Phillies Offseason Talk

[Geowhizzer]

Love Prior's ability, but not sure if he'll ever stay healthy enough to get that Cy Young he seemed destined for not long ago.

I can't imagine Willis being available (that would make the Marlins AAA again), but I will put nothing past those loser owners in North Dade.

Trade Bell for a used banana cup for all I care.  Just get rid of him.

[PhillyGirl]

Dodgers join Abreu talks
Dec 7 - The Phillies and Dodgers have discussed a deal that would send Bobby Abreu and possibly third baseman David Bell to L.A. for pitcher Derek Lowe or pitcher Brad Penny, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. The two teams are expected to meet again Wednesday.

According to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, the Phillies and Blue Jays explored a potential Abreu-for-Vernon Wells swap at the GM meetings, and those discussions have resumed at the winter meetings. But since the Phillies want pitching if they trade Abreu, the names of Miguel Batista and Gustavo Chacin also might have to be tossed into the conversation.

The Red Sox (possibly for Matt Clement and Trot Nixon) and Astros (potentially for Brandon Backe and Chad Qualls) also are showing renewed interest in Abreu.

The Philadelphia Daily News reports that the Cubs learned Monday that they would need to include pitcher Mark Prior in any deal for Abreu.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

I see a lot of non-number 1 pitchers in those rumors.

Clement?  Yikes.  He's had a decent year or two, but is it just a flash in the pan?
Backe and Qualls?  No thanks.
Batista, Chacin, and Wells?  Barf.
Prior?  Sure, I suppose.

I just don't see them likely to get the value for Abreu we'd all hope for.

[Wingspan]

I see a lot of non-number 1 pitchers in those rumors.

Clement?  Yikes.  He's had a decent year or two, but is it just a flash in the pan?
Backe and Qualls?  No thanks.
Batista, Chacin, and Wells?  Barf.
Prior?  Sure, I suppose.

I just don't see them likely to get the value for Abreu we'd all hope for.

everyone in philly thinks he stinks...so this is potentially a lot of extra value using their train of thought.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Yeah, but he doesn't.

In fact, I can guarantee we won't have anyone nearly as good playing RF next year if he's traded.

P.S.  Brad Penny or Derek Lowe?  Is that a joke also?

[stalker]

Yeah, but he doesn't.

In fact, I can guarantee we won't have anyone nearly as good playing RF next year if he's traded.

P.S.  Brad Penny or Derek Lowe?  Is that a joke also?

A number three starter for a 30/30/100/100 guy? That is a joke.

[SunMo]

yeah, yeah, yeah, Abreu puts up great numbers, what has that gotten them in the past 3 years?  nothing, if you can get value pitching for him, deal him.  Lowe is a very good groundball pitcher and is money in tough situations.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Abreu for Lowe would make Dodger fans very happy.

[PhillyPhreak54]

Well another day and no new Phils news.

Anyone else a little pissed that Gillick isn't even looking to upgrade the catcher position? I mean, the Braves dealt him for 2 goddamn RP's!!

Molina and Hernandez are still out there chillin' while we have Loserthal.

Get rid of Bell and get another catcher.

[PhillyPhreak54]

Read on another board that if the Phils trade Bell then they might look towards Nomah to take over 3B....

[MDS]

Cant trade Loser. He has an unmoveable contract. Nobody wants him. As much as I would like to see him go, I've pretty much accepted the fact that hes gonna have his last hurrah this year as Phillies catcher.

[PhillyPhreak54]

I know he can't be dealt. But they could at least get a guy here and sit Lieby.  The LIeby-Sal Fasano doesn't exactly bring me the warm and fuzzies.

[MDS]

Like Todd Pratt was any better? You can't pay Loser $9 mil to sit on the bench or play for someone else. So, you're stuck with a typical backup liek Fasano to complement him. It sucks, but blame Wade for giving Loser the contract extension back in 2002. It's his fault we've reached this point.

There was also a rumor that if the Cardinals do not offer Matt Morris arbitration, he will sign with a 2 year deal with the Phillies. Can't see that seals the deal on the pitching staff, but he is an uprgrade over El Loco (who it appears is done here).

[BigEd76]

No arbitration offered to Urbina, Lofton, Pratt, Martinez and Tucker, which means they can't re-sign with the Phils until May 1...

They're also not interested in Matt Morris or Jarrod Washburn.  BUT....they're interested in Braden Looper as a setup guy... 

[MDS]

as long as looper isnt the last guy out the pen, im okay. hes not total garbage, but im not paying much for him

i guess the report on morris was wrong, anyway, no sense in getting in a bidding war for two guys that arent that good. hold out for dontrelle!!