What was notable was that the Phillies openly stated it. Might be the first time ever that they've done that, regardless of the percentages. I'm not sure they've even ever (officially) identified all the members of the ownership group before.
Presumably at his request/wish. He evidently cleared waivers, and if he did, he has the minor-league service time to become a minor league ("6-year") free agent.
split this topic Nov 28, '16
split this topic Nov 29, '16
The hot stove talk is certainly getting interesting, though (as usual) a lot of it is probably flimsy and agent-driven. A move like acquiring Brian Dozier would certainly imply a more aggressive approach to 2017 & 2018 (but I'll believe it when I see it, and also wonder if his 2016 is sustainable. Not that he was bad before, but the player he was in 2014-2015 wouldn't be nearly as dramatic an addition, especially at 30 and 31.)
I'd be interested in Dozier. He might not be as good as he was in 2016, but he is an average 4+ WAR player for his career, and he's reasonably priced. And if he does manage to kep up his 2016 production, we'd have an offensive star.
The problem might be that he's at his peak value, and so we would probably have to buy high.
Yeah I just don't know why you'd pay the trade price for a player who is a 31 year-old free agent after two seasons, unless the Twins are willing to take a lot of single A material. I guess the presumption is he wouldn't be expensive because he is a salary dump but he's not that expensive, multiple teams can definitely shop at that market. The That Ball's Outta Here article about this fantasized that Hernandez and Tocci could get it done - doubtful. And that the Phillies could flip him before next season which I suppose is technically true.
(I guess this belongs in the Winter 2017 thread now?)
It depends on what the trade price is. There are many combinations of prospects I'd consider giving up for two years of a 4-6 WAR player, with the possibility of getting first crack at re-signing him if he continues to rake, or to flip him for some other area of need if the Phils aren't contending by 2018.
The Phillies haven't had even a 5 WAR offensive player since 2011. The last time a Phillies hitter exceeded Dozier's 2016 WAR was Chase Utley in 2009. Dozier may not be able to keep it up, but he might. It seems worthwhile to gamble a little to get a player of that caliber.
So our plan is to acquire every available 2B to drive up the price on Hernandez? The Hunt Brothers tried this with silver.
Well, it is an interesting idea. I guess at least it is a sign that the full 40 man doesnt mean that the Phils management are done (nothing done of course but at least they might be trying to improve the ML team, which as it is awful).
How about C. Hernandez and Ben Lively for Dozier? Would give Twins a rotation piece who is blocked in Philly and free up a 40-Man spot for Ellis or Blanco.
J
If that's the case I'd expect them to deal Rupp. Bring up Knapp and let him play 3-4 times a week with a supplement of Ellis 2-3 times. Knapp learns on the job while being an apprentice to Ellis. Young pitchers get to work with Ellis a couple times a month. Alfaro gets a full season at AAA.
This may make sense. I'm not sure you need Ellis and Rupp and Knapp....unless you really don't feel Knapp is ready and you want to start out with Rupp and Ellis and trade one of them mid-season. On the other hand, selling on Rupp now is selling high, If you wait, his value probably diminishes.
Zach Eflin, working his way back from surgery on his knees:
It will be interesting to see how he performs, with his chronic knee problems corrected; based on what was reported, today may have been the first time he pitched without pain in a long time - years.
