Via Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal comes some Phillies news from the MLB GM Meetings in
The Phillies, looking to upgrade their bullpen, are showing preliminary interest in free-agent right-hander Fernando Rodney, according to major-league sources. Rodney, 32, converted 37 of 38 save chances with the Tigers last season, albeit with a 4.40 ERA. He would give the Phillies an alternative to closer Brad Lidge, who led the majors with 11 blown saves and had a 7.21 ERA.
Sounds like a Rodney would be a nice substitute for Lidge, should he come back next year looking like his ’09 self. On the Roy Halladay front, here’s what Rosenthal reported:
Phillies officials today strongly downplayed the possibility that they have enough money in their budget to afford Roy Halladay.
Third base and the bullpen are more pressing areas of need.
"For me, those are the top priorities," general manager Ruben Amaro said.
Halladay would be an enormous move, obviously, but I’m glad to see that the Phils’ front office hasn’t given up on Cole Hamels after one shaky season. I have to agree with Amaro as well, 3B and bullpen are more of a cause for concern than starting pitching at this point - better to focus on those issues right now.
This team is a complete 180 of the teams we grew up with in Philly, isn’t it? How often can you remember the Phils being the center of so many free agent rumors? It’s comforting to know we have a front office willing to go out and make this team better, they understand the window of opportunity is now and are willing to do what it takes to continue to win. Get it done, Ruben.
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I would take Valverde (Hou) over Rodney. Figure, Wags and Lidge came from Houston - keep 'em coming.
ReplyDeleteLidge gets first dibs at closer spot though but I want some options
It would be a mistake to trade Hamels. Of course we all want Halladay but I think he could be had for s Santana-like deal. Maybe 1 good prospect and a couple of middle of the road types.
ReplyDeletePersonally - no I wouldn't pursue him to hard unless I felt like I could rob them blind.(Sec202 style - how about Cairo and maybe Bruntlett for Lincecum and Cain?)
There is NO WAY the Phillies would be able to re-sign Lee and Halladay after next year so I would stay put - and decide mid-season, or before, if Lee should come back.
7.21 ERA? Jeezus, How the f did the Phils get as far as they did?
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