Ruben Amaro Jr. Rumors

Odds & Ends: Oliver, Amaro, Scheppers

Links for Thursday... ESPN's Keith Law has the latest on the battle between Andy Oliver and the NCAA over whether players can have agents and still be eligible for the draft. Yahoo's Gordon Edes writes about the ascension of Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. Edes notes that the Phils still do not have a full-time statistical analyst. Former D'Backs pitching coach Bryan Price landed a minor league consulting gig with the Phillies, according to MLB.com's Steve Gilbert. Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says it's "believed though not confirmed" that Tanner Scheppers has granted the Pirates permission to draft him...   Continue Reading

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Phillies Satisfied With Current Bench

According to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki, the Phillies have no immediate plans to add another bench player. "We're always looking to improve, but nothing is imminent," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Saturday. The Phils appear content with their current list of reserves, a group that consists of Greg Dobbs, Matt Stairs, Eric Bruntlett, Chris Coste and Miguel Cairo. Amaro was thought to be on the hunt for a right-handed hitter, but he'll apparently stand pat for now. The Phillies, as you'll probably remember, were one of the first teams to express serious interest in Gary Sheffield before he signed...   Continue Reading

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Phillies Still Eyeing Free Agents

Contrary to some previous reports, the Phillies are still keeping an eye on several free agents. Todd Zolecki has the news over at MLB.com. GM Ruben Amaro Jr. was asked if his club is still interested in Nomar Garciaparra. "If I were to handicap this thing," Amaro responded, "I would say less than 50 percent." It probably depends on the A's interest. Phillies officials said last week that they have no desire to enter a bidding war with another team. Amaro also said talks are "still open" with the representatives for left-handers Joe Beimel and Will Ohman. "But nothing has...   Continue Reading

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Phillies Set Franchise Payroll Record

According to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki, the Phillies are looking at an Opening Day 25-man roster payroll of $132.5MM, a franchise record. The Phils can expect an increase in merchandise and ticket sales after their 2008 World Series win, but the club might not have much of a budget for in-season acquisitions. Ryan Howard will command the highest salary from the Phillies in '09 at $15MM. Brett Myers is second at $12MM.   Continue Reading

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Phillies Still Eyeing Right-Handed Bats

8:18pm: Philadelphia's search for a right-handed bat continues. Alden Gonzalez adds an update on MLB.com. Names the Phillies have been linked to in that regard include Nomar Garciaparra, Ty Wigginton, Moises Alou, Rich Aurilia, Mark Grudzielanek and Kevin Millar, Gonzalez wrote. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told Gonzalez that the addition does "not necessarily" need to be an infielder, though a little insurance while Pedro Feliz and Chase Utley recover from offseason surgeries wouldn't hurt. "We're looking for a guy that has a bit of that versatility that's needed in the National League," Amaro told Gonzalez. Jan. 23: Jim...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Tazawa, Young, Kouzmanoff

Links for Friday. As always, I'll update this post with more stuff so refresh later if you're interested. Nick Piecoro suggests catcher Miguel Montero could be the D'Backs' best trade chip. Their needs will be second base and perhaps starting pitching. The Marlins' top priority is improving their defense. Dave Cameron takes apart Scott Boras' claim about Oliver Perez. If more of these client books leak out, Boras is going to have to hire Cameron to keep him quiet. White Sox GM Ken Williams talked about adding speed from within, though Williams is notoriously unpredictable. Two 19 year-old Indian men...   Continue Reading

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Phillies Announce Amaro As New GM

In a news conference this morning, the Phillies announced Ruben Amaro Jr. as their new GM. He received a three-year contract. He beat out player development exec Mike Arbuckle, who resigned. On the docket for Amaro: ten potential arbitration cases and key free agents like Pat Burrell and Jamie Moyer.   Continue Reading

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Amaro To Replace Gillick As Phillies GM?

On Friday, SI.com's Jon Heyman suggested Ruben Amaro Jr. was the most likely replacement for Pat Gillick as Phillies GM. Today, Todd Zolecki of the Philadelphia Inquirer hears from team insiders that Amaro (currently the assistant GM) is expected to get the job. The decision would likely be finalized before the November 3rd GM meetings.   Continue Reading

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