2008 Grandstand Clearwater Threshers #40 Brian Schlitter

The Phils completed their first transaction of the early spring today, claiming lefty pitcher Brian Schlitter off waivers from the New York Yankees.  To make room for Schlitter on the 40-man roster, pitcher Drew Carpenter was designated for assignment.  Schlitter was actually drafted by the Phillies back in 2007, and he spent parts of two seasons within the Phils' minor league system before being dealt to the Cubs in August 2008 in exchange for Scott Eyre.  Eyre, of course, helped the Phillies down the stretch and throughout the 2008 Postseason, earning a World Series ring for his efforts.

Schlitter made it into seven games for the Cubs in 2010, pitching eight innings and running up a 12.38 ERA.  He was squeezed off the Cubs' roster in January and selected by the Yankees a few days later.  He was the odd man out with the Yankees upon their signing of Andruw Jones yesterday.

There's a good chance Schlitter actually makes the Phillies out of Spring Training.  With J.C. Romero a question mark and with word that Antonio Bastardo's elbow is flaring up, Schlitter could compete with Mike Zagurski for the open lefty bullpen role.

Carpenter could remain with the Phils if he clears waivers.  Over the course of the past three seasons, Carpenter pitched in just five games with the Phillies, going 1-1 with a 9.31 ERA.

Sarge:  Upon reading about the acquisition of Schlitter, my immediate reaction was, "Sarge (Phillies announcer Gary Matthews) is going to have really tough time with this guy's name."  My astute wife, Jenna, observed, "And what happens the first time Sarge tries to describe back-up catcher Brian Schneider throwing the ball back to Schlitter?"  The mind boggles.