We already looked at some Phillies items in today's edition of NL East Notes, but here are a few more news bits from the five-time defending NL East champions…
- The Phillies are having a hard time finding infield depth since their payroll is "close to tapped out," tweets Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, but the club is still looking.
- Cole Hamels told reporters (including Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer) that nothing will change in his extension talks with the Phillies once the season begins, though Hamels did say, "My only understanding is if you sign anybody before opening day, you have to deal with the luxury tax…I understand that's where the Phillies are." This is actually no longer the case under the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement but Gelb thinks Hamels bringing up this "unprompted detail" is an "interesting" hint. Hamels' agent, John Boggs, also represents Adrian Gonzalez, whose extension with the Red Sox was announced last April but allegedly finalized months earlier so Boston could avoid paying an extra luxury tax penalty.
- The Phillies announced the purchase of Juan Pierre's contract, so the veteran outfielder will now earn a guaranteed $800K salary in 2012, plus potentially more with incentives. Pierre will serve as a backup outfielder and pinch-runner, though he could see some starting time given the Phillies' unsettled left field situation.
- With Pierre filling that extra outfield role, Scott Podsednik told Matt Gelb that his chances of making the club are "not looking too good." When asked if he would accept an assignment to the minors, Podsednik said it "depends on the situation." As Gelb notes, Podsednik's minor league contract with the Phillies didn't have an opt-out clause, so Podsednik essentially would have to either accept the assignment or retire. GM Ruben Amaro Jr., however, said Pierre's roster spot didn't necessarily mean Podsednik also wouldn't make the team.
Scotty Pods to the O’s! Problem is Chavez had a decent spring when healthy. So Pods chances of being our fourth outfielder, I guess would be slim. However, what about our 5th?
How about getting a 1st outfielder? Relax O’s fans I’m just teasing, their outfield isn’t their issue…
I believe that under under the new CBA FA (6+ years service time) who sign minor league deals have a June 1 opt out, no need for it to be in the contract unless the player desires an earlier opt-out.
I’ve got a good nickname for Scott Podsednik. The nickname is Scotty 2 Poddy.
i think only a few of us will realize what you did there
I think Podsednik gets called up as soon as a roster spot opens up. You have to think they’re still trying to move Blanton and add an infielder. It was also rumored they were looking for a back-up catcher, still can’t believe they signed Schnieder so fast, and think they could still be looking to nab a solid reliever with Stutes sore, Qualls unimpressive, and Kendrick possibly moving into the starting rotation if Blanton is moved.
and yes, I totally agree with the Nix being a stiff comment. I’d be happy to see him gone.
Scotty P is my favorite White Sox of all-time… sad to see his career ending, but I hope he can get his final shots in with the Phils