Freddy Garcia is hurt.
But, hey, at least Jose Mesa is back.
Right?
OK, so that might not get the juices flowing. But it's amazing what can happen in 24 hours. The Phillies were riding high after they swept the Mets in New York, but suddenly things look worse after their 8-4 loss last night to the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Garcia has soreness in his right shoulder, which he acknowledged he had been feeling since spring training -- but especially these past few starts. It would help explain why he has been such a major disappointment for the Phillies. That's why I mentioned Lance Parrish, Gregg Jefferies and Andy Ashby today. Garcia completes a foresome of big off-season acquisitions that proved to be major disappointments.
I suppose there is time for Garcia to turn things around, but I'm not sure a) if he will pitch again for the Phillies b) if he does pitch, if he will pitch effectively.
Who is going to take Garcia's place in the rotation? Charlie Manuel said last night he at least would think about returning Brett Myers to the rotation. Myers said in April that he would not shuffle back and forth from the bullpen to the rotation, unless there is a major injury that ends somebody's season. Garcia sees the doctor Monday. We should know more then.
*
I wrote Thursday that the Phillies planned to work out Mesa. Everybody must have thought I was crazy because the Phillies' interest in Mesa seemed to be ignored, but it's official: the Phillies have agreed to terms with Mesa. An official announcement could come today. The immediate reaction so far has been overwhelmingly negative because Mesa had a 12.34 ERA with the Detroit Tigers, who released him Sunday.
My take is this: if Mesa comes in and can't pitch, they release him. I'm sure they're not paying him much more than the minimum, if at all. So it's a low risk move.
*
The Phillies selected some local products in the second day of the draft.
Comments (8)
Zo,
Sorry to hear about the luggage; find a Target ASAP.
Jimmy Mack, damn you. You were right. I lost my "goosebumps" last night. I also learned Chase Utley is human. And that Freddy Garcia is something slightly lower on the food again. This guy is a writer's dream - "Whatever is good for me - I know I'll be a free agent this year." Amazing.
Posted by Anonymous | June 9, 2007 11:35 AM
Posted on June 9, 2007 11:35
Forgot to take credit for the above post.
It's sad, before the "injury" news I was going to ask if it was at all possible to trade Garcia for some middle-relief help instead of dragging Rowand into the equation once again. Considering the dearth of solid starting pitching out there - and since the Phils could shift Myers back to the rotation - wouldn't he have been a good candidate, especially in light of the fact that the Phils were going to (thankfully) lose him at the end of the year anyway? Don't know if that possible with the contract. So much for that idea...
Posted by John in LA | June 9, 2007 11:41 AM
Posted on June 9, 2007 11:41
wow- jose mesa. didn't he trash philadelpia on the way out of town the first time around? but i guess as you say it's a low-cost risk. at least they are trying something.
as for garcia, i'm glad charlie confronted him- it's painful watching him go out every fifth day knowing they almost have no chance to win his start. garcia hasn't been good, but despite his body language and not running out that grounder, i'd be hard-pressed to call him a dog. he's been adamant this year he wants to pitch and pitch alot even though he knew he wasn't feeling good. that takes some guts. he could have made alot more money by just shutting it down, getting healthy and cashing in in free agency. there are alot of guys who won't pitch unless they are 100% healthy (carl pavano to name one)- they are the dogs.
Posted by Mike | June 9, 2007 11:45 AM
Posted on June 9, 2007 11:45
Is Mesa going to shove any reporters at the press conference? Would anyone notice if he and Alfonseca switched uniforms?
A "foursome" of disappointing off-season acquisitions? Hey, don't forget Mike Jackson, Floyd Youmans, Danny Tartabull, Phil Bradley, and Kevin Millwood (off the top of my head)...
Posted by David | June 9, 2007 12:32 PM
Posted on June 9, 2007 12:32
Todd. Although PHL is a hub city for USAirways, you do have other carrier options. Are you going to wait for them to lose your luggage a 4th time before you switch carriers ?
Posted by Anonymous | June 9, 2007 1:45 PM
Posted on June 9, 2007 13:45
No argument there. I'm going to start looking to fly other airlines, especially when I'm flying out of Philadelphia. I've had enough. The problem, of course, is that when you travel as much as me, you like the most convenient flights as possible. For example, US Airways typically is the only airline where I can find a red eye from LA, SD, SF or AZ back to Philly. And US Airways has direct flights to most cities. But if I can take other airlines out of Philly, I'm going to try to do that in the future.
Posted by Todd Zolecki | June 9, 2007 2:20 PM
Posted on June 9, 2007 14:20
Don't be so hard on yourself, Todd. You have enough on your plate with the rollercoaster ride that is the Phils. Now that we've got Mesa back, any chance they'll show a little love for Dan Plesac?
Posted by John in LA | June 9, 2007 2:36 PM
Posted on June 9, 2007 14:36
Mr. Pat-thetic Gillick strikes again:
1. We have over $90 million in pay roll, yet we are still forced to look in the dumpster out back (only to recycle our own trash, nonetheless!).
2. Garcia was hurt from spring traning so how can anyone, Gillick or Manuel, let him continue? What inpetitude!
Posted by Civil Negligence | June 9, 2007 3:00 PM
Posted on June 9, 2007 15:00