It's Super Bowl Sunday.
That means baseball is off the radar. But fortunately for you and me, Jim Salisbury's Sunday baseball notes come through in the clutch.
My personal favorites from the column:
III. The Johan Santana trade affected the odds in Las Vegas. According to Las Vegas Sports Consultants Inc., the favorite Mets opened at 4-1 to win the National League pennant and went to 5-2 after the trade. The Cubs are next at 9-2 and the Phillies third at 15-2, up from 6-1 after the trade.
V. Our spies tell us former Phils closer Ricky Bottalico beaned a hitter in fantasy camp. It was accidental, and everyone lived to laugh about it.
XXI. Baseball America ranks the Phillies' farm system 22d out of 30 teams.
XXII. The Phils have a chance to do some significant restocking of their system in the June draft, provided they're willing to spend on top talent. They have three picks in the top 50 and six in the top 107.
XXV. There's not much interest in Wes Helms, so look for him to be in camp for a while with the Phils.
XXVI. The White Sox are counting on former Phillie Gavin Floyd to hold down a spot in their rotation.
XXVII. While all indications point to Ruben Amaro Jr. becoming the Phillies' GM after this season, it's worth noting that Yankees GM Brian Cashman is entering the final year of his contract. Cashman admitted to having the Phillies' job on his radar screen when it went to Pat Gillick in November 2005. At that time, Cashman wasn't sure if his contract with the Yankees would be renewed.
*
Enjoy the game today. Or if you're a Packers fan like me and suffered through the NFC Championship game a couple weeks ago -- in person, I might add -- enjoy beverages that help numb the pain.
Comments (52)
Time for Arlen to be recalled.
Posted by Randy | February 3, 2008 2:57 PM
Posted on February 3, 2008 14:57
I thought it was pretty intersting that the odds went *up* for the Phils after the Santana trade.
And Bottalico.....What a dufus! LOL!
Posted by Norma | February 3, 2008 3:33 PM
Posted on February 3, 2008 15:33
"The Phils have a chance to do some significant restocking of their system in the June draft, provided they're willing to spend on top talent".
That may lead the sports page in The Onion. They only rank 22nd out of 30, why spend money to move up?
I'd take Cashman, but I doubt this ownership would.
Posted by jimmymack | February 3, 2008 3:49 PM
Posted on February 3, 2008 15:49
norma, the odds for the phillies went up because it's "less likely" they'll win the pennant with the mets getting santana. therfore you get paid more if they do.
it makes perfect sense.
except that santana isn't going to help the mets enough, in reality
Posted by Anonymous | February 3, 2008 4:33 PM
Posted on February 3, 2008 16:33
Anonymous.....That does make sense. Thanks. I thought about it after I posted and just made myself more confused!
Posted by Norma | February 3, 2008 6:36 PM
Posted on February 3, 2008 18:36
I cannot believe that teams are not jumping at the opportunity to add Wes Helms to their bench. Here is a man that can play third, catch and play first base -- albeit not well. He can help our tremendously in a brawl as he stands 6'4" and weighs about 250. Perhaps the Phils are not showcasing him properly?
Posted by Tavian | February 4, 2008 8:53 AM
Posted on February 4, 2008 08:53
OOOOO! That Wes Helms! What a man! Can he cook too?
Posted by Anonymous | February 4, 2008 1:21 PM
Posted on February 4, 2008 13:21
I heard that Wes Helms once saved 300 kids from a burning orphanage. He did all during the seventh inning stretch of a game last year.
Posted by Anonymous | February 4, 2008 1:57 PM
Posted on February 4, 2008 13:57
You guys are TOOOOO funny!!!!!
Posted by Norma | February 4, 2008 4:23 PM
Posted on February 4, 2008 16:23
You guys are TOOOOO funny!!!!!
Posted by Norma | February 4, 2008 4:24 PM
Posted on February 4, 2008 16:24
So where will Lohse end up?? There isnt much time left before spring training starts. He will have to accept less years if he wants to play this year. I like Lohse better than Benson or O.Perez at this point
Posted by clinton, nj | February 4, 2008 6:53 PM
Posted on February 4, 2008 18:53
I like Scott Kazmir of the Tampa Bay Bucs. He was once the highest pitching prospect of the Mets. He is a lefty one month younger than Cole Hamels with one more year of major league experience. Tampa Bay has made it known that he is available. I like him better than Bedard. Because of his young age and years of service I think he is worth Carrasco, Outman, and Kendrick if necessary. He has a much bigger upside than Lohse. I wonder what he would be like pitching for a contending team. He wasn't born a Ray, he came up as a Met.
Posted by TonyO | February 4, 2008 9:13 PM
Posted on February 4, 2008 21:13
I know,I know, I wrote "Tampa Bay Bucs". I'll bust my own chops as we move from football season to baseball season. I still meant what I said about him being a better acquisition than Bedard. I'd give up young talent for him because he is very young and has shown he can pitch in the bigs. How much better would he be with a competitive team?
So please spare the shots. Scott Kazmir plays for the Tampa Bay Rays (no longer Devil Rays).
Thank you.
Posted by TonyO | February 4, 2008 9:18 PM
Posted on February 4, 2008 21:18
It was distressing to read Baseball America still has the Phils farm system rated 22nd in the league.
What the heck good are Kris Benson and Odalis Perez? If you have to pick up someone, sign Lohse. It's interesting to see what a game of nerves it is between Lohse and probably 2 or 3 teams who could use him, including the Phils and Mets. I don't know how both sides can keep waiting while the clock ticks toward the start of Spring training. Maybe the Phils are hedging their bet by looking at Benson and Perez. Could they sign one of those guys and also sign Lohse?
I hadn't heard Scott Kazmir is available. If its true I wonder if the Phils could compete to get him. Why would the Rays want to deal a young left hander who was so highly regarded?
Posted by johnny p | February 4, 2008 9:36 PM
Posted on February 4, 2008 21:36
Johnny P and others. Google Tampa Bay rumors. There is a website including one for every major league team and the rumors for each team. The rumors consist of articles actually written by beat writers around the country much like Todd Zolecki, Marcus Hayes, Paul Hagen, Jim Salisbury and others. The Tampa Bay writer is a good "ball writer" according to Bill Conlin. He reports that that Rays recently inked James Shields to a long-term contract but not Kazmir. He has suggested for months that Kazmir is available. I'd give our farm for him.
Posted by TonyO | February 4, 2008 9:50 PM
Posted on February 4, 2008 21:50
Kazmir's been a name thats flown under the radar recently. He's young but he's due a contract soon, since he's accumulated service time. Tampa Bay has one of the best minor league systems in the league, including pitching, so I don't know what they would want in return if they beleived they couldn't sign him. However, if I'm Gillick, I'm calling weekly to gaugue their interest.
Posted by RG | February 5, 2008 8:44 AM
Posted on February 5, 2008 08:44
Either Todd is taking a well deserved day off (or got really wrecked at his super bowl party).
So, let's help him out.
How does everyone feel about our bullpen? Or the outfield?
Posted by jimmymack | February 5, 2008 2:24 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 14:24
I actually like both Jmack. Victorino is faster in CF and Jenkins/Werth is a good combo. Pat is Pat. Now the bullpen im not so sure on, but I still like. If the guys we have pitch the way they are capable of pitching,and stay healthy, then they should do just fine. I think ol' Flash has enough in the tank,and enough meat on his shoulder for one more solid year. Everyone else should have live enough arms to get guys out. Of course I could be wrong about both, but as usual, alot depends on health.
Posted by clinton, nj | February 5, 2008 3:49 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 15:49
22nd out of 30? that's terrible. luckily the big club has some depth. is it possible that jason jaramillo makes the club this year? we all love chris coste, but ruiz and jaramillo sounds like a nice combo to me.
Posted by Franklin Delano Romanowski | February 5, 2008 4:19 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 16:19
I say one or two years on Jaramillo, unless somebody gets hurt. Im not sure who the 3rd catcher would be if one ot those two are injured.
Posted by clinton, nj | February 5, 2008 4:22 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 16:22
I beleive Todd (?) mentioned that the club seems to have cooled on Jaramillo as a prospect, anyone remember that?
Posted by jimmymack | February 5, 2008 4:49 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 16:49
Hey Filly fans, I suggest you check out the Fantasy baseball rankings of all the MLB player on www.mlb.com. A good way to gauge the strongest team. Filly & Met top position players:
Phils: Rollins #3 SS; tied #8 overall
Utley #1 2B; #12 overall
Howard #3 1B; tied #16 overall
Mets: Wright #2 3B; #2 overall (ARod #1 in both)
Reyes #1 SS; tied #3 overall
Beltran #7 OF; tied #16 overall
Advantage: Mets
Starting pitching MLB rankings:
Santana #1 Coles #14
Maine #37 Myers #24
Pedro #40 Kendrick #200+
Perez #42 Moyer #200+
El Duque #79 Eaton #200+
Pelfrey #200+ Carrasco #200+
Advantage: Big time..Mets
And you guys are confident???????
Posted by AJ | February 5, 2008 5:03 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 17:03
Mets looked better on paper last year too, how'd that turn out? Maybe that's why they call it "fantasy" baseball.
Posted by jimmymack | February 5, 2008 5:19 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 17:19
First of all, the only thing that really shows is that the Mets, on paper, have a better starting rotation - which is no secret.
Second, the game isn't played by 3 fielders and a pitcher. However, I think I would take the trio of Rollins, Howard and Utley over Wright, Reyes and Beltran any day of the week.
Third - trying to predict a season based on preseason fantasy rankings is a stretch.
Posted by Tim | February 5, 2008 6:19 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 18:19
AJ, It's "FANTASY" baseball!
Posted by Norma | February 5, 2008 6:36 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 18:36
once again... AJ=MORON
just like the yanks have an allstar at just about every position and a pretty good pitching staff, where did it get them last year??? well it did get them further than the mets lol
Posted by clinton, nj | February 5, 2008 6:42 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 18:42
oh and AJ=MORON, how did Reyes do last year down the stretch???? he CHOKED more than cheech and chong
Posted by clinton, nj | February 5, 2008 6:44 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 18:44
You might take them, Tim. But that's not what the MLB rankings say. David Wright is second only to ARod. One of the reasons that Wright and Reyes are rated #'s 2 & 3 overall is that they just turned 25...not even in their prime yet. Utley, Rollins , and Howard, all are 29, for years older and in their primes. Much more upside with Reyes, and especially Wright to get even better. But that being said, I wouldn't mind having Ryan and Chas as my 1rst. and 2nd. basemen! It will probably be the starting NL Allstar infield next summer..Howard, Utley, Reyes and Wright.
Posted by AJ | February 5, 2008 6:48 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 18:48
I see clinton, nj is back calling me names again. It's too bad he can't have an intelligent conversation without name calling. Grow up, Clinton,nj.
Posted by AJ | February 5, 2008 6:52 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 18:52
well AJ=MORON, you deserve it
Posted by clinton, nj | February 5, 2008 6:58 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 18:58
As with everything, there is a little NY bias in these rankings, I'm sure.
Posted by Tim | February 5, 2008 6:58 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 18:58
Norma...I didn't make up the rankings. Major League Baseball did. And there is a lot of money bet on these rankings when drafting a team. Fantasy Baseball is apparently big business today.
Posted by AJ | February 5, 2008 7:01 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 19:01
You all can spin it any way you want...but the rankings are what they are. And that is the Mets have the more desirable top of the line players than the Fillies.
And I see that clinton, nj will not grow up!
Posted by AJ | February 5, 2008 7:05 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 19:05
well sorry met fan, but as long as you post here, your name will AJ=MORON, so get lost
Posted by clinton, nj | February 5, 2008 7:08 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 19:08
Clinton is angry at A.J. Chill dude, it's just baseball and it's not even spring training.
A.J. - get a life. It's okay, the Phillies and Mets can co-exist, particularly if the Phillies continue to kick the "Let's Go's" butts.
Fantasy baseball? Dudes and dudettes, I got better things to fantasize about. Do they have a baseball swimsuit issue?
You know, I just realized, it takes balls to play baseball. Play ball!
Posted by tigger | February 5, 2008 7:25 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 19:25
My you Filly fans get so riled up so easily. It's a hoot!!!
Posted by AJ | February 5, 2008 8:21 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 20:21
AJ stands for Ass Jelly. It's how he gets his jollies. Come on A.J. put it up.
Posted by Rob from Yonkers | February 5, 2008 8:34 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 20:34
nice rob!!!!
Posted by clinton, nj | February 5, 2008 9:03 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 21:03
Reyes had his knee rebuilt during his rookie year. I remember because the injury happened against the Phillies. Once your knee has to be rebuilt you've automatically knocked 5 years off your career. Reyes' game depends on his legs. Also next time you see him in the dugout take a look at his mannerisms. The guy reminds me of those European soccer players. Kind of dyke like. Maybe I've overstepped my bounds and I hope I haven't offended anyone but Reyes kinda has feminine characteristics. I think affeminate is the work I'm searching for. David Wright is all man though.
The Phillies bullpen is kinda scary. There's a lot of questions. Can Lidge be affective? Is Gordon's shoulder going to hold up? Can Madson rebound and get people out or is he another Geary? How about Romero? Will he be the Romero we saw or the guy the Red Sox released? Last year Romero was a workhorse. The Phils don't really have a work horse they can go to like, for example, Mike Timlin. Some guy who pitches in like 80 games. Can Madson be that guy?
On the other hand the outfield looks really good as long as Victorino can hit a little bit better and can stay healthy. Burrell is in his free agent year (look what that did for Rowand) and Werth could really have a nice year. He can really run, has a great arm and as his wrist continues to improve he has power. Remember he was out of baseball for a year and a half. Geoff Jenkins is a real nice pick-up and a very good professional hitter. Assuming everyone stays healthy the outfield will be very good.
Posted by johnny p | February 5, 2008 9:59 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 21:59
Ass Jelly? I'm obviously dealing with children here, aren't I, Rob?
johnny p...Reyes NEVER had knee problems, it was hamstrings. He pulled them continuously in 2003 and 2004...age 20 and 21. He's been OK since 2005, the last 3 years.
Bullpens are a real commodity these days. There is a shortage of effective relievers all over baseball. The Phillies aren't alone there. The breakdown of the Met bullpen, more than anything else, was the main reason they collapsed last September. Used way too much all year. And remember, Citizens Bank Park is a hitters park, a "band box" as they say. HR's just fly out of there. While the big hitters like Howard and Utley thrive there, Philly pitchers are at a disadvantage.
Shea is a pitchers park, and the pen still had a terrible September.
Posted by AJ | February 5, 2008 10:43 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 22:43
As I wrote before,Reyes sucked in september! As with most teams,when your leadoff hitter slumps,so does your team. Reyes had alot to do with the historic collapse. I think Reyes is a head case,and last September really messed him up.
Posted by clinton, nj | February 5, 2008 11:16 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 23:16
How do do fit four A.J.'s on a bar stool?
Turn it upside down.
Posted by Rob from Yonkers | February 6, 2008 4:26 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 04:26
Yes, Reyes slump was both unexpected and hurt the Mets a lot at the end of the season. He sulked..and showed his immaturity at 24. I hope he learned something last year. Got to suck it up and play like a man! He's got so much talent.
Posted by AJ | February 6, 2008 4:52 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 04:52
AJ-Didn't Rollins win some small award at the end of last season, I think it's called MVP?
If you match up the eight starting position players, the Phillies are better than the Muts at every position except 3B and CF and the advantage at 3B got smaller last week when we signed Feliz. The Muts starting rotation is better but the Phils have a better bullpen and a better bench. We also have a better stadium, mascot hotter ball girls and more intelligent fans, but that's for another day.
Posted by KMG | February 6, 2008 7:19 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 07:19
The Phillies are going to sign Kris Benson and then trade Carrasco, Outman, and Kendrick to the Tampa Bay Rays for Scott Kazmir. That will give the Phillies a rotation of Hamels, Myers, Kazmir, Benson, and Moyer. Those top three will get us through any playoff series.
Sayonara Mets. Go Phils!
Posted by Chad from Media | February 6, 2008 8:00 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 08:00
KMG..Close at 3B? You are joking, right? Wright is the second ranked player in all baseball (and second at 3B because ARod is #1 in both) and feliz, ranked 31rst of all MLB 3rd Baseman.
Lifetime Comparison:
Wright Age25 AVE: .311 SLG: .533 OPS: .921
Feliz Age33 AVE. .252 SLG: .433 OPS: .721
Wright Ave HR per YR: 29 Ave SB per Yr. 23
Feliz Ave HR per YR: 20 Ave SB per Tr. 2
Fldg % Feliz .961 Wright .951
Real close? Give me a break. Wright will be the starting 3B in the NL All Star game for the foreseeable future. AND he is still years shy of his prime. Will take over for ARod as the best player in MLB eventually.
The only two positions the Fillies have a real advantage over the Mets is 1B and 2B. And a slight advantage in LF. That's it. Check out the stats before popping off.
Posted by AJ | February 6, 2008 10:35 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 10:35
KMG: Better Stadium? Just wait till next year when the state of the art CITI Field opens. It will be the most modern and innovative ballpark in MLB.
I'll concede the Fillies have the better mascot though!
Posted by AJ | February 6, 2008 10:41 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 10:41
Obviously, A J, English is your second language (understandable since you come from North Jersey/New York). I said the Muts advantage at 3B got smaller last week when the Phils signed Feliz, who is better at third than Helms/Dobbs. I never used the words "close" or real "close". If you are going to take a shot at me at least take a shot at what I said, not what you think I said.
Posted by KMG | February 6, 2008 2:02 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 14:02
OK KMG..have it your way.
According to stats, both last year and lifetime, BOTH Helms and Dobbs have higher batting averages, higher SLG averages, and most important , higher OPS numbers than Feliz. He is NOT an upgrade. Not according to the stats...and the stats don't lie. But apparently they don't mean anything to you or you just don't like doing a little research. Any more shoot from the hip remarks, KMG?
Posted by AJ | February 6, 2008 5:08 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 17:08
I do have a comment A J- I don't give a crap what the numbers say, Feliz is a better third basemen. You know what tells me that? My eyes. Perhaps you didn't see Helms and Doobs butcher the position defensively last year- I did.
Stats would tell you that A-Rod is a better hitter than Jeter, but I'd rather have Jeter at the plate in a playoff game when it is all on the line. I will take the clutch player. Do you think #'s showed how important David Eckstein was to the Angels and Cardinals? Put that OPS in your pipe and smoke it.
Posted by KMG | February 6, 2008 9:03 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 21:03
Your eyes? You should start scouting for your Fillies.
Hope your Feliz and his .250 average doesn't let your eyes down. He's a clutch hitter you say? His .200 post season average says he's not. Oh, that's right, stats mean nothing. I could tell that from your "insightful" blogs.
Posted by AJ | February 6, 2008 9:22 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 21:22
A.J., "Life time comparisons" mean nothing. It's a brand new season.
Posted by Norma | February 7, 2008 5:34 PM
Posted on February 7, 2008 17:34