Philliedelphia

One More Stop Before Cooperstown For Jim Thome?

Photo by Richard Wilkins Jr.

Jim Thome doesn't want to quit baseball. Yes, he's a big 42 year old man who has a bad back, so there's no reason to think there are teams who are lining up to get him. Here's the flip side- He's hit 612 home runs, and is on his way to Cooperstown, and has shown some ability to play as a DH recently. Last year, he was traded from the Phillies to the Orioles, where he promptly got injured, and didn't play a lot there.

Thome is working out and hopes to get one more deal. I would think that some team will want this guy when the weather gets hot again, and he can hit them some long-balls. I would think there are some American League teams that would benefit from his services.

I do look forward to his Hall induction, some day.

Roy Oswalt on Roy Halladay: Don't Count Him Out After Two Starts

So last night, Roy Oswalt was sitting at home bored and figured he would jump back on Twitter. We all went crazy and begged him to return to Philly, to which he replied "I would love to come back to Philly,". 

Today, some few 15 hours after Roy Halladay's terrible start against the Mets, Roy Oswalt took to Twitter to go to bat for Halladay.

 

Halladay has lost his first two starts while allowing 12 earned runs over 7 1/3 innings. He has struck out 12 and walked six batters over these two starts. It's not looking good for Halladay right now, but like Roy O said - don't count Doc out after two starts.

Erik Seybold is the Blog Master of Journalistic Activities at Philliedelphia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @ErikSeyboldPHI.

 

 

Roy Oswalt: I Would Love To Come Back to Philly

 

As the Phillies are currently getting their rear ends handed to them by the Mets, most of us are on Twitter. Whether it be lollygagging, tweeting about beer, or even Monday Night Raw, those of us who are on Twitter caught this tweet in our feed a little bit ago.

Roy Oswalt is apparently back on Twitter. The account, usually managed by a PR person of Roy O's, remained dormant since August. It wasn't long before we caught on and started pleading for Roy to return to Philly.

And moments later, this happened.

And we all responded like this.

So what does this all mean?

Either someone is trolling us all, or Roy Oswalt would like to come back to Philly. I would enjoy the latter. Oswalt, 35, pitched for the Rangers last season, coming aboard in June while posting a 4-3 record and a 5.80 ERA.

In a season and a half here in Philly, Oswalt went 16-11 with a 2.97 ERA (73 ER in 221 2/3 IP).

So it's all up to Ruben. Hopefully he is on Twitter too and sees this.

Nats Pitcher Gio Gonzalez: 'I Felt Like I Was Making Love To My Hand'

Parents, hide your kid's eyes from this post...it's  a little over the edge of PG.

 

Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez had a fantastic season against Miami debut on Wednesday. While allowing two hits over six innings of scoreless ball, striking out five and walking two, Gonzalez also added a home run himself in the 3-0 win over the Marlins. Although he had a great game, it was what he said after the game that is the reason for this post.

After the game, Gonzalez spoke with Nationals broadcaster Bob Carpenter regarding his outing. It was what Gonzalez said that made everything go from awesome to awkward. 

Carpenter: "How were you feeling with the hook on a night when it's tough to have a touch pitch like that?"

Gio: "It was definitely difficult, especially with this cold weather. It was tough to get a grip. I felt like I was making love to my hand. Just one of those things where I was constantly trying to find some grip some how, some way — the rosin bag, whatever, licking the fingers, but it felt good after that."

Uhh....

I would be a little cautious if I were making any sort of physical contact with Gonzalez, but that's just me. The part that makes this even funnier is that Nationals Park simulcast the interview over the ballpark loudspeakers, allowing fans (those who stuck around) to hear how Gio and his "mate" conspire. 

Awkwarddddddd.

What's even funnier is that neither of the Nats broadcasters caught the comment. It would have been funny if either responded, but then again maybe it's a good thing that they didn't.

Gio Gonzalez is scheduled to pitch against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. Until then, we should give him and his left hand some alone time. Hey - maybe we can all pitch in and get them a room. 

Erik Seybold is The Senior Bloglord of Journalistic Activities at Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter.

 

 

Former-Phillie Vance Worley Named Twins' Opening Day Starter

So...the Phillies traded away an ace?

Well, the Minnesota Twins have officially named right-hander Vance Worley as their Opening Day starter this afternoon. Despite Worley having a 6.35 ERA (12 ER in 17 IP) in five starts, the Twins still see Worley the best choice for their rotation (I'll have what they're having, please).

Worley, who began his career with the Phillies, was traded to Minnesota along with RHP Trevor May in return for CF Ben Revere on December 6th.

Worley had a poor 2012 season after being plagued with bone chips in his throwing elbow. He finished the season on the DL after posting a 6-9 record and a 4.20 ERA in 23 starts.  Worley shined in his rookie year (2011), attaining an 11-3 record with a 3.01 ERA. The Phillies won 14 straight games started by Worley, despite Worley not receiving a decision every time. 

The Twins will open up the 2013 season at home against the Detroit Tigers on Monday. Worley will go toe-to-toe with Tigers ace Justin Verlander and will most likely be the Twins' number one guy in the rotation. 

Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.

Kyle Lohse Signs With Milwaukee Brewers

LHP Kyle Lohse has finally found a home for 2013. The former-Phillie and former-St. Louis Cardinal starting pitcher has signed a contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, as first reported by CBS' Jon Heyman.

The 34-year-old spent the last five seasons of his career with the Cardinals, where he won a World Series (2010). Lohse posted a 16-3 (.842 W-L%) record last season while maintaining a 2.86 ERA. He also held opposing batters to a .239/.274/.368 line in 33 starts. 

The length of the deal at the moment is not known, but we will keep you updated. Buster Olney reported yesterday that Lohse was asking $14-15MM annualy from clubs.

Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.

Loaded With All-Stars, The Dominican Republic Wins World Baseball Classic Title

Photo: Philliedelphia/Frank Klose

We have not covered the World Baseball Classic too much except a mention here or there about Phillies players that were active in the tournament, but there was some amazing baseball played over the last few weeks.   The Phillies' one glimpse into the class was an exhibition game between the Phillies and the Dominican Republic national team on March 6.  That powerhouse team went on to win the World Baseball Classic tonight with a 3-0 defeat of Puerto Rico.

Take a look at Erik's preview from March 6.  This lineup featured a current or ex-All-Star in positions 1-7 in the batting order.  And Alejandro De Aza just may join them soon.  The Phillies half-minor league lineup had no chance.   One thing I observed that day beyond the fact they pummeled the Phillies 15-2 was that the team was full of national pride and on a mission.  The big salaries and fame in the United States were not enough: they wanted to represent their home country.

 The lone Phillies representative on the Dominican team is former second baseman and current first base coach Juan Samuel.   Just traded to the Angels Michael Cisco and Lehigh Valley Iron Pig Tom Cochran, and minor league inventory Juan Sosa were extras off of the roster, but no major leaguers played in this classic.

Robinson Cano took home the MVP honors for the tournament.  He was hitless during the final but hit over .500 the rest of the way and had some highlight-reel defensive plays.  Also probably a close runner-up would be closer Fernando Rodney.   He had seven saves en route to the Dominican title.

It will not be until 2017 that we have another World Baseball Classic.  Already there is much talk of changing it for the better.  I'll have a few thoughts about that and how the United States can field a more competitive team.  However, in 2013 the Dominican Republic certainly put on quite the showing and they will be the reigning World Baseball Classic champions for the next four years.

Jayson Werth: Phillies Bigger Threat To Nats Than Braves

Photo: Philliedelphia/Steve Trapani

Let's face it, the NL East is probably going to be one of the best divisions to watch in all of baseball this season. The Nationals are coming off of their first ever division title, the Braves have re-stocked their outfield in the brothers Upton, and the Phillies have all of their key players returning helathy. 

It's almost certain that the New York Mets and the Miami Marlins will be out of contention by Opening Day, but there is a big question that will be answered over 162 games: Who is the best in the NL East?

Former-Phillie and current Washington National Jayson Werth spoke with the Washington Post's Adam Kilgore on his team's chances on repeating a division title in 2013. With the Braves' new acquisitions and the Phillies coming back healthy, the Nationals won't have it easy en route to a repeat.

Jayson Werth was asked if considered the Braves or Philadelphia Phillies a bigger threat. Werth, the former Phillie, did not hesitate.

“Phillies,” he said. “I think everybody is writing them off. They played good in September, when they were healthy. They’re not going to roll over, that’s for sure.”

And about the Braves? “Yeah, the Braves got the Upton brothers,” Werth said. “But they lost [Martin] Prado and Chipper.”

It's kind of a good feeling to know that the Phillies are still listed as a "threat" by other teams. But the way they are viewed and the way they play are completely different. The Braves will most likely take offense to Werth's comments, which can only heat up their own rivalry even more. For the Phillies, it can stand as a source of momentum.

The Phillies and Nationals will meet for the first time this season on May 24-26th, so there is plenty of time for more trash talking.

H/T: RBTS

Follow Erik on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.

Pittsburgh Pirates Sign Former Phillie Jose Contreras To Minor League Deal

Tonight, it was announced that former Phillies relief pitcher Jose Contreras had signed a minor-league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The minor league contract includes an invite to Bradenton, Florida, where the Pirates' spring training camp is located.

Contreras, 41, suffered a season-ending injury last June when he had a complete UCL tear and flexor pronator tear. Before his injury, Contreras went 1-0 with a 5.27 ERA in 17 appearances. The Phillies and Contreras had an option through 2013, but it was declined in October.

I would really like to see Contreras rebound from his injuries and hopefully end his career on a high-note. 

The Phillies will meet the Pirates twice this spring, first on March 4th and then March 14th.

Follow Erik on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.

 

Michael Schwimer Traded to Toronto Blue Jays

Photo: Philliedelphia/Danielle Wilson

Per multiple sources, it has been confirmed that relief pitcher Michael Schwimer has been traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for minor league first baseman Art Charles.

Schwimer, scheduled to pitch in today's spring training game against the Astros, packed his bag after the game upon hearing the news. 

Art Charles, drafted by the Orioles in the 38th round of the 2008 draft, is a 6'6" first baseman with one year of minor league service at the age of 22. 

We wish the best to Schwim in Canada, and we welcome Art to the Phillies' organization.