The Zo Zone

Wolf finished the season last year on the DL with a shoulder problem, did he have surgery or is he going to be "healthy" due to just rest? Exactly what was his diagnosis?

People, you must eat crow. Stand up and be accounted for and admit you treated this man unfairly. Back to back MVP'S, WOW ! His name ? Mr Ed Wade..Utley the next inline for the award. Then Cy Young for Hammels. Thank you, Mr Ed, Wilburrrrrrrrr....Congrat to JRoll !

I'm glad you mentioned Rollins' impressive conduct during the press conferences. In addition to being a great player, Jimmy is a good guy, a true gentleman. It's nice to see the spotlight shine on him rather than the Bonds and A-Rods of the world, and I hope people are taking note that not all baseball players are prima donna wankers.

Wow - Pat H - are you saying Wade was a good GM? He may have been GM while these players were drafted and developed in the farm system, but the fact that he left our farm system depleted, Schilling/Rolen departure, Polanco vs. David Bell decision and huge contracts to Burrell and Abreu when they weren't needed. This is just the tip of the iceberg for Wades futility.

True 20/20 visions applies.But if were gone to bash him, we must also give him the credit. The farm system may be depleted. However,this young very talented team was built through the farm system under his watch. People kicked and screamed at the trade deadline,no trades.. Thats the point he did not trade his most valuable commodities for the quick fix. I BELIEVE IT WAS HIS TIME TO GO. GO PHILS!

Kuroda sounds like an interesting possibility. They say he's an inning eater and that he got his numbers in a hit friendly park smaller than CBP. I'm not so sure about Wolf. He seems like another injury gamble, but probably a better gamble than hoping Eaton comes back a different guy. At least they're still talking to Rowand but I think he's out if they sign another starting pitcher. I'm also not sure I'd want him at 6 years. 4 tops in my opinion.

You do have to like the way Jimmy carries himself and takes his interviews. He's a great guy to have on our team and he finally got the recognition he deserves. They interviewed Bowa on one of the local channels last night. He talked about how Jimmy has matured into one of the best shortstops in the league. He has come a long way since he used to swing at that first pitch. Rollins/Howard/Utley gives us reason to hope for good things.

What's happening on the Rolen front?

Is he a possibility to be at 3B next season?

Fans here continue to rip him in blogs, but y'all know, if he comes here and starts hitting HRs and snaring line drives, all will be forgiven.

There's good reason we rip Rolen in blogs. He's a whiny lil b*tch. He cried his way out of Philly and now he's pouting his way out of St. Louis (which he once refered to as a "baseball heaven"). Rolen is a solid player, but his attitude is cancerous; and I don't want that back on the team I love.

Rolen will never return to play here. I always admired him and didn't blame him when he didn't want to sign a long term contract. I'd love to have him back, but I don't think he wants to return. I remember going to a game a couple of years ago when the Cardinals visited. The fans booed Rolen very loudly. I couldn't understand why. Booing JD Drew I can understand. He's a gamer. All he wants is to win. It's a shame really. Maybe he'd come back now because the Phils have to now be considered a winner but I still doubt it.

Right on GM-Carson! And James L, we booed Rolen because he wanted out of Philly and basically said he wouldn't resign here and forced the Phils to trade him. That hurt the fans so we booed him!

Rolen has a full no-trade clause...you're crazy if you think he's coming to Philadelphia, or anywhere, for that matter.

He's staying put in St. Louis, guaranteed.

Rolen = bad news. Rolen was a jerk his whole time in Philadelphia ("If you want to get to know me, sorry about your luck"). I think Zo and Jason Stark should start a phake "Rolen to Phila" rumor just to get Scottie boy nervous.

First -Congrats J-Roll , you deserve it !

Second- please dont even waste time with Rolen comments.

Third- Anyone else pissed off about this budget thing ? The Phils ownership will make all the $$$ back by just winning. With the nucleus they have assembled it would just take health and a couple more pieces to be able to win it all. They would set records at the gate , and reap playoff $$ by adding a quality 3b and signing a few good bullpen arms.

Get those guys a little help and lets watch some more playoff baseball!

Livan Hernandez or Carlos Silva as starter # 5
Check out their innings pitched.
Phils need innings eaters

Rolen is a jackass. Remember his comments about how happy he was to be playing in a "real" baseball town after he left the Phillies? I'd rather have Rick Schu back than the clubhouse killer.

Someone is going to give Carlos Silva and his .500 record $10 million a year, at least. I hope it isn't the Phils. Eating innings is great as long as you're not giving up runs.

Randy Wolf is the choice I would like. He's pitched in the ballpark,so he shouldn't be intimidated by it. Lets not forget, Moyers on the way downhill, hard to keep counting on a 45yr old pitcher. He had a poor 2nd half. Go in with 6 starters, with Eaton starting in the pen. You need this kind of insurance with a championship club . We don't need spot starters from the farm. Happy Thanksgiving ..

Pat H, so Moyer didn't have an allstar second half, but dont you remeber him stepping up in the big games down the stretch?? I also think he is invaluable to the young guys, teaching them the ropes. And don't forget he was the only SP that didn't go on the DL. For a fourty whatever year old, Moyer is pretty darn important to this team!!

I didn't say to release Moyer. I do recognize his value to this team. He contributed in big games down the stretch. However,his biggest supporters look at his leadership skills and not his pitching numbers, which were below average. His career is on the decline. That usually means each season will get more difficult for him. I hope my concerns don't come true. I'm a fan, with my eyes open. Don't take it personal, its just business. Or so they say..Maybe having Moyer, would also help Randy Wolf too. A win, win situation.

I'm baaacck

but just to say congrats to J Rollins

seems like a class act!

I have no problem with his prediction- a player has gotta believe in his team or why even play the season!

but- i hope to see him not do so well against us next season

Good Job Jimmy!

To the Phillies ownership:
If you really want to show the fans that you are committed to winning it all, then increase the budget to get the players here that the Phillies need to win the World Series. While you are at it, increase the budget for scouting and player development.

I'm thinking of going down to Clearwater on March 1-8. I'd appreciate it, if anyone could tell me if that was a good time to go for spring training ? It sounds a bit early to me..Thanks.

Hey I hear ya Pat H, I hope Moyer doesn't get any worse than this past year, I could live with roughly same stats, just hope they're a little better! And if you can, you may want to go down a little later in the spring. It depends on what your going for also. The youngsters play more in the begining I think, and then the regulars more towards the end of the month. It sounds like jimmy mack knows for sure...call him out if ya can.

with all the talk about getting a new reliever, why doesn't JD Durbin ever come up? He's got a live arm Charlie Manuel likes, he seemed better in relief last year than many of our other guys, and he can start every once in awhile if needed...

Durbin had an ERA of 6.35 in relief last year. As for thanking Wade... he tried to trade Ryan Howard straight up for Ted Lilly. I have no reason to believe he held onto those players for any reason other than incompetence. Plus it was Mike Arbuckle who was been in charge of drafts and building the minor league system, not Wade.

Rollins- very solid all around person! Everyone needs to let go of the idea that Rowand will be back, the Phil's are not going to sign a guy for more than 4 years that has had one great year in his career. Werth, Vic, and Burrell wil be the staters with Snelling maybe getting spot time, but Golson will probably be that primary 4th outfielder. They really need to sign Colon and Wolf to a 1 year incentive laden deal. They would most likely keep one of them after this year, but even more so they are projecting Carasco to be making the leap then.
Budget Increase: They do not need to increase the budget, they need to have the GM's make batter choices- example Abreu and Burrell no Trade Clauses. Next year Burrell and Thome will be off the books. Yes, Howard should have a big deal by then. They really need to keep building their farm system, I would say that have about 5 legit players within the next 3 years. Cardenas, Golson, Carasco, Outman or Savery. Pitching wins Champinships, especially when you have 3 MVP caliber players on your team.