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| 2014 Topps Update #US-167 |
While other teams are busy trying to sign the big-name free agents or pull off blockbuster deals, Phillies fans are left sifting through the names of former big leaguers who could eventually see time in red pinstripes in 2015. The rebuilding process is officially here, which means bodies are needed to populate Ryne Sandberg's 25-man roster beginning in April. Listed below are the first eight players who will by vying for a coveted roster spot throughout spring training. These signings were announced on Thursday afternoon.
Player (position) - 2014 Organization - Last Major Baseball Card Appearance
1. Andres Blanco (inf) - Phillies - 2007 Topps #659 (Royals)
2. Brian Bogusevic (of) - Marlins - 2014 Topps #524 (Marlins)
3. Russ Canzler (inf) - Yankees/Phillies - N/A
4. Chase d'Arnaud (inf) - Pirates - 2012 Topps Heritage #323 (Pirates)
5. Jeff Francoeur (of) - Padres - 2014 Topps Update #US-167 (Padres)
6. John Hester (c) - Angels - 2010 Upper Deck #31 (Diamondbacks)
7. Darin Mastroianni (of) - Twins/Blue Jays - 2013 Topps #528 (Twins)
8. Xavier Paul (of) - Orioles/Diamondbacks - 2013 Topps Update #US-194 (Reds)
The "Last Major Baseball Card Appearance" is fairly subjective. In any instance where someone had multiple cards released, I'll list the base card that's the most obtainable in my estimation. It's stunning to me that Blanco's last major baseball card came way back in the 2007 Topps set. Canzler has several minor league cards, but he's never appeared on a mainstream, Major League baseball card.
Memory Lane
Some things never change. Clueless Amaro continues his dumpster diving, even after 3 horrendous seasons. (How he still has a job is amazing.)
ReplyDeleteLike in 2014, I will not be following the Phillies again in 2015 (nor until Amaro is an ex-employee.)