Phillies Hot Stove Discussion 2021-22

[andyb]

I suppose it is possible the new rules are not in effect until next year. Figured it would be pretty petty to try to keep it for this year. I guess that is what we expect of course.

The Phillies seemed to be much more in on Bryant and then Schwarber before the lockout. Hard to really tell what informal negotiating has happened since then but I would not be shocked to see one of those two sign before dinner tonight.

[zambonir]

Labor issues aside there is no reason for the Phillies to let a QO stop them if they like the player, just not sure any of the players (except for Correa, and Freeman who they probably don't pursue) are better than the ones without QOs attached.

[zambonir]

Maybe someone in the government will act to clear these 100s of work visa's for high paying (and taxable) jobs. Probably not.

Really not the government's problem. Absolutely stupid that the MLB ban on player contact also meant they chose not to sign and assist with work visas. Each team could have allowed one front office person to do that. But they had to pretend the players were going to be stuck at home, not making $.

[Squire]

Predictions - we have a signing by tomorrow AM?

[andyb]

I am hitting refresh at 6:01. Guessing there have been lots of informal discussions during the lockout.

[Squire]

When the first Phillies transaction is them trading for CF Kevin Keirmaier, I'm going to miss the lockout.

[andyb]

Does the lack of a rule 5 draft mean we have more of a chance to lose Adonis Medina now since he was designated during all that limbo? Teams that were saving a spot or two for the draft now have an extra spot.

[xogfog]

Do we really care?

[andyb]

Do we really care?

A great deal? No. But still better to have a young arm with a little potential than to not have one.

[allentown]

Yes. I think we should care.

[bkox]

The Phillies were scheduled to have New Opening Day (April 7) off and that will remain as such. Phillies-A's will play Opening Day on April 8 at Citizens Bank Park. (The City Series is back.)

— Matt Gelb ( @MattGelb ) March 11, 2022

[zambonir]

Well, I don't think Medina had actually hit waivers yet, so the Phillies could still trade him or pull him back. They also weren't going to be able to make a Rule 5 pick had nothing changed (I can't remember if that window had already closed). Either way, they've got more important things to do with the roster spots.

[Aquapong]

I’m surprised nothing has happened yet. Not even a low to mid level signing.

[zambonir]

Maybe there was less backchannel talk than we thought.

But also makes sense. Not much time tonight. If someone is offering a $1.2 million deal you still probably want to make a few calls looking for $1.4.

[Squire]

I’m emotionally preparing to be disappointed by the Phillies.

[donaldorc]

I’m emotionally preparing to be disappointed by the Phillies.

LOL. The story of my life!

[zambonir]

Oh, I think they'll probably have a good March this year (in terms of making moves). More like 2019 than 2020 or 2021 (or at least somewhere in the middle). The disappointment still comes later.

[fish]

Feels like a game of musical chairs is about to break out with contestants running to fill empty seats.

[Aquapong]

Of note for the Phils trade target Bryan Reynolds…on Mlbtr it's being reported he turned down multiple extension offers from the Pirates last year. That begs the question if it was a sign he wants to get to free agency, the money wasn’t enough, or he just didn’t want to stay with the Pirates.

[zambonir]

Well, he's not a free agent until 2026 so I'd say the last two (and/or he just figures he can make more money in arbitration. He has to know he'll end up getting traded at some point, so why give them a discount now?)

He sounds like a very difficult get in any case, given the likelihood of multiple buyers and the Phillies' thin system.