A 'Braves' New World

World Series Game 6: Yankees win 27th World title

2009-11-05T06:49:28Z

I know that Chris Rose from Fox would rather be calling the World Series of Poker or hosting Best Damn's Top 50 Baseball Bloopers, but I guess being on the field with the New York Yankees for their 27th World Series Championship will have to do.

More to come,

G-Mc

World Series Game 5: Utley slugs Phillies past Yanks

2009-11-04T08:18:03Z

The Philadelphia Phillies pounded their way to an 8-6 victory in Game 5, pushing the World Series back to New York and postponing any celebration plans the New York Yankees may have had on Monday.

Slugging second baseman Chase Utley slugged his way into the record books with his second multi-home run game of the World Series, belting two homers and driving in four runs.

Utley's big night gave him a share of two postseason records. His five homers in this series ties Reggie Jackson for the most in a single World Series, while Utley's seven career Fall Classic home runs are the most by any second baseman in baseball history.

Outside of Utley, the Phillies had Cliff Lee working on the hill as they stared elimination in the face and live to fight another day. Lee was not as sharp as his Game 1 masterpiece, but with eight runs of support he didn't have to be.

The lefty was pitching well into the eighth inning before a Yankee rally forced his exit. His final line was five earned runs on seven hits and three walks with three strikeouts over seven innings. Three of the runs scored in that eighth frame when the first three batters reached against Lee.

Raul Ibanez enjoyed a 2-for-4 night with a homer and two RBI's in the winning effort. While much of the attention had been on Ryan Howard's struggles, Ibanez had struck out seven times in his prior 12 at-bats, so a good night for the left fielder was a welcome sign for the Philadelphia offense.

Speaking of Howard, Game 5 was yet another tough night in this series for the Phillies clean-up hitter. His futility at the plate reached record proportions when he was punched out twice on Monday to tie a World Series record with 12 strikeouts thus far in the series.

The bad news for Howard, if you want to call it that, is that he will set a record with his next strikeout, but the Yankees should be aware there is a flip side to that coin. It only takes one swing of the bat with a couple men on base for Howard to change the game. Look for the Yankees to continue feeding Howard the steady diet of breaking pitches he has seen throughout this World Series.

Howard has some elite company though, as both first basemen have struggled. Mark Teixeira is just 2-for-19, but has scored four runs, homered and knocked in two others while striking out seven times. Those are hardly big time numbers, but when compared to Howard's 3-for-19 with two runs scored, one RBI and 12 punch-outs... well, you get the picture. It's safe to say that each team would love to see their first baseman break out in a big way in Game 6.

Looking Ahead to Game 6:

The series shifts back to New York and a match-up of veteran hurlers will be on tap in the Bronx. All-time postseason wins leader Andy Pettitte will get the ball on three days rest against Pedro Martinez of the Phillies. It is truly a fascinating duel in the making. While Pettitte needs no postseason introduction, Pedro is still searching for a big game start that could help define his legacy in the playoffs.

As of now, most people remember October 16, 2003. Of course, that is the well documented and ill-fated night on which Boston manager Grady Little left Martinez in with a 5-3 lead with the Red Sox just five outs away from the World Series. The Yankees had other ideas.

This is a different Pedro Martinez. His high-90s fastball has long since vanished. This is a Pedro who relies on his wits, guile and a slew of off-speed pitches to get the job done. This is a Pedro who has to outthink hitters rather than blowing them away. He departed his first series start with a grin on his face, but Game 6 has much more on the line. I'd count on seeing a focused Pedro.

Looking at each hurler's initial start in this series, Pedro had the better of the two, but it was Pettitte who put one in the win column. Martinez went six innings and allowed three runs on six hits while walking two and striking out eight in his Game 2 starting assignment. Pettitte spotted the Phillies three early runs in Game 3, but settled down to go six innings and allow four total runs on five hits and three walks to go along with seven strikeouts.

The Yankees will get to insert a red-hot Hideki Matsui back into the line-up as the designated hitter is back in play. It would stand to reason that the Phillies will start the right hand hitting Ben Francisco instead of Matt Stairs against the lefty Pettitte. That would give the edge in the DH department, at least on paper, to the Yankees. Mutsui is 5-for-9 with two homers, while Francisco is hitless in four World Series at-bats.

Though there are quite a few stars lining up, World Series games have a way of finding unsung heroes, so there is no guarantee that the Yankees will be able to ice the Phillies in Game 6. If Philadelphia is able to push a Game 7, then all the momentum shifts back to the defending champions. At that point, the Phillies have nothing to lose, the Yankees will have squandered a 3-1 series lead and, more than ever, the pressure to win will be squarely on hte shoulders of Joe Girardi's club. Gotta love the drama, but winning Game 6 is all either team is thinking about as of now.

If history repeats itself, then we are in for a close game as far as the starting pitchers are concerned. However, the bullpens have had a way of making things interesting for both sides. Again, a Phillies victory would take the wind out of the Yankees sails and even things up for an exciting seventh contest. That makes Game 6 must-see TV.

Prediction: Yankees win 5-3 to take their 27th World Series Championship

Till next time,

G-Mc

World Series Game 4: Damon helps Yanks steal victory

2009-11-02T23:27:55Z

If the Phillies weren't feeling the pressure before, then they most certainly are now. Johnny Damon's legs and Alex Rodriguez's bat helped the Yankees break a 4-4 tie with a three-run ninth inning rally that propelled New York to a 7-4 victory in Game 4 and a 3-1 lead in the World Series.

Baseball can show you something each night that you have never seen before, evidenced by Damon's adventurous base running during that ninth inning.

Damon executed an unorthodox double-steal by anyone's standards, taking advantage of a poor throw from catcher Carlos Ruiz and Philadelphia's defensive over-shift to steal both second and third base on one play. The Phillies had moved three infielders to the right side during Mark Teixeira's at-bat, leaving usual third baseman Pedro Feliz to cover second base on the attempted steal.

The short-hop throw by Ruiz was not only late, but also pulled Feliz off the bag and allowed Damon pop out of his slide and head toward an unattended third base. Damon's heads up base running started Phillies closer Brad Lidge down a familiar path of destruction, though for the first time this postseason.

Rodriguez, who was no doubt looking to make the Phillies pay for plunking him on three occasions over the past two nights, drilled a fastball into the left field corner to chase home Damon and put the Yankees ahead 5-4.

Jorge Posada drove home two more a two-out double to give New York a three-run lead. Prior to those three runs scoring, Lidge was just one pitch away from escaping the inning, but Damon's at-bat proves how quickly the momentum can swing back in the other direction.

Just one inning after Feliz tied the game at 4-4 with his solo-blast off Joba Chamberlain, the stunned Philadelphia crowd could only watch in horror as the Yankees took the lead and then placed it in the more than capable hands of Mariano Rivera, who recorded his second save of the series.

Lidge had previously converted all 10 postseason save opportunities in his two-year Philadelphia career, but the blown save on Sunday has put the Phillies at a distinct disadvantage in the Fall Classic. There have been 33 teams that have fallen behind 3-1 in the World Series and only five have rallied to win it, the last being Kansas City in 1985.

As I said yesterday, if Alex Rodriguez wakes up at the plate then the Phillies are going to be in trouble. It was A-Rod who turned the tide in the ninth inning with his clutch two-out run-scoring double to put the Yankees back in the lead.

CC Sabathia was less than his best, but then again the lefty ace is better than most hurlers in baseball even in that scenario. Regardless, Sabathia kept his team in the game and departed with the lead in the seventh inning.

Looking ahead to Game 5:

Philadelphia has their work cut out for them as Cliff Lee takes the hill for the second time in this World Series. Some questioned Phillies manager Charlie Manuel for not having Lee going on short rest in Game 4, but Lee had never started on less than full rest in his career which underscores the fact that Philadelphia wasn't quite ready to hit the panic button.

From here on out, it's a different story.

Ryan Howard has been unable to make an impact during the series and Yankees left-handers have consistently kept the big slugger quiet. Without their clean-up hitter to pose a definite threat, Philadelphia's line-up can be broken down and contained. A big night from Howard against righty A.J. Burnett would be just what the doctor ordered to keep the Phillies alive and well in this World Series.

Burnett will take the mound for the biggest start of his career, holding in his hands a chance to help the Yankees clinch their 27th World Championship. Burnett was filthy in his Game 2 start at Yankee Stadium, getting ahead of hitter after hitter and putting them away with his assortment of wicked breaking pitches. He will need to channel that success to match up with the 2008 AL Cy Young Award Winner in Cliff Lee.

One injury note forced the Yankees to make a move prior to Game 5. Melky Cabrera came up limping following his final at-bat Sunday and was replaced by Brett Gardner in the field in the sixth inning. Because of a strained left hamstring, New York has deactivated Cabrera for the remainder of the series and added infielder Ramiro Pena to the roster. Gardner will get the start in centerfield in Game 5.

Prediction: Phillies stay alive with a 5-2 victory

Till next time,

G-Mc

World Series Game 3: Slugfest goes to Yanks

2009-11-01T20:16:31Z

What a difference a year makes. The Phillies were perfect at home in the 2008 World Series and Cole Hamels was named the series MVP.

The Yankees 8-6 win in Game 3 of the 2009 World Series wiped out any notions that Philadelphia may have had about ending the Fall Classic at home, and Hamels suffered through yet another rough start this October.

On the mound for New York, Andy Pettitte added to his postseason legacy by gutting out six innings for his 17th career playoff victory. The lefty even got into the action at the plate, nailing a game-tying single as part of a three-run fifth inning.

What would the World Series be without a little instant replay?

The Yankees offense was the most productive in all of baseball and Saturday was a fine example of New York doing what it does best. Alex Rodriguez belted the replay reviewed two-run homer and found his way on base four times after struggling to an 0-for-8 to start the series. The instant replay homer gives A-Rod the distinction of not only being the first player in baseball history to have a home run awarded via review, but also the first in the history of the Fall Classic.

A total of 13 runs were scored despite the fact that the two teams combined for just 14 hits. The Philadelphia bullpen proved vulnerable while Yankees relievers Joba Chamberlain and Damaso Marte threw scoreless innings in back of Pettitte. Mariano Rivera did have to come in and quiet the Phillies in the ninth after Jason Werth's towering one-out homer against Phil Hughes. A small price to pay when it comes to securing the series lead.

It wasn't the prettiest start for Pettitte, who allowed four runs - all earned - over six innings of work, but it was good enough to keep the Yankees in the driver's seat on the night.

Hamels' night did not offer any silver linings. The left-hander could not maintain a three-run lead and was battered around for five runs in 4 1/3 innings. A pair of walks and a hit batsman added to the Yankees chances, but things really seemed to start going downhill for Hamels when the instant replay of Rodriguez blast revealed it to be a two-run homer.

One year ago, Hamels was as sure a thing as there was for the Phillies. Last postseason saw Hamels go 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA in 35 innings of work, but his '09 record stands at just 1-1 with a 7.71 ERA and opponents have belted seven homers over his four playoff starts.

Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel was hoping that starting Hamels at home would make for a winning recipe. Who could blame him based on a look over the split stats that Hamels piled up over the regular season? Hamels went 7-5 with a 3.76 ERA in 17 starts at Citizen's Bank as opposed to 3-6 with a 4.99 ERA in 15 road assignments. Safe to say, things did not go according to plan.

Looking ahead to Game 4

The Yankees turn to their short-rest ace CC Sabathia yet again in Game 4 as they attempt to push their series lead to 3-1. Interesting to note, Philadelphia chose not to give ace Cliff Lee his first career start on less than full rest and will instead counter with NLCS Game 4 starter Joe Blanton.

Career results for Blanton against the Yankees have been far from pretty - 0-3 in four starts with a 8.18 ERA in 22 innings against the Bronx Bombers. Hardly numbers that inspire confidence, but if Blanton can find a way to replicate his start against the Dodgers (four runs - three earned - over six innings of work) then at least he will help take the load off the bullpen and give the offense a chance to push the series to a 2-2 tie.

Sabathia threw seven innings of two run ball against the Phillies in Game 1, taking his first loss this postseason thanks to Lee's complete game gem. It will be no easy task for Philadelphia to beat Sabathia on two occasions in the same series.

Despite being outslugged by the Yankees last night, the Phillies are no strangers to winning at home and scoring runs. Most nights that you score six runs, as they did in Game 3, you'd like to find a way to have won that game.

Still, Philadelphia is perhaps the best offensively equipped National League squad to match up with the Yankees. To do that, Ryan Howard will have to find a way curb the strikeouts (nine in 13 World Series at-bats) and start producing runs. Second baseman Chase Utley has not collected a hit since belting a pair of homers in the Game 1 win and his bat will also be necessary to get the Phillies hitting on all cylinders.

If Alex Rodriguez has just come alive for the Yankees then the Phillies may be in big trouble. Erasing all memory of his past postseason failures, A-Rod has delivered big hits in key spots to get the Yankees into the World Series. A productive Rodriguez may also translate into more hittable pitches for Mark Teixeira to see ahead of A-Rod in the three slot.

A quick look at the men each pitcher will be looking to reverse their fortunes against:

Successful Yankees vs. Blanton (Career)
Mark Teixeira ---- 9-for-27, 3 HR, 7 RBI
Derek Jeter ------ 4-for-12, 1 HR, 3 RBI
Alex Rodriguez -- 4-for-7, 2 HR, 5 RBI

Successful Phillies vs. Sabathia (Career)
Raul Ibanez ------ 11-for-43, 2 HR, 9 RBI
Chase Utley ------ 2-for-7, 2 HR, 2 RBI
Shane Victorino - 5-for-12, 1 HR, 5 RBI

Prediction - Yankees win 5-3

Till next time,

G-Mc

World Series Game 2: Yankees even things up

2009-10-30T21:21:49Z

The Yankees have been belting home runs all season long, but none were bigger than the pair of solo shots that backed an outstanding start from A.J. Burnett in a 3-1 win over Philadelphia.

Burnett gave the Phillies a dose of what the Yankees had suffered through at the hands of Cliff Lee a night earlier, pounding the strike zone and dominating the opposition.

While much of the media focus was on Pedro Martinez, it was Burnett who delivered the headlines in Game 2. There is no question that this was the kind of start the Yankees were hoping for from Burnett, who picked up his first postseason win with seven innings of one-run ball. Burnett allowed just four hits and walked just two men while striking out nine.

After scoring 915 runs in the regular season and 49 more in the playoffs prior to Game 2, the Yankees offense had to find a way to support Burnett's effort. Mark Teixeira and Hideki Matsui answered with solo homers. Teixeira's game-tying blast came in the bottom of the fourth, while Matsui stung one down the right field line to give the Yankees their first lead of the series.

Game 2 was a complete reversal of the night before as the Phillies offense struggled to start scoring rallies and find their way on base. The top four men in the line-up, Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard went a combined 1-for-13 with six strikeouts - four of those K's belonging to Howard.

Pedro Martinez turned in a "quality start" in his first outing at the new Yankee Stadium by lasting into the seventh inning before running into a New York rally that would end his night. Still, allowing only three runs over six innings to this Yankee offense was fine work by the veteran righty.

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera converted a two inning save chance, but had to throw 39 pitches to do so. Friday's off-day comes at a good time to allow the veteran reliever to recharge his batteries and be ready if needed in Game 3. Let's not kid ourselves though, if there is a save situation in the game for New York - there will be one name asked for in the call the pen, the man they call "Mo."

Looking ahead to Game 3

The venue changes as the Phillies play host for the next three games. Philadelphia picked up the deciding wins in last year's World Series triumph over the Tampa Bay Rays, but it will take another three game home sweep to accomplish that feat this time around.

Andy Pettitte, who became the winningest pitcher in postseason history with ALCS victory against Los Angeles last time out, draws the start for the Yankees and will seek to put his team ahead in the series. Philadelphia's Cole Hamels will take the ball in yet another big game situation, but he has been far from the pitcher who brought home World Series MVP honors a year ago.

In three starts against the Rockies and Dodgers, Hamels has allowed 11 earned runs in 14 2/3 innings of work. More troubling for Hamels is the pace that the ball is leaving the yard. His second start against the Dodgers in the NLCS included three homers allowed; that following his prior start in which Los Angeles belted a pair of homers.

Pettitte has been doing his usual postseason work and I expect nothing less from the Yankee lefty. Games at Citizen's Bank Park aren't always pretty, but one of these two big offenses is going to come out on the better end. Given they way this October has gone, I'd have to think Cole Hamels is under the most pressure to find a way to channel some vintage 2008 and keep the Phillies from falling behind in the series.

Prediction - Yankees roll over Phillies, 6-4.

TIll next time,

G-Mc

World Series Game 1: Phillies take charge

2009-10-29T22:34:45Z

NL East Division Rival Philadelphia is still going strong, handing the host New York Yankees a convincing 6-1 defeat to take a one game lead in the 2009 World Series.

Look no further than last season's American League Cy Young Award Winner, Cliff Lee, if you are searching for a reason the Phillies dominated the Bronx Bombers to open up the series.

Lee's complete game effort (which featured 10 punch-outs against zero walks) set the tone, while the Philadelphia offense found a way to ding CC Sabathia and the Yankee bullpen for six runs.

I can't imagine what it is like to be a Cleveland Indians fan - or front office executive for that matter - and watch Lee out duel Sabathia in a battle of former Indians aces. Both men were traded in the season to follow their Cy Young campaigns, and both men have not only found their way into the playoffs but into a Game 1 starts in the Fall Classic.

Lee's start was the stuff of postseason legend. The lefty allowed just four hits over eight shut-out frames before the Yankees cobbled together an unearned ninth inning run. Lee answered by capping the game with consecutive strikeouts of Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada to finish with a flourish.

Taking a look over the New York line score tells the story of the night. Captain Derek Jeter went 3-for-4 and scored the only run for the Yanks, but the rest of the order went a combined 3-for-28 with nine strikeouts. Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira each went 0-for-4 and fell victim for five of Lee's 10 K's.

Despite the offense being put into deep freeze, all was not lost for the Yankees on the night. Sabathia allowed just two runs on four hits over seven innings. Philadelphia second baseman Chase Utley victimized Sabathia for a pair of solo homers to provide the lift Lee would need to secure a series opening victory, while the late struggles of the New York bullpen helped widen the margin of victory.

The all-too-important pitch-count department saw Lee use 122 pitches (80 strikes) during his complete game, while Sabathia tossed 113 (70 strikes) over seven frames. Five New York relievers tossed another 57 pitches in allowed four insurance runs over the final two innings. For comparison's sake the Yankee relief line serves to underscore exactly how economical Lee was over a full night's work - and against one of the toughest offenses in all of baseball.

Utley has been a postseason hitting machine, setting a record by reaching base for the 26th consecutive playoff game with his third inning homer last night.

Looking ahead to Game 2:

The pitching match-up will feature A.J. Burnett of the Yanks taking on Pedro Martinez for the Phillies. It's hard to say who has the edge based purely on name value alone. Burnett was battered around by the Angels in his last start and was trailing 4-0 before he recorded his first out of the game, while Pedro blanked the Los Angeles Dodgers for seven innings in his only postseason start.

New York will be counting on Burnett to resemble the pitcher with electric stuff who earned the big money deal last winter and turned in back-to-back quality starts this postseason before coming off the track against the Angels in Game 5 of ALCS.

The Phillies will ask Pedro to reach into his bag of tricks and pull out a big game performance in a city he knows all too well from previous wars while a member of the Boston Red Sox.

Offensively, the Yankees will have to find some production after Jeter in the batting order. Lee was brilliant in Game 1, but the Yankees offense has been brilliant at home throughout 2009.

Career match-ups see A-Rod pacing the Yankee regulars with a .291 career average off Martinez, but Rodriguez has tallied just three extra-base hits (one homer) and four RBI's in 55 at-bats against him. Jorge Posada is hitting just .183 with 33 strikeouts in 60 career at-bats against Pedro, but leads the team with four homers and 10 RBI's against the righty. Teixeira has faced Martinez only six times (1-for-6, 3 K's).

Philadelphia's bats will look to continue what they were able to do in Game 1. Seven different Phillies collected at least one hit, totalling nine on the night to go along with six walks. No team has scored more runs than the 61 plated by Phillies this postseason (New York is second with 49). Philadelphia went 4-for-9 with runners in scoring position, the hallmark of a team that makes the most of its opportunities.

Game 2 Prediction:

The Yankees just don't strike me as a team that will lose back-to-back games of a World Series at home. Sure, the 1996 World Series is a fine example of their ability to bounce back, but the Yankees will be looking to even things up behind A.J. Burnett this evening. If the Phillies can take a 2-0 lead back home, then it may be all down hill from there. Frankly, I believe the Yankees will bounce back sooner than later.

FINAL SCORE: 4-1, Yankees

Till next time,

G-Mc

What to look for...

2009-10-13T08:16:57Z

Back from my sabbatical in the world of Minor League Baseball, it's time to put a nice tidy bow on what was a 2009 season that was a step in the right direction for the Atlanta Braves. In contention into the season's final week, the Braves put a 72 win 2008 campaign behind them and gave their fans reason to be hopeful in 2010.

Here are a a couple topics I'll be kicking around over the next few weeks:

2009 Year in Review: Atlanta Braves

2009 World Series analysis

Of course, those will precede a big helping of Hot Stove goodness that will begin promptly after the Fall Classic. Frank Wren and the Braves will begin their search for the missing pieces and you can catch the blow-by-blow right here!

Till next time,

G-Mc

Turning the page on Glavine

2009-06-07T05:58:41Z

The Atlanta Braves punctuated a week to remember by sending heralded super-prospect Tommy Hanson to the mound on Sunday, carrying with him the promise that a return to the top of the National League East could be just around the corner.

The dominoes began to fall with the release of 300-game winner Tom Glavine on Wednesday. A move that took both the Cooperstown-bound left-hander and most Braves faithful by surprise and cleared the way for Hanson's long-awaited promotion to the Majors.

Before that even had a chance to sink in, an announcement followed roughly an hour later that the Braves had packaged three prospects to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for All-Star Nate McLouth. The acquisition of the Gold Glove center fielder McLouth gives Atlanta a proven commodity both in the outfield and in the lineup, following the demotion of rookie Jordan Schafer.

Just like that, one sure-fire Hall of Famer gone, one All-Star center fielder acquired, and one future ace in line for a promotion.

While Hanson's debut did not go according to plan on Sunday, the Braves were able to mount a late rally and take an exciting 8-7 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. Chipper Jones, the final face left from the Braves' prominence in the 1990s, keyed the victory with four hits, including a pair of homers.

The line for Hanson began to stray from the script as the Milwaukee bats zeroed in during the middle innings. Ryan Bruan belted two homers of his own and drove in four of the seven runs scored against Hanson; hardly the debut most had envisioned for the young right-hander.

Granted, it is only one start in Hanson's career. Many more to follow.

Events continue to unfold in regards to Glavine, who felt his unceremonious dismissal warranted a more legitimate explanation. The latest wrinkle has the Glavine camp looking into the possibility of filing a grievance against the club.

The January signing of Glavine in followed an offseason full of moves meant to improve the Braves' starting rotation. Atlanta traded for Javier Vazquez and signed free agents Derek Lowe and Kenshin Kawakami.

Negotiations about the possible return of John Smoltz hit a permanent roadblock in December, prompting the veteran hurler to seek an opportunity to pitch for the Boston Red Sox. Those events have lead to a rift between the two parties that may carry on long after Smoltz decides to retire.

Bringing back Glavine was a move steeped in nostalgia, giving him the opportunity to rewrite the end of his storied career. Arm troubles truncated his 2008 return after five years spent with the rival New York Mets. It seemed to line up perfectly, rewarding the veteran if he was able to stay healthy and make contributions.

Free agency has always been and will remain a double-edged sword.

Some Braves fans find a level of amusement in Glavine's dismissal, citing his choice to depart for New York after the 2002 season as turn-about being fair play. The bottom line, however, is that Glavine has long been one of the classiest acts in the game. The organization has created yet another public relations snafu.

Glavine, like Smoltz and former teammate Greg Maddux, will earn induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. And all three will be enshrined on their plaques wearing Atlanta Braves hats, having formed perhaps the best trio of starting pitchers ever to spend a decade together.

Braves president John Schuerholz, the architect of Atlanta's unprecedented run of success as a general manager, offered an apology for the Braves' mishandling of Glavine's release. Financial escalators in his contract could have earned Glavine an additional $3.5 million based on time spent on the active roster. Atlanta firmly denies the move was made for financial reason, instead citing a number of other factors that led them to believe he would not be effective.

Hanson dominated the International League while pitching at Triple-A Gwinnett this season. His ERA of 1.49 ERA was accompanied by 90 strikeouts in 66.1 innings of work over 11 starts. Those numbers served as a clear statement of Hanson's readiness to ply his craft at the Major League level.

The Atlanta rotation stacks up as one of the best in all the National League with Hanson's arrival. Time will tell how the youngster transitions from carving up Minor League squads to doing battle with perennial All-Stars and big league talents.

With McLouth on board early, the Braves can continue their search for offensive help in the outfield. Speculation surrounds right fielder Jeff Francoeur, who has seem his offensive impact on the lineup wither over the past season-and-a-half.

The Braves control McClouth for up to four more seasons. This gives the team a hitter who can be placed anywhere in the order and a defender who has established himself as one of the league's best.

One thing is certain: no one will be able to say the Braves sat idle while their season passed them by.

Braves put an Angel in the outfield...

2009-02-23T17:33:28Z

Atlanta Braves general manager Frank Wren can cross through that final line on the winter shopping list. The Braves inked outfielder Garret Anderson to a one-year $2.5 million contract on Sunday, effectively filling the last of the glaring voids they entered the off-season needing to address.

With the former Angel now in the Braves outfield, Wren bounced back from being slighted in pursuit of Ken Griffey Jr. Anderson, 36, clocks in nearly three full years younger than Griffey, and without the burden of off-season knee surgery to boot.

Anderson does not bring 611 career home runs and the marketability that Griffey will lend the Mariners in his reunion tour, but he does bring a proven veteran bat that will add depth to the Atlanta batting order.

While no one will confuse Anderson with the first ballot hall of Famer the Braves were unable come to terms with last week, his career average of .296 is eight points north of Griffey's. Anderson's 84 RBI also bested Griffey's total of 71 from a year ago.

Signing Anderson allows Atlanta to follow the same model they were said to be planning had they signed Griffey, utilizing a platoon that would allow Matt Diaz to get the majority of the at-bats against lefties. However, the younger Anderson may see more time than Griffey was slated to receive had he signed with the Braves.

Though the majority of both men's power production came against right handers last season, Anderson hit .290 in his 141 at-bats versus lefties. Griffey hit just .202 in 163 AB's against southpaws in 2008. Anderson could steal some of the at-bats from Diaz, given the likelyhood that he will be taking his swings in the middle of the Braves order.

This move was symbolic of Atlanta's off-season theme, with Wren working to eventually turn a perceived negative into positives as it comes to player personnel moves. Missing the mark on Jake Peavy and A.J. Burnett turned into the acquisitions of Derek Lowe, Kenshin Kawakami and Javier Vazquez.

Atlanta's new look rotation was the major undertaking this winter. Bringing in a veteran like Anderson will help the Braves bridge the gap until top prospects like Jordan Schafer, Jason Heyward and Gorkys Hernandez are ready to assume full-time duties in the Atlanta outfield.

While Schafer may be given the chance to assume the starting job in center field this spring, the veteran Anderson will be charged with helping the Braves outfield regain some of its clout. Last season, the Braves outfielders combined to hit a major league low 29 homers.

The Braves are also hoping that a resurgent Jeff Francoeur will rebound from his dreadful 2008. After driving in more than 100 runs and averaging 24 homers over his first two full seasons, Francoeur hit only .239 with just 11 homers and 71 RBI in 155 games.

A new and improved batting stance, modeled after former teammate Mark Teixeira's right-handed approach, along with less emphasis on weight training and size have Francouer convinced that 2008 was just a bad dream. His production from the right side of the dish will be vital to an otherwise lefty-heavy Atlanta lineup.

Glavine closing in on a deal to return

2009-02-17T05:56:45Z

The Braves had a weekend full of Hall of Fame pursuits, one of which may be coming close to a conclusion. Fox Sports is reporting that 300-game winner Tom Glavine is on the verge of signing a one-year deal to return to Atlanta.

Ken Rosenthal broke the story late Monday night, reporting that Atlanta has offered Glavine a deal with a $1 million base. The contract also contains an additional $3.5 million in incentives, with $1 million of that coming if Glavine makes Atlanta's Opening Day roster.

Glavine and agent Gregg Clifton have both spoken positively of their negotiations with Braves General Manager Frank Wren as the teams exchanged salary numbers over the past two weeks. In addition to the incentives, a portion of the deal will be deferred.

Glavine, 43, was just 2-4 last season in 13 starts before undergoing season ending surgery on both his elbow and shoulder in August. The procedure was not as invasive as initially believed, paving the way for Glavine to rehabilitate his arm and be ready for spring training.

Atlanta has spent the offseason completely revamping their starting rotation, having added free-agents Derek Lowe and Kenshin Kawakami and traded for Javier Vazquez. With Jair Jurrjens also guaranteed a spot, Glavine would be in contention for the fifth starter's spot this spring.

In addition to Glavine, Jo-Jo Reyes, Charlie Morton, Jorge Campillo and top prospect Tommy Hanson are all expected to vie for the spot. The Braves do not expect righty Tim Hudson to return from Tommy John surgery until sometime in August.

Glavine spent the first 16-years of his career with the Braves, racking up 242 victories before signing a free-agent with the New York Mets after the 2002 season. In 2007, Glavine became just the 23rd pitcher in the history of the game to reach the 300 win plateau when the Mets defeated the Chicago Cubs 8-3 on August 5.

After five seasons in New York, Glavine signed a one-year deal to return to the Braves prior to last season. His 305 career wins are the fourth most by a left-hander in baseball history, trailing only Warren Spahn, Steve Carlton and Eddie Plank.

Braves put Griffey in their sights...

2009-02-14T23:53:32Z

The Atlanta Braves could be preparing a late charge at free agent outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., according to a report by ESPN's Jerry Crasnick on Sunday.

Braves GM Frank Wren is still seeking to fill the void in Atlanta the outfield with a veteran bat that could bolster the line-up. Sources told Crasnick that the Braves have stepped things up and began discussing money with Griffey's agent, Brian Goldberg.

Much of the speculation over the weekend was that Griffey was seeking a reunion with the Seattle Mariners, for whom he played the first 11 years of his career.

Griffey, 39, is coming off a 2008 season in which he was hampered by a left knee injury. Doctors had to drain the knee on three occasions; he underwent arthroscopic surgery in October in order to be ready for spring training.

In the final season of a nine-year $116.5 million deal signed prior to 2000, Griffey's production declined from a 2007 campaign which saw him hit .277 with 30 homers and 93 RBI. Cincinnati dealt Griffey to the White Sox in a July trade deadline deal.

In 102 games with the Reds prior to the trade, Griffey hit .245 with 15 homers and 53 RBI. For the White Sox, Griffey hit .260 in 41 contests, but with just three homers and 18 RBI. Chicago declined the $16.5 million option, making Griffey a free-agent.

Atlanta has Matt Diaz returning from a knee surgery that took much of the 2008 season away from him. Diaz has served Atlanta primarily as a platoon left fielder since being acquired in a trade from the Kansas City Royals in 2006.

The presence of Diaz, who combined to hit .333 in 655 at-bats during 2006 and 2007, would allow manager Bobby Cox to give Griffey regular rest.

Diaz hit just .244 in 43 games last season. He suffered a torn PCL ligament in his left knee while attempting to make a diving catch against the Milwaukee Brewers on May 27. He returned to the lineup in Atlanta's final game of the season and went 0-for-3.

Braves outfield needs to get Young...

2009-02-13T10:17:12Z

With Spring Training upon us, the Atlanta Braves find themselves still searching the market for an everyday outfielder. Putting aside the usual suspects, a crowded outfield in Minnesota could make former first rounder Delmon Young available for the right price.

In the wake of a disappointing 2008 season, in which his power output dropped to just 10 homers and 69 RBI, Young finds himself in a potential battle for playing time.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire has already expressed that Carlos Gomez, Denard Span and Michael Cuddyer all deserve regular playings time. Throw Jason Kubel into the equation at designated hitter and the picture gets even more crowded.

A five-tool phenom who was heralded as the finest power hitter ever drafted by the Rays in their short history, Young hit .288 with 93 RBI in 2007 before being dealt to Minnesota.

Young has good speed on the base paths, but his instincts in the outfield leave something to be the desired. His above average throwing arm projected him to be a regular right fielder in Tampa Bay.

The emergence of Span, who projects as Minnesota's right fielder and lead-off hitter coupled with the return of Cuddyer from injury seems to fill in the blanks on the corner outfield spots around Gomez. Kubel came into his own with 20 homers and 78 RBI in 463 at-bats last season, complicating any plan to utilize Young as a regular DH.

At the plate, Young is an aggressive hitter who does not draw many walks and has power to the gaps. Young does not draw many walks, but saw improvement from his rookie season while brining his strikeout total down. Despite his power potential, the 20+ homer numbers from his early stops in the minors have yet to materialize in the majors.

That could all change with a break-out season in 2009.

The Braves have outfield prospects waiting in the wings, though only Jordan Schafer seems close to joining the big club in 2009. Jason Heyward and Gorkys Hernandez both project an arrival time of 2010 at the earliest. Young would fit nicely in an outfield that only looks to get more talented as the years go on.

This winter's free agent pool included Bobby Abreu, Adam Dunn, Pat Burrell, Ken Griffey Jr., Garret Anderson and Jim Edmonds. With both Abreu and Dunn finding work this week, Burrell having already signed with the Tampa Bay Rays and Griffey perhaps closing in on a return to Seattle, the market leaves much to be desired.

Clearly Atlanta will not be among the "several" teams that Scott Boras is lining up for the Manny Ramirez sweepstakes. Wren and company also opted to pass on any reunion with former Atlanta center fielder and full-time reclamation project, Andruw Jones.

Reports have linked Atlanta to New York Yankees outfielders Nick Swisher and Xavier Nady. Both men will come at varying cost, in terms of contract and prospect talent heading to the Bronx in exchange.

Nady, 30, is owed $6.55 million and stands to be a free agent at season's end. Being a Boras client points makes Nady a shot term fix for Atlanta, before testing free agency next winter. Splitting time last season between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Yankees, Nady turned in a career-best season by hitting ,305 with 25 homers and 97 RBI in 148 games.

Swisher, 28, is two years younger and under contract for the next three seasons. Yankees GM Brian Cashman would prefer to trade Nady and has balked at any request to eat a portion of the $22.05 million that Swisher is owed over the next three seasons.

After enjoying three productive years in Oakland, Swisher's average bottomed out at .219 with the White Sox last season. Swisher's best campaign with the A's came in 2006, when he hit .254 with 35 homers, 95 RBI and 106 runs scored.

Though he did connect for 24 homers and his 82 walks brought his OBP up to .332, Swisher hit just .191 with only 28 RBI in the second half. Slumping to just .164 for the month of September forced Swisher into a platoon with DeWayne Wise.

Should the Twins look to deal Young, Atlanta has the prospect depth to put together a nice return. The Braves would acquire a young player who could benefit from a change of leagues and, despite being eligible for arbitration in the coming three seasons, probably be a cheaper alternative than Swisher.

There has been no rumor or report that links the Braves and Twins in any trade talks, but the pieces could be made to fit. The biggest road block to this trade scenario will not be the players involved, it will be Young's agent, Arn Tellum.

After being burned in negotiations with Rafael Furcal, the Braves have vowed never to do business with Tellum, fellow agent Paul Kinzer and the Wasserman Media Group. There is no better time than to put that pledge to the test with a deal to acquire Young.

Till next time,

G-Mc

NL East Arms Race: Atlanta Braves

2009-02-07T05:45:51Z

There was a time when the Atlanta Braves were perennial Division Champs. For 14-consecutive seasons, Atlanta marched in to October largely on the strength of their outstanding starting rotation.

Now, some three seasons removed from their last postseason appearances, the Braves are going back to their roots in order to gain entry to October. The "Arms Race" series rolls on with an in depth look at the Atlanta pitching staff.

Looking back at the 2008 season, the Braves can readily identify that injuries in the pitching department cost them any chance of returning to the postseason. The losses to key personnel were not exclusive to the rotation either, as Atlanta's bullpen suffered the same kind of misfortune to key arms.

General Manager Frank Wren was a man on a mission this winter, charged with rebuilding a beaten and battered rotation for 2009 and beyond. Wren stated his goal was to add at least two front-of-the-rotation starters at season's end.

The initial targets to anchor the rotation included San Diego Padres ace Jake Peavy and free-agent A.J. Burnett. However, after weeks of negotiations, any trade agreement with the Padres reached an impasse. Opting to stay in the American League, Burnett signed a five-year pact with the New York Yankees.

While the early travails of the GM were met with disappointment, Wren made the first move when he hooked up for a trade with the Chicago White Sox that netted veteran right-hander Javier Vazquez just prior to the winter meetings.

Vazquez, 32, had long been coveted by Braves manager Bobby Cox. While his stuff has not always translated into the results many have thought were to come after his breakthrough season of 2001, Vazquez has averaged 13 wins and 216 innings over the past nine seasons.

The new year got off on a bad note when Braves icon John Smoltz left the only Major League club he had known for 21-season to sign with the Boston Red Sox.

Smoltz had hoped to return to Atlanta, but was unimpressed with Atlanta's largely incentive-based offer. The Braves cited health concerns that tempered their willingness to make a large guarantee for Smoltz, who was recovering from reconstructive shoulder surgery.

Ultimately, Boston came up with an offer with a larger base salary, more attainable incentives and that targets a June 1 return date for Smoltz. Just like that, Smoltz and the Braves turned a page that many thought would happen only in his retirement.

While fans and scribes alike scrambled to make sense of Smoltz's decision, Wren proved unabated by the inability to lure Burnett to Atlanta and went back to the free-agent well with two bold moves in a span of 72-hours.

The first move was signing Japanese right-hander Kenshin Kawakami to a three year $23 million deal. Kawakami, 33, spent an 11-year career with the Chunichi Dragons of Japan's Central League and compiled 112-72 record with a 3.22 ERA in 1642.1 innings.

Just two days later, the Braves landed one of the top starting pitchers available when they signed Derek Lowe to a four-year $60 million contract. Lowe, 35, will anchor the new-look Braves rotation after going 14-11 with a 3.24 ERA for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 34 starts last season.

Lowe spent the first eight seasons of his career in the AL, primarily with the Boston Red Sox. Since 2002, the sinker-balling righty has averaged 15 wins and 208 innings per season. In a 12-year career, Lowe is 126-107 with a 3.75 ERA and 85 saves.

The acqusition of Lowe, Vazquez and Kawakami fortifies the rotation in front of stand-out young hurler, Jair Jurrjens. In his first full season, Jurrjens, 23, turned in 13 wins and a 3.68 ERA in 31 starts to come in third in the NL Rookie of the Year voting.

One of the more interesting position battles for Atlanta this spring will be for the fifth starter's spot. Some of the pieces left over from 2008's "all-hands-on-deck experiment" will be vying for the opportunity to fill out that final spot.

Among these pitchers will be right-handers Jorge Campillo and Charlie Morton, as well as lefty Jo-Jo Reyes. Campillo, 30, enjoyed modest success after joining the Atlanta rotation, going 8-7 with a 4.34 ERA in his 25 starts. His relief work, 1.25 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 15 appearances, bodes well if Atlanta chooses to utilize Campillo out of the pen.

Morton, 25, and Reyes did not fair as well on the whole, though both showed flashes of what put them among the top organizational pitching prospects. Morton, was just 4-8 with a 6.18 ERA in 14 starts after a June call-up.

Possessing a four-seam fastball that tops out around 95 mph that is complemented by a two-seamer, solid curve and change-up, Morton has all the tools to develop into a valued starter. Command problems hampered Morton's development earlier in his minor league career and seemed to relapse during his stint with Atlanta.

Reyes, 24, seemed to be hitting his stride after eight brilliant innings against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 13. However, from that point on Reyes dropped his final seven decisions to finish just 3-11 with a 5.81 ERA in 23 appearances. Both Reyes and Morton could be used as trade bait to net the Braves an outfielder as well.

The list does not stop there. Top prospect Tommy Hanson, a 22-year old hard throwing who lit up the Airzona Fall League will likely be given the opportunity to audition as well. Hanson was 11-5 with a 2.41 ERA and 163 strikeouts in 25 starts between two stops. Atlanta could also choose to let Hanson begin the season in Triple-A Gwinnett.

Righty James Parr got a brief look last season and will also be in camp to compete for a spot on the big league squad. Parr, who turns 27 later this month, posted two good starts before being shelled in his final three. He figures to be a long shot to grab the vacant rotation spot.

Tom Glavine could emerge as a candidate to fill the fifth starter's slot as well. That is, if the Braves and the 42-year old Glavine can agree on terms. Glavine's homecoming was marred by injury and ended when the 300-game winner had surgery on both his elbow and shoulder after going just 2-4 with a 5.54 ERA in 13 starts.

With a clean bill of health issued by his doctors, the Braves have made Glavine an offer that is believed to be worth $1-2 million and contain little or no incentives. The search for a left fielder will not allow the Braves to stray from their initial offer, so the ball is essentially in Glavine's court.

The Braves also have Tim Hudson, who could make a comeback from ligament replacement surgery in August or September. Hudson, 33, was having a stellar 2008 season, 11-7 with a 3.17 ERA in 23 appearances, before the elbow injury.

The dominoes in the bullpen started falling in the spring, when projected closer Rafael Soriano reported to camp with discomfort in his pitching elbow. Soriano had just three saves in 14 appearances and spent much of the year on the DL before elbow surgery ended his season in August.

Set-up man Peter Moylan came into his own in 2007, sporting a 1.80 ERA in 80 appearances and holding righties to a .184 average. His encore campaign was over by mid-April, when he was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery. The loss of Moylan was a void Atlanta struggled to fill for the rest of the season.

Mike Gonzalez returned in June to assume the closer's duties, picking up 14 saves in 16 opportunities. Now fully healed from his Tommy John surgery in 2007, Gonzalez has pronounced himself ready to show the Braves the same pitcher they sought when they acquired him from Pittsburgh in December of 2006.

The rest of the cast includes right-handers Blaine Boyer, Jeff Bennett and Manny Acosta. Each saw more than their fair share action due to the rash of injuries.

Boyer spent his winter working out with Smoltz, in hopes of building both the mental and physical stamina to become a more complete pitcher.

Last season, Boyer seemed to tire from his frequent appearances. After posting a 3.93 ERA in 51 first half appearances, Boyer was shelled for an 11.17 ERA in 25 outings after the All-Star Break and was all but shut down in September.

Acosta, 27, had a brief opportunity as Atlanta's closer before a wild streak in June and a freak hamstring injury suffered running the bases took put him out of action.

Atlanta will likely utilize Bennett as a long reliever, along with one of the starters who fails to earn a rotation spot. Bennett, 28, made a career-high 72 appearances and seemed to find a groove over the season's final month. Buddy Carlyle could also get a look in the long relief role.

Wren added lefty Boone Logan in the Vazquez deal, and claiming lefty Eric O'Flaherty from the Seattle Mariners. The duo will compete with Jeff Ridgway, among others, to earn a spot as lefty specialist or in middle relief. Logan has seen the most time in the majors of the three, totalling 144 appearances over the past three seasons while with the White Sox.

The Braves are still optimistic that they will be able to bring back lefty Will Ohman, who enjoyed a career season in his first year with Atlanta. Ohman, 31, made 83 appearances in 2008 and held opposing lefties to just a .200 average. Wren extended an offer to Ohman more than two months ago, but the two sides do not appear any closer to a deal in the first week of February.

Till next time,

G-Mc

Left field remains a question...

2009-01-31T03:51:00Z

Frank Wren had a productive winter rebuilding the Atlanta Braves starting rotation, but a GM's work is never done. Perhaps the last item on the checklist will be finding a productive outfield bat at a relative bargain price in a market that still has several intriguing names.

There was a major spoiler alert yesterday, just in case you were thinking that the Andruw Jones reunion was merely a formality. Jones and the Braves have vastly different opinions as to the agreeable terms. Despite the $5 million already coming to Jones as severance with the Dodgers, agent Scott Boras has shot down any notion that his client would accept a minor league deal simply to return to Atlanta.

Estimates have put the remaining money the Braves have to spend somewhere between $6 million and $9 million. Putting aside the reunion factor, there are some other options who would come more ready to produce than seeking a career renaissance. Chief among these candidates is former Yankee Bobby Abreu, easily the most attractive of the remaining free agent outfielders.

Abreu turns 35-years old in March, and has been holding out hope that a multi-year contract would materialize with a club looking for a corner outfielder. The most tangible rumor had the Cubs linked to Abreu, but that door closed when Chicago signed the younger Milton Bradley to a three-year $30 million deal earlier this month.

There is no doubt that the Braves have the pieces that could be dealt to bring in other Yankee outfielders, like Nick Swisher or Xavier Nady. A short-term deal with Abreu, who would be slotted to make the move from right to left in the outfield, could allow Atlanta to bridge the gap while top prospects Jason Heyward and Jordan Schafer continue to mature in 2009.

The Braves have a line-up that already features several left-handed hitters, as well as switch-hitter Chipper Jones, who gets most of his at-bats from the left side over the course of the season. Brian McCann, Kelly Johnson and Casey Kotchman comprise the lefty swingers, leaving Jeff Francoeur and Yunel Escobar as the only right-handed hitters among the known regulars.

Abreu brings a career .300 average and has a streak of six consecutive seasons of 100+ RBI. While his ability to draw walks has declined over the past three years, from 124 in 2006 to 73 last season, Abreu helped his cause by batting .315 with six homers and 30 RBI in 184 at-bats against left-handers last season. That production could warrant Atlanta to forego limiting their search to strictly right-handed bats.

Adam Dunn and his prolific power numbers are certainly intriguing, but the likely price tag would take Atlanta off the list of possible suitors. The Washington Nationals seem to be the club most keyed in on Dunn, having lost a bid for Mark Teixeira in December. Dunn has slugged more than 40 homers for five consecutive seasons, but would represent a bigger defensive liability than the already limited Abreu for Atlanta.

Though Bradley garnered a multi-year deal with the Cubs and 36-year old Raul Ibanez inked a three-year $31.5 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, Fox Sports Ken Rosenthal suggests Abreu's price tag could be closer to the two-year and $16 million that Tampa Bay gave Pat Burrell.

Wren will have some choices, but in the end it could come down to just how much the Braves are willing to give in any potential trade for Swisher or Nady. There is always a distinct possibility that an unforeseen option will present itself as well, but signing the veteran Abreu could compliment the Atlanta line-up in exactly the manner they are searching for.

Till next time,

G-Mc

NL East Arms Race: Philadelphia Phillies

2009-01-29T15:57:17Z

The past two seasons have seen the rise of a new powerhouse in the National League East, as the Philadelphia Phillies ascended to the top of the baseball world with a Fall Classic victory over the Tampa Bay Rays last season. Philadelphia's prolific offense often takes the headlines, but the men on the mound will be the key contributors to any World Series repeat.

The foundation of the Philadelphia staff is budding ace Cole Hamels. Signing Hamels to a three-year $20-million contract this offseason underlines the fact that the club is well aware he has established himself as one of the premier pitchers in the National League, a claim further cemented by his World Series MVP performance. It also saves them from having to suffer through the arbitration years.

Hamels, 25, stayed healthy last season and went 14-10 with a 3.09 ERA and 196 strikeouts in 227.1 innings before blistering through Philadelphia's October opponents. His playoff numbers were even more impressive, 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA and 30 punch-outs in five starts.

Brett Myers came up big in October for the Phillies, giving the club hope that his transition back from the bullpen may have finally come full circle. At 28-years old, the former first rounder will need to improve his work on the road primarily to give himself a chance to win 15 or more games in 2009.

In 14 home starts, Myers was 7-5 with a 3.01 ERA, but his numbers away fell to just 3-8 with a 6.21 in 16 starts. He has surrendered his fair share of the long ball last season as well, giving up 29 in 190 innings of work. Myers was at his best in the second half and that momentum carried through the postseason, where he was 2-1 in three starts.

The ageless wonder Jamie Moyer, 46, went 16-7 and shaved more nearly a run and a half off his ERA from 2007, down to 3.71 for the year. Moyer's good work earned the soft-tossing lefty a brand new two-year contract worth $13 million this winter.

Moyer is entering his 23rd season, having piled up 246 wins in a career that essentially didn't get off the ground until the age of 30. His ability to change speeds and give Philadelphia nearly 200 innings will be just as vital this time around.

Like Myers, Joe Blanton, 28, is another former first rounder who will be seeking to revert to his 2006 form. Blanton supplies innings, averaging 206 innings over the past four seasons, and has shown he could win games during his Oakland days. Run support shouldn't be a problem with the Phillies.

Chan Ho Park resurrected his sagging career when he returned to the Dodgers last season, where his career began with such promise. In 54 appearances, Park went 4-4 with a pair of saves and a 3.40 ERA. While he did make five starts for Los Angeles, general manager Ruben Amaro did not immediately say how the Phillies plan to use the 35-year old Park.

Philadelphia also has both Kyle Kendrick and prospect J.A. Happ to compete for spots at the back of the rotation this spring. After starting the season 8-3 in his first 19 starts, Kendrick's frequent shellings resulted in a 7.59 ERA in 12 appearances after the break and forced the Phillies to leave him off the playoff roster.

Happ got the nod to take over Kendrick's spot in the rotation and quickly went about solidifying a claim for future starter consideration. He finished last season with a 1-0 record and 3.69 ERA in 31.2 innings, notching 26 strikeouts, with a 2.28 ERA in his four starting assignments.

Highly regarded right-hander Carlos Carrasco was rated the second best prospect in the Phillies organization by Baseball America and should be ready to battle for the fifth starter role. Carrasco, 21, was signed as an undrafted free-agent from the Dominican Republic in 2003 at the age of 17. Last season, Carrasco went 9-9 with 155 strikeouts in 25 starts between AA Reading and AAA Lehigh Valley.

Adam Eaton has completely pitched his way out of the Phillies plans and will likely find himself released if no trade can be brokered. This will put an end to a rather painful three-year $24.5-million contract that was signed prior to the 2007 season, when he turned in a 10-10 record and a 6.29 ERA in 30 starts.

In the bullpen, Brad Lidge leads what is a pretty sound Philadelphia relief corps. Last season was simply unbelievable for Lidge, as he converted all 41 regular season save opportunities before going perfect in seven more postseason chances.

At 32, Lidge is still in the prime years of his career and will continue to anchor the Phillies pen after signing a three-year $37.5-million extension last season.

Big righty reliever Ryan Madson turned in a 3.09 ERA in 76 appearances and staked his claim as one of the best eighth inning men in the National League. After an attempt to use him as a starting pitcher, the Phillies were rewarded for putting Madson back in the pen over the past two seasons.

Madson was at his best in September and October, turning in a 0.64 ERA in 13 games down the stretch, while going 1-0 with a 2.13 ERA in 11 postseason appearances. His good work earned him a three-year, $12-million extension this winter, allowing the Phillies to avoid arbitration and buy out Madson's first two free agent years.

J.C. Romero was slated to serve as the primary left-handed reliever, but was suspended for the first 50 games of 2009 after a positive test for an over-the-counter drug. Last season, Romero paced the Phillies with 81 appearances and posted a 2.75 ERA while holding left-handed hitters to a minuscule .102 average.

Romero's absence will leave the Phillies scrambling for a replacement to fill the void, but veteran lefty Scott Eyre should be able to help out. Eyre, 36, was acquired in an August trade with the Chicago Cubs and went 3-0 in 19 games 1.88 ERA with Phillies last season and signed a one-year $2-million deal last November to return to the defending world champions.

Clay Condrey, who was 3-4 with a 3.26 ERA in 56 appearances, and Chad Durbin, who was 5-4 in 71 games with a 2.87 ERA, will also hold down spots in the Phillies bullpen. The Phillies could choose to utilize any of the hurlers who do not grab the final spots in the rotation, with Park being the leading candidate to bolster the pen further.

Till next time,

G-Mc