Iguchi Back on the Phils' Radar (The Zo Zone)

Iguchi Back on the Phils' Radar

Pat Gillick just told reporters at the Opryland Hotel that they might have an opportunity to bring back Tadahito Iguchi next season -- and to play third base.

More to come later.

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Posted by Todd Zolecki on December 4, 2007 6:07 PM | Permalink

Comments (39)

Louis DeVizia:

Wow, that's quite a change from what's been reported so far! Very interesting...

Posted by Louis DeVizia | December 4, 2007 6:19 PM

Posted on December 4, 2007 18:19

jimmymack:

I guess the market wasn't kind to him looking for a starting 2b job.
Does he really have the arm and range to play 3rd? I like him a lot as a good fundamental player, the kind that helps a team win, hope he can make the transistion. Otherwise, poor J-Roll will be going to his right a lot next year.

Posted by jimmymack | December 4, 2007 6:25 PM

Posted on December 4, 2007 18:25

Talvenada:

I heard that SD was interested in him for 2B, but for ONLY 1 yr. They have a guy who will be MLB ready in another year. He probably wants 3 yrs. Hey, Tadahito's Burritos and other Asian fans will be back, and it was good to see them there rooting for Guch. Everybody in Philly likes Guch.

Posted by Talvenada | December 4, 2007 7:43 PM

Posted on December 4, 2007 19:43

Will Mac:

Its our money anyway, spend it Phillies for a change.

Posted by Will Mac | December 4, 2007 8:08 PM

Posted on December 4, 2007 20:08

kfil:

Very different from the reported information. I like it, he is a reactive player which is what you need at 3B. Great team offense oriented skills, I guess they could get him relatively inexpensive??? Not sure. It seems as if they are not going to be able to find a pitcher they are happy with spending the money on. I guess it makes sense they already blew money on Garcia, Lieber, and Eaton. Learning from their mistakes, that has to be progress!

Posted by kfil | December 4, 2007 9:03 PM

Posted on December 4, 2007 21:03

I'd like to see Iguchi back. I thought he was very sound on both sides of the ball.

Remember that Chase played some 3B in the minors. Maybe that's the plan. 8-) No way ...

Maybe Tadahito can convince Kuroda to come on board too.

Posted by s | December 4, 2007 9:41 PM

Posted on December 4, 2007 21:41

Eman:

I still like Dobbs at 3B, at least giving him a shot. I have questions about his arm at 3B too. But, I like Iguchi.

There's no need for Wes Helms to return next year if they have Dobbs, Iguchi and the Eric guy they just picked up from Houston in the Lidge deal.

Posted by Eman | December 4, 2007 10:31 PM

Posted on December 4, 2007 22:31

Louis DeVizia:

Man, are you folks reading about this deal the Marlins and Tigers are pulling off (supposedly)??? Cabrera AND Willis going to Detroit in one deal? Wow.

Posted by Louis DeVizia | December 4, 2007 10:34 PM

Posted on December 4, 2007 22:34

clinton, nj:

The Marlins will be stacked with youth, and they could be dangerous next year. I would like to see Iguchi back, but not sure if he can play a good hot corner.....

Posted by clinton, nj | December 5, 2007 12:24 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 00:24

Delaware Jim:

It would be a lot harder for a third baseman to learn how to play second than vice versa.

Posted by Delaware Jim | December 5, 2007 12:53 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 00:53

Humbaba:

Iguchi used to be a SS for a while in Japan so I wouldn't worry too much about his range. As for arm strength, who cares how strong it is if he gets out. I could care less if the guy is out by 3 steps or half a step. Brooks Robinson had an average arm at best.

Ultimately, I think if they sign him that would end their seartch for another Outfielder as Dobbs would become the lefty platoon in RF with Werth. Helms would slide into a backup 3B, 1B and pinch hitting roles. I would like this move alot.

Posted by Humbaba | December 5, 2007 1:44 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 01:44

Jose Kuhn:

Greg Dobbs in RF. Oh god where are my BP pills.

There were times that Greg Dobbs look so lost in RF that he looked like Steve Martin's kid in the movie Parenthood any time a fly ball came his way. It was like watching Lonnie Smith in slow motion.

Posted by Jose Kuhn | December 5, 2007 5:42 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 05:42

kfil:

Agreed on the horrible idea of Dobbs playing OF, he is no good there. The Phil's like Dobbs, so if Bruntlett is going to stay then Helms may be put on waivers or traded, but not for much, Iguchi, Dobbs, Bruntlett, would be a nice back up infield and 3B trio. Iguchi would get teh majority of the time. I also heard Utley played 3B in the minors, but also heard it did not work out, any ideas why?

Posted by kfil | December 5, 2007 6:59 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 06:59

GM-Carson:

I love what Gooch did for us in Utley's absence, but the man has never played an inning at 3rd base before...huge risk if signed to do so. But it might be a worthwhile risk.

Crede, Blalock, and Inge may all be availabe via trade- I hope Gillick explores these avenues too.

For the past couple days I've been compiling a list of all the rumors circulating about the Phils. I put them in my post today, but there's so many that I probably still missed some.

Posted by GM-Carson | December 5, 2007 7:22 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 07:22

This morning's article says Iguchi played third "briefly" in Japan. But because the Phils released him after the season, he can't re-sign with them until May 15 unless he gets a waiver from the commissioner's office. That sounds 50-50 at best.

Posted by s | December 5, 2007 8:01 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 08:01

KNOSBASBLL:

Look... I think you have to look at it ... since you're not willing to pick up a legitimate 3rd baseman... you might as well try Iguchi there. Helms is terrible... Dobbs is not a close defensively..... Iguchi was a nice fit last year... Give em a shot at third....... I like the idea

Posted by KNOSBASBLL | December 5, 2007 8:28 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 08:28

dude:

I read that the Phillies, Yankees, Red Sox and Blue Jays were after Eric Bedard in Baltimore. Angelos said he won't trade him within the division. That leaves only the Phillies as a trade partner. What if they get Burrell to agree to go to Baltimore for Bedard? That would be pretty cool, but then, who'd play left?
Iguchi?

Posted by dude | December 5, 2007 8:32 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 08:32

dude - if they managed to re-sign Rowand, the outfield wouldn't be an issue and Burrell for Bedard would, in my opinion, be a good trade. Golson was listed in that earlier minor league scouting report as being ready to come up. So that's another outfielder. With Rowand, you could have Rowand, Victorino, Werth without Burrell. I'm not sure I like Werth as an everyday player though. Maybe one slot is a platoon, where you have Werth, Roberson, and possibly Golson at some point available. Don't know if guys like Snelling or Bohn factor in or not. Most of these guys have not played left though.

Posted by s | December 5, 2007 9:10 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 09:10

William:

Perhaps Werth and Dobbs should become the starting left fielder and right fielder, with Iguchi at 3rd, and for God's sake Rowand in Center for 4 years!

Burrell, Helms, Eaton to the Orioles for Bedard and some prospects. They'll need a third baseman to replace Soriano.

Posted by William | December 5, 2007 9:15 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 09:15

jH:

I like the idea of Iguchi at third. He can't field it any worse than it was this season. I still wonder why Burrell has never moved back to third. It is his natural position.

Posted by jH | December 5, 2007 9:19 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 09:19

JE:

why not move Burrell to 3rd base and shop for a big bat to play outfield? Burrell was drafted as a 3rd baseman. Phillies should go after Andrew Jones.

Posted by JE | December 5, 2007 9:27 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 09:27

Bryan:

If the Orioles GM accepted a Burrell for Bedard trade, he'd be fit for a straight jacket and sent to the looney bin. Look, Burrell played great in the stretch for us, but he's not going to be the centerpiece of a trade that brings back an ace.

Posted by Bryan | December 5, 2007 9:29 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 09:29

Abe fielded third very well I thought. He just has no bat. I liked having Abe for the ground ball pitchers like Moyer. I think Abe started most of Moyer's games.

Posted by s | December 5, 2007 9:30 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 09:30

Very good question about Burrell at 3B. Why not?

Posted by s | December 5, 2007 9:34 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 09:34

Tim:

No more Burrell at 3B please, its not going to happen, nor should it. He is slow and clumsy and wasn't a great thirdbasemen in college. If it was even a remote possibility, wouldn't they have tried it when Rolen left instead of dealing with the mess we have had ever since?

And to suggest that the Orioles would take Burrell, Eaton and Helms in a trade is ridiculous. Why would any team want our overpaid slop? Teams ususally trade talent for young, cheap prospects, not washed up, expensive has beens.

Posted by Tim | December 5, 2007 9:44 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 09:44

Steve:

Why not Pat at 3B? The better question is why play him at 3B He hasn't played the position since the minor leagues. You don't just tell someone who is an OF for close to 6 years that he now needs to be our new starting 3B. The only other position I would consider would be 1B but even that is a stretch.(but Howard has that locked up) Pat also lacks quickness as seen by his lackluster attempt at some balls hit. I know you don't have to run too much in 3B but you do have to be alert. Plus at this point Pat's arm is best used in the OF where the Phillies lack depth as of now. (With Rowand prob not coming back) I like the idea of Iguchi moving to 3B. It's not as drastic as the Burrell move plus we don't have to hear Iguchi complain about not wanting to play there. He is willing to change and I think he would be a decent option for the Phils.

Posted by Steve | December 5, 2007 9:51 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 09:51

dan:

perhaps the phillies are trying to get iguchi in here to attract one of the free agent japanese players - either the kuroda or fukedome....

Posted by dan | December 5, 2007 10:21 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 10:21

Okay, I'm off the Burrell at 3B bandwagon. I'd love to have Bedard though. Keep Pat, Iguchi at third, keep Rowand, and have Iguchi talk Kuroda into Philly and we're done.

Posted by s | December 5, 2007 10:28 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 10:28

PaulW:

Burrell is slow in the outfield. Werth and Dobbs are faster in the outfield than Burrell. Why do you think Burrell is going to be better? Clearly he's going to have less range than the other two.

Burrell at 3B might have been an option when he was younger and healthy, but not any more.

Posted by PaulW | December 5, 2007 10:39 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 10:39

griffin:

forget about Bedard.
the Phillies don't have the prospects to deal for him or for any other big time pitcher. do you know what it would take to get Bedard? Utley. so let's just end this silly conversation right now.

Posted by griffin | December 5, 2007 10:45 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 10:45

I agree it will take too much to get Bedard. That had to be someone's pipe dream getting him for Burrell anyway. They could get Rowand, Iguchi, and Kuroda with no trades if money weren't an issue. All of them seem like longshots to me but it's fun to dream ...

Posted by s | December 5, 2007 10:59 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 10:59

dude:

But there are reports that the Phillies are one team talking to Baltimore about Bedard. True, they don't seem to have any prospects but, they must be talking about something. And, the Orioles were interested in Burrell over the summer. So, there must be some sort of trade being discussed. Who else would the Phils gladly part with at this point that would have the value to trade for a Bedard? Maybe they'll pick up some of his contract for this last year. Maybe they'll throw in a pitchnig prospect. It can be done.

Posted by dude | December 5, 2007 11:23 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 11:23

jH:

"...and wasn't a great thirdbasemen in college. "

Right. '96 CWS MVP, '98 Golden Spikes Award, first overall draft pick.

Anyway - I still think Iguchi at third is probably a better option than anyone they currently have projected to play there.

Posted by jH | December 5, 2007 11:35 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 11:35

dude:

If someone told you that the Phils were working on a trade for Lidge before it happened, you'd probably say the same thing, they have nothing to trade of the value of Lidge. But Pat made it happen and gave up very little. The block to trading Burrell is his no trade clause. I don't know what Bedard's contract is with the Orioles but they can get his money off the books and bring in a slugger for one year for a test drive. Maybe they have some prospects ready to make the jump to the majors and want to clear a spot as well as clear some money to go after a free agent at another position. Getting Bedard is doable if it works for both teams. We don't know the Orioles position. We only know that a Burrell for Bedard straight up looks pretty stupid. If the Phils throw in something else like a prospect or some money then, it might look better. But Lidge for Bourne and Costanza didn't look real smart for the Astros either.

Posted by dude | December 5, 2007 11:50 AM

Posted on December 5, 2007 11:50

clinton, nj:

I think JH is Pat'the bat' in disguis, and he will NEVER go back to 3rd!!! As far as Bedard, the O's have made some stupid moves in the past, but I dont think anyone would be that stupid to trade an ace or #2 for 'the bat' and all our trash players. I do like the idea of trading 'the bat' and paying a good chunk of next years salary to try and get a team to take him. Thats the only way I see him going anywhere, and I dont really see that happening.

Posted by clinton, nj | December 5, 2007 12:06 PM

Posted on December 5, 2007 12:06

kfil:

Burrell at 3rd, you are nuts. Yes, he played in college, COLLEGE. College to Major League Baseball, HUGE gap there! Trade Burrell to Orioles??? Reverse the situation, would you okay the trade of a #1/2 pitcher for a high strike out, low defense, 100 RBI guy??? Plus Burrel would veto the trade...thanks Wade! He would only want to go to a contender. Guuch good idea, better "D" than what we have and significant better offense.

Posted by kfil | December 5, 2007 12:41 PM

Posted on December 5, 2007 12:41

Tim:

No one has signed Rowand yet and he has a day to make his decision whether to accept arbitration or not. Is there any team out there willing to give up a first round pick on top of satisfying his contract demands. I don't think so.

The same thing happened a couple years ago when the Phills offered arbitration to Polanco, a player they didn't want any more. He had no choice but to accept.

Rowand might be in the same position. I think he'll be back for one more year.

Posted by Tim | December 5, 2007 1:33 PM

Posted on December 5, 2007 13:33

Tim:

The same thing happened a couple years ago when the Phills offered arbitration to Polanco, a player they didn't want any more. He had no choice but to accept.

Rowand might be in the same position. I think he'll be back for one more year.

Posted by Tim | December 5, 2007 1:37 PM

Posted on December 5, 2007 13:37

Tony G:

Could it be another sign & trade????

Posted by Tony G | December 5, 2007 2:50 PM

Posted on December 5, 2007 14:50