Phillies Spring Training Talk

[BigEd76]

In the first of 2 CBP games this weekend, the Phils beat the Sox 9-5.  Bell had 4 hits, and Utley had a 3-run HR...

[SD_Eagle5]

I was at todays game, was pretty cool if you were a David Bell fan.

[Don Ho]

I was at todays game, was pretty cool if you were a David Bell fan.

Was there a big crowd?  I hate to admit it but I am getting jacked for Monday!

[Geowhizzer]

I was at todays game, was pretty cool if you were a David Bell fan.

Was there a big crowd?  I hate to admit it but I am getting jacked for Monday!

Yes!  My wife and son soon lose all TV privileges at night! 

[SD_Eagle5]

I was at todays game, was pretty cool if you were a David Bell fan.

Was there a big crowd?  I hate to admit it but I am getting jacked for Monday!

Yes, large crowd. It was raining earlier too, so it was sort of a surprise. The Sox are always a big draw, however.

[MDS]

Bastonions in full force? Yuck. They are a step below New Yawkers.

[rjs246]

dp

I just got a boner.

[BigEd76]

-- Rob Tejeda and Jake Blalock were traded to Texas for David Dellucci, so Tomas and Coste are probably out
-- Chris Roberson was sent to Scranton

[SD_Eagle5]

Tejada was still young and had decent stuff, knew he didn't fit into the rotation but I was expecting him to have a role out of the pen. Dellucci's a lefty with some power, guess he takes up the Michaels role from last season.

[MDS]

I read earlier that they didn't want to part ways with Tejeda for a mediocre talent like Dellucci. Must be desperate for that last outfielder. Don't like the trade.

[bobbyinlondon]

I read earlier that they didn't want to part ways with Tejeda for a mediocre talent like Dellucci. Must be desperate for that last outfielder. Don't like the trade.

29 HRs and 65 RBIs last year and hit .251. If he  hits 14-15 HRs in a bench role, I would be thrilled; compared to last year's disaster of a bench, this one looks miles better. Tejeda blew his chance I think when he elected to pitch for his country during the Baseball Classic. Sure, it's a big thrill to pitch for your country, but your  country don't pay your salary. He had a chance to at least win a job in the Phils' pen.

[PhillyPhreak54]

I like the trade a lot.

1. Gillick said he wanted to get a 5th OF who has some pop and hits LH. He did. He also said he did not want to give up pitching, but that was a bluff to try to get Mohr or Dellucci on the cheap.

2. I liked Robinson Tejeda. But the one thing about him, and it showed again, is that he walks way too many people. His control is an issue. You can sometimes dodge bullets when you're a starter but if you are coming out of the 'pen you cannot walk guys.

3. Dellucci is now the 5th OF behind Pat, Roward, Bobby A and Victorino. Not too shabby. And isn't it nice to have a 5th OF not named Endy Chavez?

4. Tejeda is expendable because they acquired Daniel Haigwood and Gio Gonzalez. Plus they have Cole Hamles and Scott Mathieson too. That is 4 legit prospects to go along with Myers and Floyd as young starters.

Nice move. Although I wanted to see Coste make it, I like the deal.

[Geowhizzer]

Phils desperately needed pop from the bench.

Even though he only had a .251 average, his OBP was .367, so he can take a walk.  Strikes out a bunch, which put him in perfect company with the Phils' main lineup.

Being lefty, he may give Burrell the occasional day off against tough righthanders.  Also gives some insurance in case of injury for Burrell or Abreu.

Also was a role player for the Diamondbacks when they won the Series in '01. 

What this does mean, though, is that there are NO straight righthanded hitters coming off the bench.  Delucci is a lefty, and Nunez, Gonzalez, and Victorino are all switch-hitters.  A problem?  Probably not, as Nunez and Gonzalez both hit better batting righthanded last season.

Finally, just compare the benches:

Michaels/Lofton-Ramon Martinez-Endy Chavez-Tomas Perez-Pratt

vs.

Delucci-Victorino-Gonzlaez-Nunez-Fasano

Fasano and Pratt offensively were nearly identical (Fasano had more power last year; Pratt walked more).

Perez/Martinez vs. Gonzalez/Nunez?  I think the Phils are much better this year.

Michaels or Lofton/Chaves vs. Deluci/Victorino- Obviously more speed with Lofton (though he more often started), but much more power with Delucci.  I'm interested to see what Victorino can do with a full season with the big club.

Good depth move.  Tejeda had good stats, but it seemed to be mostly done with smoke and mirrors.  I thought he was heading for the minor to begin the season anyway.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

-- Chris Roberson was sent to Scranton

I guess he wasn't ready for the show, as he promised to Sun_Mo and Jerome99RIP.

[JTrotter Fan]

I read earlier that they didn't want to part ways with Tejeda for a mediocre talent like Dellucci. Must be desperate for that last outfielder. Don't like the trade.

Yeah, mediocre...your evaluation of baseball talent sucks.