Baseball America recently ranked all 30 organizations based on how much talent has passed through their systems since the end of the 2008 season and the Nationals and Braves place third and sixth, respectively. The Marlins (11th) and Phillies (12th) were also better than average, but the Mets were 28th. Here are today's NL East-related links…
- The Phillies are less motivated to trade Joe Blanton than they were earlier in the spring, when Joel Pineiro was around, Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reports (Twitter links).
- The Phillies are cautiously optimistic about Chase Utley and hopeful that Ryan Howard will play in early May, Knobler writes.
- Braves third baseman Chipper Jones told reporters that his upcoming retirement will be final, ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick writes (Twitter link). "I'm very comfortable with this decision and I'm ready to stick to it," Jones said this morning while discussing his decision.
The Phillies are less motivated to trade Joe Blanton than they were earlier in the spring, when Joel Pineiro was around reports Danny Knobler
Joel Pineiro???? Joel Pinerio??? What???
I guess if you use the same theory I guess Jonathan R Papelbon can breathe easier now that Dontrelle Willis is not around.
I appreciate Chipper saying he’s retiring in his retirement announcement and not making a circus around it. The announcement does not need publicity, press conferences and a shroud of mystery hanging over the season like certain other players.
Blanton for chone figgans, make it happen
If you think that’s a good deal, I’ve got a beautiful plot of arable swampland to sell you.
How is it not? Big contract for big contract, they get a decent utility man who can play any position and has decent speed, and we get joe blanton
Blanton has one year left…not a big contract.
Walmart would like to purchase your swampland please.
Phillies fan here. Sadly, that deal is not as far fetched as I wish it were. Polanco is outta here after this year, Utley might miss a chunk of 2013 if he gets the microfracture surgery, and Blanton’s salary is essentially the same in AAV to Figgins.
I could see Rube pulling the trigger, Figgins plays two positions that the Phils could use some help at, and he would allow Rollins to drop in the lineup and swing for the fences, which he does anyway.
$180 million payroll, and Figgins is considered a viable upgrade………Pass me my scotch……
I’d do that deal in a heart beat. Chone is the type of player the phillies need at this point.
I’d rather they swing a trade for Mark Reynolds. I don’t know the numbers off the top of my head but he can’t be much worse than Wiggington at 3rd/1st.
What would you think a fair package for Reynolds is?
It’d have to include Blanton at some point to even out the salaries.
Blanton, Schwimer, and some non top 10 prospect for Reynolds and a 6th starter type.
Sad to see him go but he is doing the right thing by listening to his body and retiring before he hurts himself so bad he can’t walk. Next stop for Chipper, Hall of Fame!!! Oh and also be the next Braves hitting coach.