2014 Chachi Departures #7 Marlon Byrd

It's fitting that the first full post of the new year features the latest veteran departure from the under performing 2014 club.  Yesterday afternoon, the Phillies traded outfielder Marlon Byrd (and cash) to the Cincinnati Reds for pitching prospect Ben Lively.  The big squad sure isn't getting any better, but the Phillies' Double-A team should be fun to watch this year with Aaron Nola, Zach Eflin, Tom Windle and Lively slated to be the Fightin Phils' top four starting pitchers.

Byrd was one of the better offensive performers for the Phillies in 2014, hitting .264 in 154 games with 25 home runs and 85 RBIs.  Although his 185 strikeouts were second only to Ryan Howard's 190 to lead the National League.

2014 Bowman Chrome
Prospects #BCP16

Lively joins Endy Chavez in the exclusive club of players the Phillies received in trades for Byrd.  The right-handed pitcher had cards in this past year's Topps Heritage Minors, Bowman Chrome and Bowman Draft sets.

Moving On
Reid Brignac (10/2/14) - Elected free agency.  (Signed with the Miami Marlins organization 11/19/14)
Jeremy Horst (10/2/14) - Elected free agency.
Jeff Manship (10/2/14) - Elected free agency.  (Signed with the Cleveland Indians organization 12/24/14)
Tony Gwynn, Jr. (10/10/14) - Outrighted off the 40-man roster and elected free agency.
Mike Adams (10/30/14) - Team option declined, making him a free agent.
Kyle Kendrick (10/30/14) - Elected free agency.
Wil Nieves (10/30/14) - Elected free agency.
A.J. Burnett (11/3/14) - Declined option for 2015, elected free agency.  (Signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates 11/14/14)
Brad Lincoln (11/4/14) - Elected free agency.  (Signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization 11/18/14)
Antonio Bastardo (12/10/14) - Traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Joely Rodriguez.
Jimmy Rollins (12/19/14) - Traded with cash to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Tom Windle and Zach Eflin.
Marlon Byrd (12/31/14) - Traded with cash to the Cincinnati Reds for Ben Lively.

Coming Back
Andres Blanco (11/13/14) - Signed to a minor league contract and invited to spring training.
Koyie Hill (11/20/14) - Signed to a minor league contract and invited to spring training.
Sean O'Sullivan (12/16/14) - Signed to a minor league contract and invited to spring training.

New Additions
Elvis Araujo (11/13/14) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Cleveland Indians organization.
Odubel Herrera (12/11/14) - Selected in the annual Rule 5 draft from the Texas Rangers.
Andy Oliver (12/11/14) - Selected in the annual Rule 5 draft from the Pittsburgh Pirates.