Is this the return of The Duck Pond? The Phillies recently announced they had signed right-handed pitcher Brandon Duckworth to a minor league contract. He hasn't been invited to Spring Training, so the move appears to have made solely to bolster the starting rotation at AAA Lehigh Valley. Brandon is most likely this year's Rodrigo Lopez - a somewhat steady, veteran presence at AAA who could be called on in case of injury or if a double header arises.Arbitration: The Phillies and their four arbitration-eligible players have exchanged salary figures, with the largest gap coming between Joe Blanton's request and the Phillies' offer. Joe the Lumber has requested $10.25 million, while the Phils are countering with $7.5 million. (I had a similar problem this year with my employer.) The Phillies and relief pitcher Chad Durbin avoided arbitration when the two sides agreed to a one-year $2.125 million deal yesterday. The other players hoping to avoid arbitration are Shane Victorino and Carlos Ruiz.
Help Wanted: Closer Brad Lidge had right knee surgery last week, and he might not be ready to return by Opening Day. This could open the door for Ryan Madson or Danys Baez to receive some save opportunities in the early part of the 2010 season.
Bring back the Duck Pond!
ReplyDeleteI hope to see it, but not at the expense of one of the other starters breaking down. I'd be fine with a Duckworth appearance during a rain-out induced double header!
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