Diekman Joins Rangers Bullpen

2014 Topps Update Trajectory
Autographs #TA-JD Jake Diekman

I wanted to give Jake Diekman his due, as his inclusion in the blockbuster Cole Hamels trade with the Rangers has been largely overlooked.  (At least by me.)  Diekman made his Phillies debut in May 2012 and he would appear in 191 games in relief for the team over the next four seasons.  He served as an effective set-up man in 2013 and 2014, but has struggled so far in 2015.  He had recently lost his late inning duties and had been relegated to middle inning relief/clean-up responsibilities.

Here's a summary of the Phillies cards in my collection of the newest members of the Texas Rangers.

New Rangers
Cole Hamels - As of this writing, I have 279 Hamels baseball cards in my collection and it appears as if his 2015 Topps Allent & Ginter card will be the final Phillies card issued of him while he was still with the franchise.

Jake Diekman - I have 15 Diekman cards in my collection and his final Phillies card was most likely his 2015 Topps Series Two release.  I'll always remember Diekman for being the reliever who threw my son Doug a baseball from the bullpen last season.

Departed During Season
Grady Sizemore (6/1/15) - Released and signed with the Tampa Bay Rays organization on 6/15/15.
Phillippe Aumont (6/24/15) - Designated for assignment and elected free agency.  Signed with the Toronto Blue Jays organization on 7/24/15.
Jonathan Papelbon (7/28/15) - Traded with cash considerations to the Washington Nationals for Nick Pivetta.
Cole Hamels and Jake Diekman (7/31/15) - Traded with cash considerations to the Texas Rangers for Matt Harrison, Nick Williams, Jorge Alfaro, Jake Thompson, Jerad Eickhoff and Alec Asher.
Ben Revere (7/31/15) - Traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for Jimmy Cordero and Alberto Tirado.

Arrived During Season
Kevin Correia (6/8/15) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the San Francisco Giants organization.
Dalier Hinojosa (7/15/15) - Selected off waivers from the Boston Red Sox.