Since the end of the World Series, news coming out of One Citizens Bank Way has been pretty slow. There hasn’t been a whole to to cover, but there have been some recent events that might have slipped under your post-World Series hangover
- Ryan Howard finished second in the MVP voting to Albert Pujols, who deserved the award. What I find astonishing is that Chase Utley didn’t get a vote. That’s ridiculous. I can take solace however in the fact that not one member of the New York Mets (players, coaches, executives) received a single vote for any award this season.
- Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino both won Gold Gloves for their defensive work this season. It’s the 3rd straight for J-Roll and second in a row for Victorino. Rollins only made six errors on the season and led the league in fielding percentage. Victorino was 2nd in fielding percentage amongst outfielders and only made 1 error on the year.
- J.A. Happ was runner-up in the NL Rookie of the Year to Chris Wheeler’s favorite, Florida’s Chris Coghlan. Happ had a very impressive “rookie” year for the Phils. I say “rookie” because he made valuable contributions to the 2008 WFC, so it’s hard to think of him as a rookie. Gotta imagine he makes a strong push for a roster spot coming right out of spring training in `10.
- The Phillies removed Eric Bruntlett, Tyler Walker, Paul Hoover, Andy Tracy and John Ennis from their 40-man roster, which makes them free agents. Brett Myers is also a free agent who, along with Bruntlett and Walker, will definitely not be back next season. The other 3 however, could be back.
- Pedro Feliz’ option for next season wasn’t picked up, meaning he might not be a Phillie next year. Ruben Amaro is looking for an offensive upgrade over Feliz, who just hasn’t put up the numbers they thought he would when they brought him in. Obviously, his defense is outstanding, and he could return to the Phillies next year. The option year was just too much money for the Phillies to take without at least looking at other options.
- Latest news is that Bruntlett’s replacement will be 37 year-old Juan Castro, who spent last season with the Dodgers.His agent has announced the deal, but nothing has come from the Phillies as of yet. He’s a career .230 hitter who can pretty much play anywhere, which is what the Phillies are looking for. I don’t know how much of an improvement he will be over Bruntlett, but at least the Phillies are looking to improve their bench, which was pretty lousy this season.
Yes, Thanksgiving has nothing to do with the Phillies, but I figured it was as good a time as any to get a post up.
The offseason has been quiet so far, bu with the free agency signing period upon us, there will be moves made. Just how significant these moves are with the Phillies depends on the club’s willingness to spend mixed with the market for available players. With not many major moves to make, it could be a long and somewhat quiet offseason for the team.
80 days until pitchers and catchers.
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