This Week in Baseball

[Precious Roy 0]

"If we had won one more game, we wouldn't have to be worried about what anybody else did," Cashman told The Times

[the max 0]

Maybe if they hadn't gotten swept by the woeful Royals, or finished with a .500 record against Tampa...

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

I think this is a misconception that could probably be proved wrong by stats. The emergence of the rookies is what got this team going.

 

There's always room for disagreements, but I think win shares can help shed some light on this. Here are the top ten Braves in win shares, convenient since ten Braves reached double figures...

 

1. Rafael Furcal (27)

2. Marcus Giles (25)

3. Andruw Jones (23)

4. Chipper Jones (20)

5. John Smoltz (18)

6. Juan Sosa (14)

7. Jeff Francouer (13)

8. Tim Hudson (13)

9. Ryan Langerhans (13)

10. Adam Laroche (12)

 

I think those who say the Braves would be nothing without Andruw Jones are really ignoring the contributions the Braves enjoy from their double play combo every year.

 

In recent news, if Jimmy Rollins make his streak to 57 games, it will not be recognized by Major League Baseball.

 

Agree or disagree?

 

If Jimmy Rollins runs his streak to 57 games, I would be incredibly surprised. I think MLB would change their stance as well if it came to that. Record chases mean big money. The sparse crowds that attended Maris's 61st home run game should give an indication of what happens when you discount a record beforehand.

[Jericholic82 0]

"There's a code of honor when so much is on the line," Rodriguez told the New York Daily News.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

thats true I have to give you that. (although any player in that position might have tried to do anything to knock that ball out if possible, you have to believe)

 

 

but I too was wondering why Buck did that, but I would think he would have gotten over getting canned in 95 and the team winning it all in 96.

 

 

No whining needed, if they won 1 more game this wouldnt have happened. and there were plenty of games this year the yanks could have won and blown.

 

 

Give Jaret Wright a bus ticket back to wherever he came from. I still dont know why they spent so much on him, but I guess he was hurt (like pavano and brown)

 

I would have started Moose yesterday personally but its not like he is 100 perecnt right now. chacon should be strating game 1 IMO

[bob_barron 0]

Rafal Furcal didn't start contributing until July when the Braves were already playing well. Andruw carried the team through June when they were on the verge of flatlining.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Rafal Furcal didn't start contributing until July when the Braves were already playing well. Andruw carried the team through June when they were on the verge of flatlining.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, but Andruw Jones also hit .208 over the month of September. Does that sound like an MVP?

[bob_barron 0]

I don't think he should be MVP.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

I don't think he should be MVP.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My apologies. The overall point is that while Jones carried the team at some point, Furcal (who had a fantastic month) may have carried it at other points, and other players were responsible for the team's success.

[bob_barron 0]

I actually did think Andruw should've been MVP until his medicore final month.

 

Furcal was horrible to start the season, just like the rest of the offence besides Andruw. I think the Braves were even thinking of trading him at one point, since it's a contract year.

[Bruiser Chong 0]

Andruw didn't start coming around until late June. Until that point, he had been just as bad as everyone else.

[therealworldschampion 0]

You'll love this Al. Eskin was on WIP today railing on Abreu about his strikeouts and yelling about how he needs to be traded...

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

You'll love this Al. Eskin was on WIP today railing on Abreu about his strikeouts and yelling about how he needs to be traded...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Eskin's just an attention whore.

[Fökai 0]

Fun fact: The Braves became the first team since the 1989 San Franciscio Giants to win their division despite finishing last in the league in strikeouts.

 

Man, I don't see us losing Furcal just yet.

[UseTheSledgehammerUh 0]

Abreu DOES need to be traded. They're not keeping both him and Burrell. And Burrell is a better team player and has heart. Bobby's been so ordinary since his little shitty friend Urbina joined.

[Fökai 0]

I decided to implement my Insider account and find a local article on the Phillies and their possible offseason plans.

 

Should Wade stay? Will Wagner? Five off-season questions

By Todd Zolecki

Philadelphia Inquirer Staff Writer

 

Kenny Lofton taped up a couple of boxes in front of his locker yesterday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park.

 

Jason Michaels sorted through some bats. Mike Lieberthal loaded up a duffel bag.

 

The Phillies ended their season Sunday in Washington, one game short of a one-game playoff for the National League wild card. The Phillies would have played the Houston Astros at 4 p.m. yesterday at home, and it would have been an absolutely beautiful day for baseball.

 

Instead, the grounds crew aerated the field and workers quietly loaded food and beverages onto pallets on the concourse.

 

The Phillies are entering another cold off-season, but it is one full of important decisions. Here are the five biggest they will face:

 

1. Ed Wade's status.

 

Everything this off-season begins with Wade.

 

Is he in? Is he out?

 

Wade, whose contract with the Phillies runs through 2007, last week said: "I fully expect, the day after we're not playing any more games, to be responsible for planning for next year. I haven't gotten any indication otherwise."

 

But Wade has been the general manager for eight seasons, and the Phillies have never made the playoffs. He has become the lightning rod for fan discontent, and with a drop of 584,788 in attendance this season - a possible financial hit of $23 million - the Phillies might feel they need to make a change to reenergize their fan base.

 

Phillies president David Montgomery ultimately will make that decision, but he hasn't said anything yet. Does his silence mean anything? Or does he feel he doesn't need to address the issue because Wade is his man?

 

2. Thome or Howard?

 

The Phillies are expected to shop first baseman Jim Thome for a few reasons. Ryan Howard proved he can hit big-league pitching at a cheaper price and as a lifelong first baseman, seems unlikely to pursue a career as an outfielder. Plus Howard will be 26 and Thome will be 35 and coming off two consecutive seasons with injuries. Also, the Phillies probably need to move salary - Thome is owed $46 million over the next three seasons - to have a chance at re-signing closer Billy Wagner.

 

The Phillies have $77.75 million committed to 11 players next season, including Thome. There's no question the Phils would have to eat a large portion of Thome's contract, possibly half or more, to move him. But is there a team out there that would pay $23 million over the next three seasons to see if Thome can be a force in the middle of its lineup?

 

3. Billy the Kid.

 

Wagner might have been the team's MVP. He finished 4-3 with a 1.51 ERA and 38 saves, and was throwing 100-m.p.h. fastballs on the final weekend of the season in Washington.

 

It's impossible to picture the Phillies winning 88 games without him.

 

Wagner returned home to Virginia after Sunday's game in Washington without a word to reporters, his locker in Philadelphia still full of equipment and family photos. He wasn't coming back to clean out his locker, either. (A Phillies equipment manager was shipping his belongings to him.)

 

Wagner wants a three-year, $27 million contract, while the Phillies are offering a two-year contract for less money with an option for a third year. Wagner, who could have been signed for less in July, has become frustrated with the pace of contract talks, and he knows there will be a healthy market for him in free agency. The Phillies hope it doesn't get to that point. If Wagner walks, the Phillies will look at re-signing free agent Ugueth Urbina or turning more to Ryan Madson or Robinson Tejeda.

 

4. Fresh faces?

 

The Phillies haven't acknowledged this publicly, but there are indications that they would like to change the face of the team by building around young, exciting, charismatic players such as Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Howard.

 

Montgomery hinted at that in July when he said: "I'm not sure we wouldn't improve our club by bringing some younger players in. I don't know the answer to that. To me, it's making the best baseball decisions: What fits in here?"

 

An official from another team said the Phillies were willing to discuss trading rightfielder Bobby Abreu in July. It appears they will explore trading Abreu, leftfielder Pat Burrell and others such as Michaels. But it should be noted that both Abreu and Burrell have no-trade clauses.

 

If the Phillies could, they would like to trade Lieberthal and third baseman David Bell, but with salaries next season at $7.5 million and $4.5 million, respectively, they will be difficult to move.

 

5. Pitching, pitching, pitching.

 

Jon Lieber won 17 games, the most for the Phillies since Curt Schilling won 17 in 1997. Brett Myers will be back, and Cory Lidle is signed for another season.

 

But what to do with the other spots in the rotation?

 

With so much money tied up in other places, it wouldn't be a shock to see the Phillies let Vicente Padilla walk. Madson, Tejeda, Gavin Floyd and Cole Hamels seem like rotation candidates next spring, with Randy Wolf expected to return from Tommy John surgery late next season.

 

The bullpen certainly will face an overhaul if Wagner and Urbina walk.

[Fökai 0]

...and another one on Thome

 

On Baseball | Dealing Thome won't be easy

by Jim Salisbury

Inquirer Columnist

 

Every time Ryan Howard hit a home run for the Phillies down the stretch this season, his popularity with fans soared and his future with the organization became more secure.

 

A year ago, the 25-year-old slugger was trade bait. Now, it would be shocking if he were dealt. All indications are that Howard, a strong candidate for National League rookie of the year, will be playing first base and hitting in the middle of the Phils' order on opening day 2006.

 

But what about Jim Thome, the slugging first baseman whose signing three winters ago was hailed as one of the greatest days in franchise history?

 

To help lure Thome to Philadelphia, the Phillies gave him a no-trade clause. Would Thome, 35, accept a trade so the Phillies can seamlessly go forward with Howard? Or will he use his no-trade rights to force the Phillies to seek other options with Howard?

 

Thome declined interview requests in recent weeks because he did not want to become a distraction as his teammates unsuccessfully attempted to break a playoff drought that rose to 12 years Sunday.

 

His agent, Pat Rooney, says it's premature to ask if Thome would waive his no-trade clause.

 

"The first thing we want to hear is the Phillies' plans," Rooney said yesterday. "There's no mistaking that Ryan Howard has done a wonderful job, and that's put them in a tight position. We need to find out where Jim fits in, based on the emergence of Ryan Howard."

 

That's all Rooney would say, though he did give the impression that he'd like to hear from the Phillies soon.

 

The Phils made it known to teams in July that they would listen to offers for Thome - and eat some of his remaining salary - but dealing him won't be easy.

 

There's the no-trade clause, of course.

 

There's his health history. In the last year and a half, he has battled back, hand and finger injuries. Ultimately, an elbow injury that required surgery ended his season in July.

 

And there's the money. Thome is owed $46 million over the next three seasons.

 

Another complicating factor could be the marketplace. A number of teams are looking for heavy-hitting first base/designated hitter types, but there could be a number of them available, headed by soon-to-be Chicago White Sox free agent Paul Konerko. Florida's Carlos Delgado, Cincinnati's Sean Casey, Milwaukee's Lyle Overbay and Tampa Bay's Aubrey Huff could all be available in trades.

 

There does seem to be a climate in which Thome would accept a deal, but it would require him going to a team that can win immediately - that's non-negotiable given Thome's age and postseason desires - and that team probably would have to be in the American League, where the DH position is a fallback.

 

Because of Thome's injuries, some team might be leery to make a trade this winter. Teams might want to see him play in spring training before pulling the trigger. Having Thome in spring training might create an uncomfortable situation for both him and Howard. In order to deal Thome this winter, the Phils would have to pay a significant amount of his remaining contract - at least half, one rival general manager recently predicted.

 

While some teams begin their quest to win the World Series today, the Phillies are pondering what to do with Thome, a man who just three years ago was seen as the team's savior. It's a crazy game.

 

In the Market for a Slugger?

 

Here are some clubs that may be in a position to trade for the Phillies' Jim Thome:

 

Angels

 

They need a bat to pair with Vladimir Guerrero. They've talked about Barry Bonds, but Thome's character may be more appealing to manager Mike Scioscia, who values such things. If the Angels re-sign catcher Bengie Molina, they could look to deal young catcher Jeff Mathis.

 

Rangers

 

General manager John Hart has a thing for sluggers, Thome in particular. They were together in Cleveland. The Phils would have to take Phil Nevin's $10 million contract and probably throw in Cory Lidle or Vicente Padilla.

 

If the Phils really got creative, they might be able to work out a blockbuster and get a catcher (Rod Barajas or Gerald Laird) and a third baseman. Baseball sources say the Rangers may listen to offers for Hank Blalock, who is owed $13.7 million over the next three years.

 

Twins

 

They may have the pitching to go far next year, but they are desperate for a bat. Thome loves hitting at the Metrodome (.343, 23 homers, 53 RBIs). There has been speculation the Twins might deal centerfielder Torii Hunter, but organization officials have shot that down.

 

Red Sox

 

They need a first baseman, with free agent Kevin Millar moving on and John Olerud possibly retiring. It would be difficult to imagine Thome saying no, but the Red Sox may favor someone younger and less risky.

 

White Sox

 

If they make the World Series, they may have the revenue to re-sign Paul Konerko. Otherwise, they will need a first baseman and a bat. Thome is from Illinois and would love to play in Chicago.

 

Yankees

 

They may need a DH, and they would satisfy Thome's winning criteria.

 

Athletics

 

GM Billy Beane has always liked Thome, but it's tough to see a match here.

 

Orioles

 

They need a first baseman, but it's doubtful Thome would go there. Too much controversy, not enough winning.

 

Mets

 

They will make a run at Konerko and Carlos Delgado, if he's available. It's doubtful that the Phils would trade Thome to a division rival.

 

Blue Jays

 

They don't appear to be a fit, though they might be intrigued if they could move Eric Hinske's salary.

 

Tigers

 

They need a DH but probably lose too much for Thome's liking.

 

Dodgers

 

They could use a first baseman but may want to go younger.

 

Giants

 

First baseman J.T. Snow is a free agent. They need a lefthanded bat, but seem to prefer Lyle Overbay.

 

Astros

 

They would like to get a bat, but must keep first base open as Lance Berkman's landing spot.

 

- Jim Salisbury

[Boon 0]

Is there an Astros/Braves ALDS thread?

[Guest TheDon]

No chance in hell the Yankees would trade for Jim Thome. They already have Giambi as their first baseman/dh.

[Precious Roy 0]

I would think Detroit could be a possible destination for Thome. Or maybe Tampa if Philly is willing to eat most (like 2/3) of the contract.

 

Until Philly adds another impact starter to the mix I don't see them contending. Would they make a play for Burnett?

[bob_barron 0]

Andruw didn't start coming around until late June.  Until that point, he had been just as bad as everyone else.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

He actually started coming around in May.

[CanadianChris 0]

Is there an Astros/Braves ALDS thread?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Probably tomorrow when the series starts.

[The Czech Republic 0]

I would think Detroit could be a possible destination for Thome.  Or maybe Tampa if Philly is willing to eat most (like 2/3) of the contract.

Comerica's kinda deep, might eat away at his HR totals. And the Rays probably want to load up on cheap young talent rather than the old vets.

[Bruiser Chong 0]

Abreu DOES need to be traded.  They're not keeping both him and Burrell.  And Burrell is a better team player and has heart.  Bobby's been so ordinary since his little shitty friend Urbina joined.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah, I heard Abreu just runs on batteries.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

The most intriguing destination for Thome I've heard is Texas. They have Cleveland's former GM John Hart, a need for a designated hitter, and a contract of their own (Phil Nevin) they might like to unload. Plus, Hank Blalock's poor season may make him available.

 

I am not unwilling to trade Abreu, but we would need to receive a top flight starting pitcher in return. I'm talking Roy Oswalt, Johan Santana, Jake Peavy, Dontrelle Willis, etc. I'd doubt any of their teams would make that trade, so I don't see how trading Abreu would make the Phillies better.

 

As for A.J. Burnett, I watched him pitch live and last 2 2/3 innings. If that's the kind of performance he gives down the stretch, our money is better spent elsewhere.

[Spaceman Spiff 0]

I would think Detroit could be a possible destination for Thome.  Or maybe Tampa if Philly is willing to eat most (like 2/3) of the contract.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah, Thome's going to waive his no-trade to play for Detroit or Tampa Bay. No chance.

[therealworldschampion 0]

The most intriguing destination for Thome I've heard is Texas.  They have Cleveland's former GM John Hart, a need for a designated hitter, and a contract of their own (Phil Nevin) they might like to unload.  Plus, Hank Blalock's poor season may make him available.

 

I am not unwilling to trade Abreu, but we would need to receive a top flight starting pitcher in return.  I'm talking Roy Oswalt, Johan Santana, Jake Peavy, Dontrelle Willis, etc.  I'd doubt any of their teams would make that trade, so I don't see how trading Abreu would make the Phillies better.

 

As for A.J. Burnett, I watched him pitch live and last 2 2/3 innings.  If that's the kind of performance he gives down the stretch, our money is better spent elsewhere.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Yeah that's probably the only way I'd trade Bobby is if we're getting a #1 pitcher in return. And even then you have to consider if the #1 pitcher is a good fit for the

ballpark.

 

As for Thome I could see a team like the Angels taking on his contract, seeing as Artie Moreno is not against spending money and it seems like a team he'd waive the no-trade clause for.

[Precious Roy 0]

Didn't know he had a trade clause. Yeah, I could see Anaheim or Texas as possible destinations. If I were him I would try and direct myself to the AL where I could DH half the time.

 

Rangers will not resign Kenny Rogers, there's your pitcher Al!

[therealworldschampion 0]

Didn't know he had a trade clause.  Yeah, I could see Anaheim or Texas as possible destinations.  If I were him I would try and direct myself to the AL where I could DH half the time.

 

Rangers will not resign Kenny Rogers, there's your pitcher Al!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Oh God, I could see Kenny murdering a member of the Philly media if he were to come here, preferably Howard Eskin...

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

John Hart resigned. Guess Texas is out of the cards now.

[Conspiracy_Victim 0]

Ehh, if the Astros want to keep Berkman in the OF (why??) and want to get a powerhitting 1st basemen, they'll go after Adam Dunn. He's younger, rumor has it he wants to come home (he's from New Caney TX) and the Reds probably won't ask for as much for him as the Phillies would for Thome. The only downside for Dunn is that he's up for a new deal after '06 and probably won't be cheap.