The Zo Zone

At some point the Phils will figure out that Myers has to go back to the rotation. There is no one else out there...

From Jim's column today: Gillick revealed yesterday that Adam Eaton recently had an MRI on his right shoulder. Gillick said that Eaton, who had shoulder inflammation late last season, requested the MRI to put his mind at ease, and that the Phils were awaiting the results.

"It's not anything urgent," Gillick said.

Huh? They are on the hook for 2 years and 16M, they need pitching, he sucked last year and it's not urgent to find out if this guy has a physical problem? Get this man out of the sun.

As a reference, I had a MRI on my shoulder yesterday afternoon, got results by 9:30 am (torn labrum). Awaiting results? What a crock. Who do the Phillies use for MRI's, Joe's MRI and screen door company?

My faith in Gillick and the organization wanes every day. Watch, this will be the same old mantra, "we got close last year, just need some tweaks, we will be OK". Sounds just like the Eagles.

When is Mike Arbuckle going to stand up at the organizational meetings and say, "We've got a lot of minor leaguers to trade this year. We've drafted well?" Don't blame Gillick, he can't make a pair of shoes without all the materials.

With a minor league system devoid of major league ready prospects, the Phillies will find it hard to trade for a good starter.

They can't make the same mistakes they made last winter, vastly overpaying for mediocrity.

Todd:

Call me crazy but I would like to see what Dobbs can do with a 500 at bat season. He looks like the kind of player who has the heart to become a better than average defensive player. Okay, I will settle for average if he puts up the offensive numbers you want from that position.

If Dobbs were the choice, then Nunez should be resigned for late inning defensive purposes. He and Jason Werth made major defensive and offensive contributions late in the season when it really counted. I don't think either got the credit they really deserved.

No smart GM will give you a straight answer until they are retired ... and they shouldn't. You can only hope that what Mr. Gillick really wants is a closer but he will continue to make it look otherwise so that he can deal from strength. Right now one of his greatest strengths is that he has Myers who can fill in either as starter or reliever. With that option, a quality closer like Cordero would be a great choice.

There are worse pithching staffs. The great unknown will be how they come back after the injury plagued 2007 season. If we knew that, the rest of this offseason would be easy.

jimmymack, the phillies would like to talk to you about taking the 7th inning role next year. their experts have examined your mri and can't find anything wrong with it.

all this says is that the phils will once again need to out hit their opponent. We need a consistant everyday right handed bat at 3rd or Cf/RF. Doesn't need to be a power guy, just someone north of .300 and with a good OBS. I still say take a look at Cabrera, Tejada, and kick the tires on A-Rod (maybe pay a little more per year for 5 years vs. 10 years and possibly defer salary).

If I had my druthers I would say trade anyone not named hamels, howard, or utley for Cabrera. (assumes Myers and rollins are too over priced for them). Hope that with a team in contention he regains focus and gets into shape. And if he doesn't get into shape slide him into left or right after burrell comes off the books.

after that I would look at every starting pitcher who throws a sinker and hope for the best, could that be worst then last years pitching moves?

Cabrera: gaining weight and has a reputation for liking the Miami nightlife. Pair him with Burrell and Leiber, and he just might end up drinking and eating his way to a 1B/DH position.

I'm with Zo---load the pen, and move Myers back to the rotation. Then see if you can land a more affordable veteran arm (Glavine, or a Randy Wolf redux?) for a better cost, esp. if Eaton looks like he's done. Of the guys out there, I think Silva and his sinker are the best fit, but at 40 million/4 years?

BREAKING NEWS...Phillies team doctors have examined Adam Eaton's MRI. They say his arm is unhooked at the shoulder joint but should be fine by spring training. He is working out feverishly following the Ryan Howard 2006-07 winter workout plan.
On a related note, after operating on Jon Leiber, they removed one of his monster truck spare tires from his midsection. He is now back at his playing weight of 250. He is expected to be fine by opening day. 2012.
Meanwhile, Freddie Garcia is recovering and his fastball velocity is up to 18 mph. Team doctor's expect a full recovery and are optomistic he can win at least 3 games next year.
Goosebumps!

They are also optimistic...my bad.

Hey Jimmymack... don't quit your day job.

Thats some funny stuff jimmy mack!!! No one will ever be happy with what the phils do. Most of there moves never work out. We can blame everyone from the owners to the manager, but the bottom line is they(the team)just gotta keep trying to do the best they can with what they(the managment) gives'em. It could always be worse, but it could also be better. Hopefully we will be healthy next year, that is always the difference maker!!

And how the hell does David Wright win the gold glove???? What a joke!!! He wasnt even in the top 5 in fielding for 3rd basemen. He's a great all around player, but an average defender. WHAT A JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't see why the phils seem to be giving up on offense and 3B. Even if they sign Romero and Cordero for $20 mil a year combined that should be the difference in salary they are losing with exiting free agents. Even with Howard's raise they should be able to bite the bullet for 1 year with Burrell's $14 mil off the books next year to sign either Rowand or Lowell. Myers should be in the rotation because it's always harder to find a quality starter than a quality reliever. I just don't want to see them do nothing or overpay for a guy like Eaton like last year. Either go for a top free agent or none at all. Would you rather have Alfonso Soriano's $10 mil a year or Eaton's $8 mil a year contract?

Jared: Cordero isn't needed, we got Brad Lidge.

I don't know...the phillies could use all the bulpen help they can get. the pen was pretty bad at times last year. Great to see them be proactive and get lidge tho! I guess this move also means the phils are going to go after an outfielder whether it's Rowand, Hunter or a 3B to move dobbs to right.

Did we give up to much on this trade? Couldnt they have given up Roberson and not Bourne? If Roberson takes over the fourth outfielder role, he better learn to catch all those balls he dropped in Atlanta!! And wasnt Costanzo the future at 3rd base???