Shane Victorino was a late scratch for today's game against the Braves, but it's apparently nothing more than a manager's decision by skipper Charlie Manuel. However, Victorino doesn't appear to be long for Philadelphia anyway as he will almost certainly sign elsewhere if he is not dealt before July 31st, writes Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. People familiar with the familiar with the Phillies' thinking have suggested that while they intend to make a strong effort to keep Cole Hamels, their efforts to retain the outfielder are expected to be lukewarm at best. The Dodgers have a bit of interest in Victorino while he could also be a fit for the Pirates, Indians, and Tigers, Heyman tweets. More Sunday afternoon linkage..
- A big scouting presence is expected for Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster's start against the Mets today, tweets Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. The right-hander was on the disabled list for three weeks with a sore right lat.
- Former Rangers and Indians GM John Hart told Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (via Twitter) that while it's "common knowledge" that the Bucs are looking for offense, he believes that they should also consider adding a big pitcher.
- Giving Jonathan Papelbon a four-year, $50MM contract has handcuffed the Phillies from making other essential moves, writes Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer. While Papelbon has posted a 3.45 ERA with 10.9 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9 on his way to a fifth All-Star selection, the rest of the bullpen has been battered by injuries.
I really want them to trade victorino. Hes the only one that you can get rid of right now and get something somewhat decent. Cant take his “cry baby” attitude. “IM BATTING .247, HOW COME IM NOT BATTING SECOND?” give me a break
You don’t like the Cryin’ Hawaiian?
The good thing for Papelbon is he’ll pitch so few innings this season he’ll be well rested for next year. Oh and how is a mid 3 ERA all-star worthy for a closer? Oh…wait…I forgot its a popularity contest.
He was really good until that game against the Rays.
Soooo it looks likes dodgers have interest in pretty much anyone
I don’t buy the interest in Victorino. Where would he play?
left. And we have injured right and center fielder.
So that means keeping five outfielders on the roster unless you think that Kemp and Ethier aren’t coming back.
People familiar with the familiar with the Phillies’
That’s some wild inception going on there.
I’d love to see a Phillies-Tigers blockbuster at the deadline that would include Victorino and Utley (after a month of proving his health and capable defense of course). My question for Phillies fans is that would you consider parting with these guys for a package that included Turner, Boesch, and some midlevel prospects? Maybe include Delmon Young to help balance the financial aspect. I gotta admit I’m a biased Tiger fan so don’t hate if this package isn’t close to enough.
Seems like dealing Utley’s contract, who is an injury risk, might help give you the necessary financial flexibility to resign Hamels, at least in the short term. Just food for thought though. The way I irrationally see it for the Tigers, is if Utley helps us this year to win a WS, it’s ok if he’s only an injured financial burden next season. We have Delmon and his 8MM salary gone next season so that helps simplify things in affording Utley at 15MM next year. Also we aren’t paying Inge 6MM to play for another team next year either.
Utley has no trade protection in his contract so it would never happen..
As a Tigers fan, there’s no way I want Detroit to trade Turner or Castellanos for a year and a half of injury-riddled $15million Chase Utley.
Rube would probably be willing to eat most of the contract.
I’m thinking that the Phillies would probably eat most of the contract and Victorino would also be in the deal.
Finally the Phillies are realizing their mistake in signing Papelbon for so much money.
Very few things more useless than a good closer on a bad team.
I dont bash writers normally but for the past 3 years they had lidge who was making 13 million so how can signing a closer to 12.5 million handcuff them??
The Pirates need to pull the trigger on Victorino if they can’t get Cleveland to move. Great lead off hitter and can play right field… DO IT PIRATES… Tick Tick Tick