News of Phormer Phillies, 2021

zambonir 2021-02-15 17:11:07 UTC #41

I feel like a DFA for Hale is unlikely, since they guaranteed him $850K. Technically they could release him before his salary is guaranteed but that rarely seems to happen. Of course all that happened before the front office change and new signings - and in particular, the excess starting pitcher would seem to fill his long relief role - but would they really eat the $300K?

I'm assuming opt-outs won't be nearly as common, though some players still automatically get a retention bonus. I think the taxi squad players are also paid as if they are on the 40, so guys like Bethancourt, Nova and even Torreyes could pick up a little extra $ that way if the Phillies were so inclined. I don't think you're obligated to actually take them on the road all the time.

andyb 2021-02-15 18:06:01 UTC #42

It is just a question of risk and 40-man spots. Looking at the 40-man roster I would say the 3 most vulnerable would be Llovera, Cristopher Sanchez, and Hale. Llovera may be next if his stuff is diminished (like with Arano), but if the stuff is back then Hale is really the weakest prospect among the 3 (and very likely to make it to AAA through waivers).

We already need 2 spots with Seranthony being the first assuming Miller is signed and Kintzler makes the team. Additional injuries might give them some flexibility, but that is hard to count on. Hale was not a DD guy also. Walking away from a little money seems OK with him.

zambonir 2021-02-15 18:26:32 UTC #43

Well, you're right, in fact, the extra $300K is almost the equivalent of having an option on him. He's a guy who's cleared waivers a bunch of times already, and there's always gonna be another guy making minimum out there.

I suspect even Chatham's spot will be hard to justify eventually. It won't be hard to rotate guys up and down for COVID reasons, or on and off the major league roster, but the actual 40 is tight

zambonir 2021-02-16 02:06:56 UTC #44

Blake Parker is signing a non-roster deal with the Indians. Close to $2.5M if all incentives are hit. Had an MLB offer buyouts chose the Tribe.
— Jon Heyman ( @JonHeyman ) February 16, 2021

flyers19rw 2021-02-17 14:49:13 UTC #45

Cub signed Brandon Workman. One year; one million. The tank is on in Chicago.

zambonir 2021-02-28 19:51:54 UTC #46

Was just noticing (re: the Royals signing Hunter Dozier to an extension) that despite his decent 2020, Maikel Franco remains unsigned (having been non-tendered for the second year in a row).

LoneStarPhan 2021-03-01 00:22:30 UTC #47

A former Phillie if passing through the roster in an off season counts.

BostonRoss 2021-03-01 14:20:44 UTC #48

I guess that makes him a former Cub, too!

el-pietro 2021-03-01 15:09:22 UTC #49

It seems like there a bunch of connections between the 2020 Phillies and 2021 Cubs. Did they all follow Meghan Montemurro or did she follow them?

andyb 2021-03-02 18:26:48 UTC #50

Dylan Cozens finally healthy for the Brewers went deep:

Philsmania 2021-03-04 22:37:26 UTC #51

Diamondbacks sign 2020 Phillies Summer Camper Anthony Swarzak. One of Klentak's four veteran bullpen gambles which didn't pay off when none of them even made the team. Francisco Liriano, Bud Norris and Drew Storen were the other three.

Philsmania 2021-03-06 04:38:22 UTC #52

Giants sign Justin Bour.

zambonir 2021-03-06 06:06:14 UTC #53

Wow, there's a blast from the past.

andyb 2021-03-06 13:38:10 UTC #54

Clearly a guy who needs to be in a DH league. Though I will note he is almost 2 years younger than Darrin Ruf so the Giants are starting a youth movement.

andyb 2021-03-16 18:57:11 UTC #55

Orioles becoming the fire sale version of the Phillies. Franco signs for $800K with $200K in incentives. Galvis earlier signed for $1.5 million.

zambonir 2021-03-16 21:51:42 UTC #56

Man, that is outrageously little money if they intend to start him, though if he can't maintain what he did in 2020, I guess not so much. And there's a trade bonus.

Whereas that seems like market value for Freddy, walking that line between competent starting SS and utility guy.

Still can't help but wonder if the Phillies should have gone with Freddy and signed Jackie Bradley Jr. instead of Didi. Would be a clear offensive downgrade overall (I don't imagine JBJ will repeat his 2020) but would it have been less WAR? Another reason not to do it was to give Quinn and Haseley a chance, but are they really getting one (or able to make the most of it)?

andyb 2021-03-16 21:59:07 UTC #57

I think Didi was still a good medium term play and the better move compared to JBJ (assuming we could not do both). Our CF options, like it or not, are mostly here today or next year (Haseley, Kingery, Quinn, Moniak). Our SS options are not here today and range from being ready in 1-2 years (Stott) or 3+ (Garcia). We will see if this decision was correct, but I agree with the logic on going SS rather than CF.

And if it fails there is a pretty good SS market next year (and hopefully an improved financial picture for the Phillies and the country post pandemic).

mdougherty12 2021-03-16 23:12:52 UTC #58

Galvis at $1.5 million has the 5th highest salary on the 2021 Orioles, Franco is 9th. Baltimore is under $60 million in Opening Day payroll even with Chris Davis making $21 million.

zambonir 2021-03-17 02:33:13 UTC #59

They learned from the masters

bkox 2021-03-17 05:13:39 UTC #60

They give everyone green jackets?