The Zo Zone http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/ A Phillies blog with Inquirer beat writer Todd Zolecki. en Copyright 2008 Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:29:46 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss We're Moving The Zo Zone is dead. We're moving to a new location, so check us out here. See you there. P.S. If you have any questions, comments, concerns or problems -- and I mean any -- about The Phillies Zone. Please e-mail me here. Specifically, your ability to post comments on the blog. But any other questions or concerns are welcome as well.]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/were_moving.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/were_moving.html Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:29:46 -0500 Ask Michael Jack Last week we had readers submit questions for Chase Utley. Read his answers here. Listen to the audio here. So at the suggestion of GM-Carson at We Should Be GM's, I asked Mike Schmidt if he would be interested in participating. He said he would. So submit your questions for Schmidt. But please e-mail them to me here. Include your first name, first initial of your last name and city and state where you live. I'll take them for the next 24 hours, so hop to it.]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/ask_michael_jack.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/ask_michael_jack.html Mike Schmidt Phillies Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:41:26 -0500 Lidge's Surgery Successful Brad Lidge had successful surgery on his right knee today in Philadelphia. It will be three to six weeks before he pitching for the Phillies. Team physician Michael Ciccotti performed the surgery "He went in and cleaned out about 15 to 18 percent of it, which leaves him a good 80 percent of the meniscus left," Phillies athletic trainer Scott Sheridan said. "For us, it really was the best case scenario that it was the only thing going on. His other side of the knee that he had repaired (Oct. 1) was fine, so it's pretty simple for us."]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/lidges_surgery_successful.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/lidges_surgery_successful.html Brad Lidge Phillies Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:33:39 -0500 Lidge's Timetable Brad Lidge is having surgery on his right knee today in Philadelphia. He might not fully recover for six weeks. The season opener is five weeks away. So if the Phillies' timetable is accurate, the worst-case scenario is that Lidge misses a week. The best-case scenario is that Lidge is pitching with a couple weeks remaining on the Grapefruit League schedule. I'm not a big believer in timetables. Tom Gordon spent 2 1/2 months on the DL last season. Brett Myers spent a little more than two months on the DL. Each of their recoveries took much longer than expected. Of course, they had shoulder problems. This is a knee. Does that make a difference? The Phillies consider this surgery a minor operation, so minor that Lidge is expected to begin throwing again next week. But until he's on the mound, he's not on the mound ... ifyouknowhatimsayin'. Until Lidge is healthy, Gordon is this team's closer. The Phillies have no plans to return Myers to the bullpen. * Jim Salisbury took a stroll to Pat Gillick's office after he heard the news about Lidge's surgery. Gillick isn't panicking. In fact, he seemed pretty relaxed. He had plenty of experience handling injuries after Gordon, Myers, Chase Utley, Freddy Garcia, Ryan Howard, Jon Lieber, Shane Victorino and others had them last year. * Unless there's a catastrophe the Phillies said Myers will remain in the rotation. But here's what Myers told us yesterday about that possibility: "First of all, the injury just happened. Let's see where Brad is at. I hope he's OK because he makes our team better, if healthy. It makes us better with him there and me in the rotation. That's why I was OK with the move.'' If they came to you and asked if you'd go back? "I'd do whatever they ever want me to do. I'd do it. I'm a team player.'' But you've indicated you didn't want to move back and forth? "It's early in spring training. Everyone (pitchers) is doing the same thing. I said I didn't want to be jacked around, but I like closing. It fits my personality. Whatever they want to do, I'll do it. I'd just prefer not to do it after I've made four of five starts. I'm preparing as a starter, but I'd do whatever they need." * Kris Benson continues to see progress. So do the Phillies. But like Lidge, until he's on the mound, he's not on the mound. (The notebook isn't online today, but click the link to read it below.)]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/lidge_is_out_flash_is_in.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/lidge_is_out_flash_is_in.html Brad Lidge Brett Myers Kris Benson Pat Gillick Phillies Tom Gordon Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:40:43 -0500 Lidge to Have Surgery, Out 3 to 6 Weeks Brad Lidge is having knee surgery tomorrow in Philadelphia. He said it will take three to six weeks to fully recover. Lidge, who reinjured his surgically repaired right knee Saturday while throwing live batting practice at the Carpenter Complex, had a MRI today in Clearwater. He said the MRI showed "no big, new tears, nothing substantially wrong. But enough on the medial side of the knee that would warrant a scope. We're going to do a scope and clean out some of the small tears and get that done with, so it won't bother me during the season." Lidge had two options: 1) Get the surgery. 2) Let it heal naturally. "The scope has a pretty fast recovery time," Lidge said. "Ideally, if everything went right I wouldn't miss any of the season. That'd be a good 4 1/2 weeks (away). But that'll be based on how it feels, obviously. Right now, if this came up again during the season and we had to do it then, then you're obviously missing a big chunk of the season rather than a big chunk of spring training." The three-to-six week timeframe is when Lidge could be throwing competitively, he said. "The first week (after surgery) you're off it, and then you start going pretty good after that," Lidge said. "It's three to six weeks before games." Lidge had surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee Oct. 1. He entered camp with the knee about 80 percent healthy.]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/lidge_to_have_surgery_out_3_to.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/lidge_to_have_surgery_out_3_to.html Brad Lidge Phillies Sun, 24 Feb 2008 14:17:00 -0500 How Bad Is Lidge's Knee? So how concerned should Phillies fan be about Brad Lidge's knee? It's too early to tell. (Update: Lidge walked into the clubhouse this morning with his knee wrapped, but seemed to be without much of a limp. Of course, walking and throwing a fastball are two totally different things. We expect an update later.) We could learn more today. Lidge is expected to have his right knee, which he had surgically repaired after last season, examined today. He tweaked it yesterday while throwing batting practice at the Carpenter Complex. He said afterward he felt a pulling sensation. He said the knee later swelled up, and that he expects it to be sore today. He also thinks he will miss the next couple days. Lidge's knee has been at about 80 percent this spring, but the Phillies have said the knee shouldn't be an issue and he should be ready to go on opening day March 31 ... unless yesterday's mishap is a setback or develops into a bigger problem. Then there's trouble. Real trouble. * So Jim Salisbury takes the short trip to Dunedin on Friday to check out Blue Jays camp, where he runs into Scott Rolen. So, what's new Scott? Well, I would have accepted a trade to Philadelphia had they been able to trade for me. Come again? Yep, Rolen, who left on bad terms in Philadelphia, was so desperate to get away from Cardinals manager Tony La Russa that he would have accepted a trade to the Phillies. The Phillies had concerns about Rolen's contract and health, and understandibly so. But could you imagine an infield for the next three seasons (Rolen's and Jimmy Rollins' contracts expire after the 2010 season -- although the Phillies have a 2011 club option for Rollins) that included Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Rollins and Rolen? * Read Salisbury's Extra Bases. * The Phillies said Kris Benson continues to make progress on the mound. He hopes to take another step forward today, although his ability to crack the rotation come March 31 remains a big question. * Another Phillies commercial. * A book about the 1977 Phillies is ready to purchase. Go here for more information.]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/how_bad_is_lidges_knee.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/how_bad_is_lidges_knee.html Brad Lidge Kris Benson Phillies Scott Rolen Sun, 24 Feb 2008 06:50:56 -0500 Lidge Hurt (Not Seriously?) The Phillies said it's nothing serious. They hope so. Closer Brad Lidge, the team's key offseason acquisition that allowed the Phillies to return Brett Myers to the rotation, limped off the field this morning after he caught his spike in the mound while throwing live batting practice on Ashburn Field at the Carpenter Complex. Lidge had just started to throw batting practice when he stopped after he threw a pitch. Manager Charlie Manuel, pitching coach Rich Dubee and athletic trainer Scott Sheridan conferred with Lidge on the mound. Lidge then limped back into the Phillies' clubhouse with Sheridan. Lidge had surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee after last season with the Houston Astros. He has said his knee is not 100 percent, but would be able to pitch by Opening Day. The Phillies said he stopped throwing for precautionary reasons because he felt some irritation in the knee. * A video report of Lidge's injury, which includes photo and video of the pitch and the aftermath. * This Phillies commercial is based off Reservoir Dogs.]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/lidge_hurt.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/lidge_hurt.html Brad Lidge Brett Myers Charlie Manuel Phillies Rich Dubee Scott Sheridan Sat, 23 Feb 2008 11:04:24 -0500 You Asked, Chase Answered Last week I asked loyal Zo Zone readers -- as opposed to you communists out there -- to submit questions to Chase Utley. Well, I combed through countless questions and picked 10 of the best. A few are baseball related. Most are not. And that's why I think you'll like the Q&A with Utley in today's Inquirer. Listen to the audio here. My personal favorite: Question: There are two cages over a pit of lava and both are descending. In one cage there are blueprints for revolutionary emissions-free technology. In the other is Shane Victorino. You can only save one. Which one do you save? - Greg G., Washington, DC. Answer: OK ... I'm going to have to save my centerfielder. I'm saving my centerfielder, yes. I have his back. Hopefully he'd do the same for me. The look on Utley's face when I asked that question was priceless. If he thought I was crazy before, he certainly thinks so today. But give the guy credit, he rolled with the punches and answered the questions well. I plan on picking a new player, coach, manager or front office official every week for you guys -- as long as I don't get blown off, which is always a possibility. So keep checking the blog for next week's Q&A participant/victim. And remember: e-mail me your questions with your first name, first initial to your last name and residence. * The Phillies see Carlos Carrasco as a top of the rotation starter, but he remains a few years away. Phillies assistant general manager Mike Arbuckle explains why. "He's matured every year, but I think he still has more maturing to go," Arbuckle said. "Both physically and mentally. I think he needs another full year at the minor-league level. At least. He can alter that timetable for us by what he does, but my gut is that he needs another full year. ... But I think he can be an upper part of the rotation guy. The stuff is there. Athleticism. Body strength. All the raw ingredients you look for are there. Realistically, I don't think you know if a guy can be a No. 1 or a No. 2 until he gets there. Because you get to see their mental make up then. But the stuff is there definitely to pitch up there.") * The Phillies have sold 250,000 individual tickets already. They had sold 150,000 at this time last year. ... Lefthander Joe Savery, the team's first-round pick last year, will start Tuesday's exhibition against Florida State at Bright House Field. He will throw two innings. ... The Phillies signed righthander Kyle Kendrick, infielders Greg Dobbs and Brad Harman and outfielder T.J. Bohn to split contracts. Split contracts mean the player is paid one amount if they are on the 25-man roster, and a different number if they are in the minor leagues. *
Yankees To Play Exhibition Game Against The Media

The Onion

Yankees To Play Exhibition Game Against The Media

]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/you_asked_chase_answered.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/you_asked_chase_answered.html Carlos Carrasco Chase Utley Joe Savery Mike Arbuckle Phillies Shane Victorino Sat, 23 Feb 2008 06:50:46 -0500 Howard's Price Just Went Way Up OK, I promise today will be the last day we talk about Ryan Howard and salary arbitration. Really, I swear. But because it's only one day after Howard's big victory over the Phillies, it's still worth another look. If you're a Phillies fan, this is a big deal. It's a big deal because if you were wondering, "Why don't the Phillies just sign Howard to a multiyear contract already like Chase Utley?" you're really underestimating the situation. Because now that Howard, who is in his first year of arbitration, is earning $3 million more this year than Albert Pujols earned in his first year of arbitration, you can expect Team Howard to stick to its guns even more than before. Not that they were pushovers to begin with. There are indications that Howard, who acknowledged his father Ron's role in negotiations, is seeking much more than the eight-year, $136 million contract Alfonso Soriano signed last year. We're not saying it's going to approach Alex Rodriguez's last contract. But anything that totals $200 million or more isn't out of the question. Think about that for a second. That's a TON of money. And unless the Phillies suddenly decide to really pump up their payroll -- paging billionaire John Middleton -- they're going to have some terribly difficult decisions to make in the future. Fortunately for the Phillies, Howard can't become a free agent until after the 2011 season so they have time. Unfortunately for them, they could face three more arbitration hearings with Howard. And Howard could keep producing like he has, which means his asking price will keep going up. * Jim Salisbury tells us why yesterday's ruling is ground breaking and game changing. It absolutely is. * Chris Coste's new book hits stores March 18. He got a look at the first official copy. * Talked with the Sports Radio 950 Morning Show. Listen to the podcast here.]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/ok_i_promise_today_will.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/ok_i_promise_today_will.html Chris Coste Phillies Ryan Howard Fri, 22 Feb 2008 06:45:31 -0500 Howard Wins Ryan Howard has won his salary arbitration hearing against the Phillies, a baseball source told The Inquirer this morning. He will make $10 million this season. The Phillies had offered $7 million. "We'll talk after," Howard said before the team's workout this morning at Bright House Field. "I've got to get dressed now." Howard smiled easily as he talked on his cell phone outside the Phillies' clubhouse. Teammate Jimmy Rollins gave him a high five on his way back to his locker. The $10 million is a record for a player who has won a salary arbitration hearing. Alfonso Soriano earned $10 million from the Washington Nationals in 2006, but he actually lost his case after seeking $12 million. Andruw Jones had won a record $8.2 million from the Atlanta Braves in 2001. The Phillies suffered their first loss in arbitration. They are 7-1. Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said the team negotiated with Howard's agent, Casey Close, about a contract "in a variety of lengths" as late as yesterday morning before the hearing at the Renaissance Vinoy Hotel in St. Petersburg. He said they thought they were close to a deal, but it's uncertain how close. "Close doesn't get it done, though," Amaro said. Amaro wouldn't say if this ruling will impact the potential for a multiyear deal. "I think it's a little fresh in our minds right now," he said. "We'll just worry about getting ready for the season and moving forward." It is believed reaching an agreement with Howard on a multiyear contract is going to be difficult. He could be seeking a contract far in excess of the seven-year, $100 million contract extension St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols received in 2004. "This is too fresh in our minds right now to even start dealing with that kind of stuff," Amaro said. "I think what we're focused on now is, one, it's over with. And, two, we've got to go play baseball now." * See video of Howard and Amaro here. Listen to audio of Howard's interview with reporters here. Listen to audio of the Amaro interview here.]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/howard_wins.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/howard_wins.html Phillies Ryan Howard Thu, 21 Feb 2008 09:05:06 -0500 D-Day for Howard Today is Decision Day. $7 million? $10 million? Both sound like pretty sweet salaries to me, but if you're Ryan Howard, you definitely feel $10 million is the just number. Howard had his salary arbitration hearing yesterday at the Renaissance Vinoy Hotel in St. Petersburg. Howard said a few words after the hearing before his agent, Casey Close, rushed him away. Close said they will have more to say today. The Phillies, who detoured out a side door to avoid reporers after the hearing, also are expected to speak. It should be interesting, both in the ruling and what the parties have to say afterward. What do we talk about after Howard's case is finished? Baseball? * Jimmy Rollins met with reporters yesterday at Bright House Field. He talked about his new shoes, his contract (what a bargain), the Mets, Carlos Beltran and going deeper in the playoffs this year. Listen to audio of the complete 25-minute Rollins interview here. Or check out a five-minute video clip of the Rollins interview here. * Scott Mathieson received good news from orthopedist Lewis Yocum about his right elbow. * rowandgiants.jpg Aaron Rowand has turned Bowling with Phillies into Bowling with the Giants.]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/today_is_decision_day_7.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/today_is_decision_day_7.html Aaron Rowand Casey Close Jimmy Rollins Phillies Ryan Howard Scott Mathieson Thu, 21 Feb 2008 06:40:33 -0500 Who Will Win? Now we wait. Ryan Howard's salary arbitration hearing concluded a couple hours ago at a St. Petersburg hotel, but the result isn't expected until tomorrow. Howard is seeking $10 million. The Phillies have offered $7 million. "It was cool," Howard said. "It was a different experience being in there, but as far as a result we'll find out tomorrow." Houston Astros president Tal Smith prepared and presented the case for the Phillies. He runs Tal Smith Enterprises, which specializes in representing management in baseball arbitration cases. "You don't leave happy until you have a result," Smith said. "Both sides would like to win, but it's not contentious. Really, it's not what people think. They think it's a lot of animosity, but that's not so. It's a debate about what's the appropriate salary. I don't think there's any ill feelings." Howard gave conflicting signals afterward. He smiled often and said he was upbeat, but when asked for his take on the hearings after Smith said they weren't contentious, he said, "Ah, I don't know about that, but we'll see tomorrow." But then in the next breath, he said, "I'm always upbeat. Did you think I'd be anything different? I'm always upbeat regardless. We went in. We had the process. We find out tomorrow how it goes, but either way it is what it is." Service time no doubt was a big part of the Phillies' argument against Howard. "That's certanly a major portion of the criteria," Smith said. "It's the length and consistency of the career. Basically that's what the discussion is about. There's no denying his performance. It's a question of how that slots in with the rest of the criteria." * Actually got booted by some "security guard" at the hotel. But me and a couple other writers snuck back in and purchased some beverages to make ourselves official paying customers. Why is there no love for the media? * Check out The Inquirer's video report: Jimmy Rollins meets the press.]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/who_will_win.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/who_will_win.html Phillies Ryan Howard Tal Smith Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:57:02 -0500 UPDATED: Howard's hearing ends PhilliesCast, coming to you from the mother ship on North Broad Street. I just got word from Todd down in Clearwater that Ryan Howard's salary arbitration hearing has ended. Howard hasn't emerged yet, but his Escalade is parked in front of the building where the hearing is taking place. Tal Smith, who prepared the case for the Phillies, said the hearing wasn't contentious. Stay tuned. UPDATE: Todd filed this story earlier this afternoon, and there are some good quotes in it from Smith. "It doesn't need to be [contentious], it's nothing more than a continuation of the debate that the parties had during the negotiation [process]," he said. "I don't think it's anything degrading or demeaning at all." Smith also discussed how Howard's three years of service in baseball factored into the hearing. "That's certainly a major portion of the criteria - length and consistency of a career. Basically, that's what the debate is about," he said. "There's no denying his performance, it's a question of how that slots in with the rest of the criteria."]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/howards_hearing_ends.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/howards_hearing_ends.html Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:27:00 -0500 Howard's Hearing Underway Ryan Howard's arbitration hearing has begun. It could take a long time before it concludes, but even when it does we don't expect a resolution. That might come within 24 hours. Stay tuned. http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/howards_hearing_underway.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/howards_hearing_underway.html major league baseball philadelphia phillies ryan howard salary arbitration Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:07:54 -0500 Howard's Big Day The day is upon us. Ryan Howard has his salary arbitration hearing today. In case you've been living under a rock for the past month, Howard is seeking $10 million from the Phillies, which would set a record for the most money won in an arbitration ruling. (Alfonso Soriano lost his case with the Nationals in 2006, but still picked up $10 million. Ah, to be a loser and still make $10 million.) The Phillies have offered Howard $7 million, which ties the most money offered a player in his first year of arbitration eligibility. Who's the favorite? I'm giving the Phillies a slight edge, based on their 7-0 record in arbitration cases and the fact that Howard's service time might come into play. Howard has less service time than the biggest arbitration winners: Soriano, Andruw Jones and Miguel Cabrera. But Howard's historic start to his career -- no player has hit 100 home runs faster than Howard -- could come into play. Put it this way, I wouldn't bet my house on either side. But what exactly happens behind those closed doors? Jim Salisbury talked with one baseball executive and two player agents about just that. It's a good look at how these things work. * The Phillies held their first full squad workout yesterday. Charlie Manuel addressed the team, and while he thought he had given better spring training speeches, he seemed to get his message across. * Mike Schmidt likes what he has seen so far from Pedro Feliz.]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/howards_big_day.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/zozone/2008/02/howards_big_day.html Charlie Manuel Mike Schmidt Pedro Feliz Phillies Ryan Howard salary arbitration Wed, 20 Feb 2008 06:40:34 -0500