bank really dive.

[Casey]

The irony is that I felt Abreu was a prime culprit of the indifference Lidle is speaking of.

RSB, it's probably safe to assume Lidle doesn't agree with you. Would he drag his still-current teammate through the mud, or would he refer to the likes of Burrell and Lieberthal, who you even admit are "the most obvious candidates"?

So let me ask you directly: Given 2003-2006 starters Abreu, Bell, Burrell, Lieberthal, Myers, and Rollins, why do believe it was Abreu who was "the posterchild" for the team's losing atmosphere?

[RickSchuBlues]

A couple of things.

First, to kdon: calm the hell down. You make it sound like I insulted your mother.

Second. I never said that Lidle was talking about Abreu. That would be kind of stupid, considering he's still Bobby's teammate. I only said that Lidle's comments were *ironic* because the person I personally think of when it comes to the subject at hand - the lack of urgency to win - is Abreu. Although, yes, Casey, I could just as easily be thinking of Burrell or Lieberthal. On the other hand, however, the highly competitive natures of Bell, Rollins, and Myers cannot be questioned, regardless of whatever else one thinks of them. (And before I get still more crap about sticking up for Bell, no, I didn't want him to stay. He couldn't play. But let's be fair. I can't knock him for not showing a desire to win.)

Try reading a little more carefully before you go throwing a damn hissy fit, 'kay? Just because we don't agree doesn't mean I'm the antichrist here.

[Billy Mac]

If the Phils do nothing to improve their starting pitching other than wait/hope for their existing staff to improve, they will be fortunate to win 80 games. Lieber's slider no longer has any bite; he's awful. I think what has bothered me the most about the Abreu deal is the Phils play in one of the largest markets and act like a small market team.

[Casey]

Fair enough, RSB, and I figured you weren't speaking for Lidle, but were just noting something you found ironic. Just so you know where I stand:

- I too believe the team has had a losing atmosphere, though we don't yet have the know-how to show that sort of thing with statistics;

- Given the six 2003-2006 starters, Abreu's the last one I blame.

- It's not all about intensity; for example, Myers is competitive, but it's the kind of intensity that is sometimes, shall we say, counter-productive.

- Bell, whom I've always admired to some degree, may have had a desire to win, but he didn't appear to bring out an ounce of that desire in his teammates.

And finally, a prediction: Abreu will go great in the Bronx, and will play a major role in the Yankees' post-season.

[MG]

I don't how great the Yanks lineup - their starting pitching is suspect and they will get beat down by the playoffs by a team with good starting pitching.

[RickSchuBlues]

Casey, you make a very good point about the "kind of intesity that is sometimes...counter-productive." Agreed. Bell and Myers both fit this bill. I am not citing 'intensity' as positive, across-the-board virtue. Chase Utley represents the good side of it, though, as someone who has a virtually perfect approach: a controlled, confident resolve to go all-out at all times. He may make physical errors, but his head is in the game every bit as much as his heart.

[Drama Queen]

I wouldn't be suprised to see Rowand dealt sometime during the month of August, possibly back to the ChiSox for not much of anything. One of those waiver/trade deals. I'm hoping Rhodes goes in the same fashion. Rowand is a "gritty" player, but he's not what the Phillies need. His defense is over rated and he's nothing spectacular at the plate. An outfield of Dellucci, Burrell, Victorino, and Bourn next year doesn't sound sexy in the least, but when matched up properly could play nicely. But I don't trust Manuel with that task!

[Bob D]

Did I read it right that Bourn was sent down for Roberson? I think it was Delcotimes.com had it.

Maybe since he would be on the bench more as Rowand/Burrel/Delluca/Victorino got most of the playing time.

[Bob D]

Drama Queen, your right when you say Rowand is nothing spectacular at the plate. He is too much like Rollins except he doesn't run as much. 270/15/70/310 OBP
That lineup needs someone with high OBP (like Abreu has). Either an OF, 3B, or C needs to be a leadoff hitter. And finding a C to do that is almost impossible. Rollins at SS is not suited for that, however is valuable as a fielder and better than the average SS on offense.

[clout]

Bill Conlin, Philly's best sportswriter, on the Abreu trade:
Bill Conlin | Another day that will live in Phils infamy
WHEN I'M KING of the World...

The grass at the Money Pit will be mowed in such a way that block letters in shallow centerfield will spell out "Here Lies Ed Wade"... You've got to hope the Teflonics look up from their Wall Street Journals long enough to recognize that what happened at the non-waiver trade deadline was an unvarnished disaster that will cost them money for years to come ... A majority of my e-mail regulars are sharp and several make me wish I had written the best of their observations. I have no words better than reader Bill Earley's take on the Great Gillick Giveaway:

"The Phillies' surrender [Sunday] has been the greatest cut and run since the Italians encountered the 442nd near Anzio - rifles first, no white flags, just shave your legs, put on a long dress and a kerchief over your hair, and wave at those little guys in the trucks racing ahead to the next battle. Picture Gillick and Charlie M. with floral skirts alongside the road."

When word reaches the Teflonics at their summer addresses that general manager Pat Gillick essentially has declared that manager Charlie Manuel will be back to oversee a 2007 Marshall Plan, will any of them be astute enough to assign blame? Or, will they simply not care? When the 2007 season-ticket mailings go out, will the headline read, "Red Means Wait 'Til 2008"?...

How weak is the four-pack of suspects the high-fiving Yankees gave up to take on a Bobby Abreu contract George Steinbrenner unblinkingly will absorb? Well, C.J. Henry, the Yanks' 2005 No. 1 draft pick, is not rated as good a shortstop prospect as the Phillies' own Adrian Cardenas. Adrian was a sandwich pick after the first round in June. The top high school player in South Florida is hitting .333 for the rookie Gulf Coast League Phillies. C.J. was hitting .240 for the Charleston RiverDogs in the low-A Sally League. I should mention that C.J. had 25 errors in 77 games. Lakewood (the Phils' Sally League affiliate) appears to have a mirror image of C.J. in shortstop Fidel Hernandez. Fidel is hitting .249 with 22 errors, so look for a helluva duel in the BlueClaws' infield. One of them should be ready for the big leagues right around the time GM-in-waiting Ruben Amaro Jr. is getting ready to dump the salaries of Chase Utley and Ryan Howard.

[Lake Fred]

Read Ken Rosenthal's column on FoxSports.com rating the winners and losers of the trading deadline dealers. He listed five teams as winners. Four of those teams were the Phillies and the three teams the Phils had trades with, the Yanks, Reds and Brewers. The fifth team was the Rangers.The losers were generally teams that failed to close any deals like the gNats and the Bosox. Rosenthal predicts that Burrell will be gone before next season, also for next to nothing.

[Tony]

Lidle was talking about Burrell and Lieby, no doubt about it. Freaking dogs, all of them, including Abreu. My favorite Abreu moments were when we were losing 10-2 and you could see him on second in the 9th laughing with the players on the other team. The dude didn't care about winning, all he wanted was his .300-20-100 every year. He was invisible.

Great start by Lieber yesterday, we should have just put a pitching machine out on the hill. What a stiff.

[Drama Queen]

The prospects received in the Abreu deal aren't anything much, and may never be. It was a salary dump, and we will just have to wait and see what will come of that saved moolah!

[RickSchuBlues]

Conlin may be the best writer in town, but once again Phil Sheridan has by far the most level-headed take in his column this morning. Conlin neglects to mention the contract and salary constraints that obviously affected the return in the deal; if you're not addressing the entire picture here, it's irresponsible journalism. I enjoy reading Conlin bash the owners around as much as anyone, but there's more to this particular outcome than he is willing to acknowledge in that 'king of the world' column.

[Tim]

bill conlin didn't vote for nolan ryan to get into the hall of fame. to say that he is our best sports writer really puts things in perspective. thank you.

[clout]

Conlin has a national reputation and is highly regarded even by his competitors. His analysis of the Phils moves over the years has a pretty good track record (unlike Gillick's moves for the Phillies.) In fact, the vast majority of columnists I've read so far, Philly, NY and national, say the Phillies got screwed. I'd defer to their opinions over an amateur message board Pollyanna.

[Paul]

I think Ken Rosenthal nailed it: The Abreu trade stunk, but what else can you do? The Phils have to rebuild and it's a start. Does Conlin have any better ideas? Maybe bring in some more Hessians, as he loves to refer to free agents? On whose dime?

As for Lidle, he should shut up and do more than allow 4ER over 6IP. I noticed he had his best outing of the season right before the trading deadline. Talk about rising to the occasion.

[utley_fan]

What else can you do? How about what the Marlins and Indians did when they rebuilt? They were in the same position as the Phillies when they began, with similar contract problems. They were smart about which prospects they got. I think the Phillies have the right idea but I'm not optimistic that they'll make the right choices.

[Bob D]

Utley fan - thats right they need to be smart about which prospects they get. In the Abreu deal they should have shot for at least one of the top 5 prospects the Yanks have instead of shooting for a larger # of prospects.
The Cormier and Bell trades are decent. Cormier could have been kept and been one of the set up men next year since they had an option on him. (His value this year was very high and may not be higher next year)

Delluca should be given a shot these last 2 months to replace Abreu in RF. He could be a cheaper replacement without much drop off or even a better RF especially on defense.

[Drama Queen]

Bob D- intelligent comment about Dellucci replacing Abreu. Dellucci will in fact produce more power and a respectable OPS. His defense will be at least as good as Bobby's, and you can see he's not afraid to try harder and make non-average plays. He can't walk like Bobby though, or steal bags, but hey, he'll be cheaper and at least appear to be trying harder!

[Billy Mac]

DQ, Have you ever seen Dellucci throw ? He likely has the worst arm of any NL rightfielder. He is not an upgrade for Abreu defensively, and Bobby isn't that good. Do me a favor and count the number of extra bases that are taken on Dellucci the next two months. Also Dellucci is strictly a platoon player; can't hit lefties at all.

[Drama Queen]

Abreu did have a plus arm. And I'm sorry, I actually think Dellucci should platoon. Burrell, Dellucci, Victorino, and Bourn should get playing time throughout according to matchups. Burrell most time in left, Dellucci most in right, Victorino and Bourn split time in CF except when Burrell or Dellucci needs a break.

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