Wednesday, July 29, 2009

2007 Chachi #49 Tadahito Iguchi

2 days away . . . The Phillies Room counts down to the Trade Deadline

July 27, 2007: Tadahito Iguchi acquired from the Chicago White Sox for Michael Dubee
July 30, 2007: Kyle Lohse acquired from the Cincinnati Reds for Matt Maloney

This is where former general manager Pat Gillick shined. As other teams were out making huge acquisitions, stripping their farm systems in the process, Gillick picked up small pieces here and there. Maybe there's a lesson to be learned from that approach . . .

Tadahito Iguchi started 27 games at second base in 2007 as Chase Utley recovered from a broken hand. He was the first Japanese-born player in Phillies' history and his performance was key to the Phillies staying in the pennant race and eventually winning the NL East.

On August 30, 2007, Tadahito singled and scored the winning run in a dramatic come from behind victory against the Mets. Jimmy Rollins recently credited this win as the true beginning of the Phillies new-found, never say die winning attitude.

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