It’s been a busy week for the Phillies that started off on a sad note when news broke Monday about the passing of former announcer Andy Musser. Musser’s career with the Phillies spanned three decades. Musser retired in 2001 and is survived by his wife and daughter.
The Phillies were in the news two additional times on Monday. First came the news of a Cuban defector not named Yoenis Cespedes being declared a free agent by Major League Baseball. The 18 year old left-hander, Gerardo Concepcion, had established residency in Mexico and is now available to sign with any team. At least nine teams, including the Phillies, have expressed interest and Concepcion’s agent, Jaime Torres, has stated there are offers on the table and that he expects his client to sign before pitchers and catchers report.
The second tidbit from Monday that came across the wire was that the Phillies had expressed interest in reliever Francisco Cordero. He was being sought after as a setup man to new closer Jonathan Papelbon. Cordero eventually signed with the Blue Jays later in the week for roughly $4.5 M dollars.
In a real head scratcher, the Phillies announced Wednesday that they had traded utility infielder and emergency relief pitcher Wilson Valdez to the Cincinatti Reds in exchange for 26 year old left hander Jeremy Horst. Horst is the “bend, don’t break” pitcher. He allows his share of hitters to the tune of a 1.565 WHIP (1.240 in the minors). The transaction brought the total number of players on the 40 man roster down to 38.
Personally, I believe, as do others, that this move is a precursor, or “companion deal” as Ruben Amaro likes to refer to them as, to a bigger move. I believed that it possibly meant the acquisition of a player in the Ryan Theriot ilk, only to see him sign with the Giants later in the week. The Phillies will continue to search for a viable back up to Jimmy Rollins, while only having Freddy Galvis and Michael Martinez as in-house options.
Thursday morning, rumors crept in that the Phillies were looking to acquire out fielder Juan Pierre. Pierre had been a mainstay for the White Sox for the last couple of season and ultimately signed a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training with the Phillies on Friday. In an interview with 97.5 The Fanatic, Pierre admitted that he had discussions with GM Ruben Amaro at the beginning of the off season three months ago.
With the addition of Pierre and Mayberry’s ability to play center field, I wonder if the Phillies are moving forward on a potentail deal involving the trade of Shane Victorino. Manny Acta, manager of the Cleveland Indians, spoke to reporters today and revealed that the Indians are still looking for offense. Victorino could replace 24 year old Michael Brantley on the depth chart and play left field.
The final tidbit about current players came early Friday afternoon that the Phillies had avoided arbitration with right fielder Hunter Pence. The Phillies and Pence had both submitted potential salaries and met in the middle on a one year deal worth $10.4 M. Pence has one final year of arbitration eligibility in 2013.
As far as former Phils are concerned, Brad Lidge had agreed to a one year deal worth one million dollars plus incentives with the Washington Nationals. Lidge will always be known for his 2008 season where he went 48-for-48 in save situations en route to the Phillies first world championship since 1980. Interest on Raul Ibanez has also picked up in recent days as reports of the Yankees being possible suitors has surfaced. Ibanez was offered arbitration and turned it down earlier this winter. An obvious hand shake deal, Ibanez will net the Phillies a supplementary round draft pick when he signs with a new team.
Finally, in a more entertaining piece the Phillie Phanatic made his small screen acting debut on Thursday’s episode of 30 Rock on NBC. If you haven’t seen his cameo, I’ve posted a watchable copy for you entertainment pleasure. Congratulations to the Phanatic. Hopefully he gets nominated for an Emmy!
Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @MikeH_TSP
Tags: Andy Musser, Gerardo Concepcion, Hunter Pence, Jeremy Horst, Juan Pierre, Phillie Phanatic, Phillies Notes, Wilson Valdez
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