The Phillies want Tadahito Iguchi at third base next season.
Iguchi wants to be at third base ... for the most part.
But will it happen? In conversations with two baseball officials last night, it sounds more unlikely than likely. Because the Phillies released Iguchi after the season -- it was required in his contract after they could not sign him to an extension before Nov. 15 -- they can't bring back Iguchi until May. And Iguchi most likely won't rejoin the Phillies if he has to sit out the first month of the season.
So that's the trick, isn't it?
Iguchi's agent, Rocky Hall, would need to secure a waiver from MLB. It has happened in the past, but it's no slam dunk.
Far from it.
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News update: The Phillies have released RHP Julio Mateo.
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The Phillies will meet with Ryan Howard's agent, Casey Close, this week, although Pat Gillick said a contract extension for Howard was not an immediate concern. Howard is eligible for salary arbitration for the first time and cannot become a free agent until after the 2011 season, when he will turn 32.
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Agent Gregg Clifton has informed the Phillies that free-agent righthander Kris Benson will be throwing on Dec. 17 in Arizona. The Phils would like to see Benson throw to ensure that his surgically repaired right shoulder is healthy.
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Good news: the Marlins traded Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis into the American League, Jim Salisbury writes.
Bad news: the Phillies have done nothing to upgrade their pitching staff.
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Teams continued to pursue Japanese free-agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda. The Phillies have an offer on the table for Kuroda, but he seems to prefer a West Coast club. Sources say Kuroda will be in the United States next week and visit Phoenix (Diamondbacks), Seattle (Mariners) and Los Angeles (Dodgers).
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Bugs & Cranks ranks the top 10 games from 2007.
-- Todd Zolecki
Comments (15)
So what about Inge (sp) for third, now that the Tigers have a 3d baseman?
Posted by Deb | December 5, 2007 12:55 PM
Posted on December 5, 2007 12:55
Deb, I was wondering that myself. How is Inge's range and defense? Offensively, I've heard Inge strikes out a ton, and that's not something the Phils can afford since they already have Ryan Howard.
Posted by Clare | December 5, 2007 1:52 PM
Posted on December 5, 2007 13:52
Five months of Iguchi vs. six months of Dobbs/Helms? I'd take my chances on Iguchi even if they have to wait until May.
Posted by Joe in Philly | December 5, 2007 3:06 PM
Posted on December 5, 2007 15:06
so why did we trade for Mateo if we werent going to use him?
Posted by Brian | December 5, 2007 3:52 PM
Posted on December 5, 2007 15:52
Brian - I've been wondering about Mateo too. TZ - you need to get a scoop on that one. He seems to be completely off the radar.
Posted by s | December 5, 2007 4:19 PM
Posted on December 5, 2007 16:19
My guess on Mateo is that perhaps the Phils have a rabbit (or pitcher) that they are about to pull out of a hat. I think they may want to stay clear of Inge who even though he's a good athlete his .241 career batting average is something we don't need. I think the best option would be trying to get Blalock from Texas, who's career average is higher and he averages 23 HRs a year and 86 RBI. He had a bit of a down year for him in terms of HR and RBI but still hit .293 in a career low 58 games. Even though he averages over 100 Ks per year he still produces and in Philly his numbers could increase. The only issues is that adding him equals another left handed bat and I don't think the Phils have enough to get him.
Posted by CG | December 5, 2007 5:39 PM
Posted on December 5, 2007 17:39
According to this site, Mateo was released and the Phils are out of the Kuroda race:
http://www.beerleaguer.com/beerleaguer/
Posted by s | December 5, 2007 9:36 PM
Posted on December 5, 2007 21:36
Mateo is the guy the Phils picked up AFTER he got in trouble for hitting his wife, then they realized they made a mistake and now have finally released him. His career stats are pretty good I think, but they didnt want to take that PR hit again(Myers). I was hoping they were gonna give him a shot this spring, guess not. And Joe in Philly is right, 5 months of Iguchi is better than anything else we got going on at 3rd!!
Posted by clinton, nj | December 5, 2007 10:23 PM
Posted on December 5, 2007 22:23
They knew what they were getting with Mateo. I figure they were keeping him low last year and he'd show up in spring training with a shot at playing. I guess they're seeing more now and the PR will be worse than they originally thought or something. Remember that last year they could put him on the Ottawa team because he couldn't leave the U.S.
With Iguchi, remember he may not want to wait until May. I think the waiver issue will prove too much of an issue and he'll sign with a west coast team.
Posted by s | December 5, 2007 10:39 PM
Posted on December 5, 2007 22:39
I'll still take Dobbs at 3b all year and Livan Hernandez in the rotation. We need PITCHING folks.
Posted by Eman | December 5, 2007 11:45 PM
Posted on December 5, 2007 23:45
Iguchi's price tag ? If he can make the transition to 3rd, that would sure up the whole infield. He could also spell Rollins and Utley during a loonnnggg season. One thing for sure He's a step up from Dobbs at 3rd..We also wouldn't have to overpay for veteran utility infielder. Win,Win.....
Posted by Pat H | December 6, 2007 3:25 AM
Posted on December 6, 2007 03:25
My best guess is that after the Phils aquire a new third baseman, Dobbs will be in a package that goes to Boston for Tavarez.
Posted by rm | December 6, 2007 6:01 AM
Posted on December 6, 2007 06:01
It seems like the Braves and Mets are "on the ropes" and a couple of key acquisitions this year could catapult the Phils to the catbirds seat in the NL east. Here's hoping they come through.
Posted by Alan W | December 6, 2007 7:02 AM
Posted on December 6, 2007 07:02
reports out here in chicago are that the white sox are going to offer rowand a 4 year deal worth about 13 mil a year some time today. wouldn't be surprised if jumps on it (especially since the dodgers got jones).
Posted by timm | December 6, 2007 7:58 AM
Posted on December 6, 2007 07:58
Please stay away from Inge - not a bad player, but is he really a dramatic improvement over a Dobbs/Helms platoon with his career .304 OBP and .241 BA? He's an average fielder and is probably 15-20 HR per year at CBP.
I know I'm stating the obvious, but what this team REALLY needs is for Wes Helms to step up from last year. I have to believe that potential is there. Then a platoon with Dobbs is perfectly viable. Hey, we could call it "Hobbs" - that would be cool.
Pitching - the brass is right with that being the focus. And if that's not available, then do all possible to retain Rowand (though that's not looking good I guess). 189 hits, 45 doubles, 105 runs... tough to replace.
Posted by Louis DeVizia | December 6, 2007 10:01 AM
Posted on December 6, 2007 10:01