Santa Crossed 7 Cards Off My Most Wanted List (#SBWTMABCTJ)

1952 Topps #223

1953 Bowman Color #65

1953 Topps #146

For the fifth year in a row, my Mom took it upon herself to personally demolish the majority of my "Ten Most Wanted - Vintage" list found on the sidebar.  Here's what it looked like prior to Christmas, and as you can tell by the seven cards featured within this post, the list now needs seven new residents.

The Pre-SBWTMABCTJ List

I've always received baseball cards for Christmas, and I'm very lucky that my Mom has kept the tradition alive started by her and my Dad many years ago.  In recent years, our family has gathered at my Mom's house the day after Christmas to spend time together and exchange gifts.  This year, I was happy to unwrap the Star Wars book I asked for and I was also thrilled to receive the Beatles 1+ CD/Blu-Ray collection from my Mom.  But there's just something about unwrapping small packages shaped like baseball cards in top loaders that brings me back to those special Christmases from the 1970s and 1980s.

(As an aside here, I think it's fitting that my Mom's main Christmas presents to me this year were once again related to the Beatles, Star Wars and baseball cards.  This is pretty much what my typical Christmas gifts have consisted of for the past 35+ years.)

For past after-Christmas posts, I've spread out the haul from the annual Santa Brings Way Too Many Awesome Baseball Cards to Jim (#SBWTMABCTJ) over several posts.  This year, I wanted to keep these seven cards together in one post in order to maximize their collective awesomeness.

1950 Bowman #30

1952 Bowman #4

1950 Bowman #30 Eddie Waitkus
This card brings me down to needing just six cards to complete the 19-card 1950 Bowman Phillies team set.  The first line on the back of this card is still bizarre to read today:  "Eddie had appeared in 54 games last season and was hitting at a .306 clip when he was shot and seriously wounded by a demented girl fan."

1952 Bowman #4 Robin Roberts
This is one of two vintage Roberts cards I received this year, both representing two of the most valuable remaining cards standing in the way of me having a complete run of Phillies Bowman cards from 1948 to 1955.

1952 Topps #223 Del Ennis
This card may be my favorite of the bunch.  Featuring one of my Dad's favorite players, this is now the nicest 1952 Topps card in my collection.  The card is well-centered with no front or back blemishes and it has three sharp corners with only a minor ding on the lower left corner.  I still have a ways to go to complete the 1952 Topps Phillies team set, but this card gets me a little closer.

I need to mention again how pristine this card is.  This is pretty much what I imagine the 1952 Topps cards looking like when they were pulled out of a nickel pack over sixty years ago.

1953 Bowman Color #65 Robin Roberts
This is the second Roberts card from this year's haul, and now the only vintage Bowman card of the Hall of Famer that I'm currently missing is his 1949 Bowman rookie card.  This is one of those cards that I've seen for sale at card shows for years, but I've never owned.  I'm thrilled to finally have this card as part of my collection.

1953 Topps #146 Granny Hamner
The card's front reads Granville, but the card's back points out three times that the player's nickname is actually "Granny."  The 1953 Topps Phillies team set is now well within reach for me, as I need just four more cards.

1957 Topps #70

1959 Topps #317

1957 Topps #70 Richie Ashburn
This was one of two "modern" baseball cards I received from the SBWTMABCTJ and this is the final Ashburn Topps cards I needed to finish off my complete run of his Topps cards from 1951 to 1959.  For good measure, my Mom also added in the next card.

1959 Topps #317 N.L. Hitting Kings - Willie Mays & Richie Ashburn
Like the 1953 Bowman Color Robin Roberts card, this is one of those cards I had admired for years at various baseball card shows.  This card commemorates the 1958 N.L. batting title race, decided on the final day of the season when Ashburn went 3 for 4 to top Willie Mays' 2 for 5.  Ashburn finished at .350 with Mays at his heels with a .347 average.

And there you have it.  Thanks to my Mom's continuation of an annual tradition, I now have the pleasure of crossing seven more vintage Phillies cards off my want lists.

2011 Santa Brings Way Too Many Awesome Baseball Cards to Jim

Part 1 - Continuing a Tradition

Part 2 - 1971 Topps Set - 13 More Down

Part 3 - 1952 Topps Phillies

Part 4 - 1951 Bowman Phillies

Part 5 - Curt Simmons - Two New Bowman Cards

Part 6 - 1955 Bowman and Topps Phillies

2012 Santa Brings Way Too Many Awesome Baseball Cards to Jim
Part 1 - 1941 Double Play Litwhiler & May
Part 2 - 1963 Topps John Herrnstein rookie card (featuring Willie Stargell)
Part 3 - 1940 Play Ball Phillies - Part 1
Part 4 - 1940 Play Ball Phillies - Part 2
Part 5 - 1950 Bowman Del Ennis

2013 Santa Brings Way Too Many Awesome Baseball Cards to Jim
Part 1 - 1998 Upper Deck Scott Rolen
Part 2 - 1968 Topps Phillies Team Card
Part 3 - 1966 Topps Bob Uecker
Part 4 - 1955 Bowman Robin Roberts
Part 5 - 1965 Topps Johnny Callison
Part 6 - 1954 Bowman Richie Ashburn

2014 Santa Brings Way Too Many Awesome Baseball Cards to Jim
Part 1 - 1952 Bowman and 1953 Bowman Color Richie Ashburn
Part 2 - 1950 Bowman Roberts, 1951 Topps Blue Backs Jones, 1955 Bowman Wyrostek
Part 3 - 1995 Collector's Choice Hayes and 1999 Fleer Mystique Burrell

2015 Santa Brings Way Too Many Awesome Baseball Cards to Jim
Seven Phillies Cards from the 1950s Crossed Off the List

Posting will continue to be light as I continue my winter hibernation.  Happy New Year!

2015 @ReadingFightins Holiday Set

I may be mistaken, but I don't recall ever seeing a holiday themed baseball team set before.  The Reading Fightin Phils Tweeted out a few weeks back that they had released a limited edition holiday themed team set.  The team wisely advertised the set as a great stocking stuffer idea, so I picked up two sets for my stocking and Doug's stocking.  (His set turned into a belated birthday gift.)

The set is notable for including the entire late season roster, which features most of the top prospects in the Phillies system . . . at least until the recent Ken Giles deal.  The set also features all six (!) Fightin Phils team mascots.  Where possible, players are featured wearing their gaudy "Christmas in July" uniforms, and I've picked a few of my favorites to show off here.

Also of interest is that this set contains the first Phillies-related cards for non-roster invitee Reinier Roibal, along with a few of the top prospects acquired from the Rangers - Jake Thompson and Nick Williams - in the Cole Hamels trade.

I'm not sure exactly how "limited" these sets actually are, but I'm glad I added this festive set to my collection.

* * *

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

1959 Topps #208 Willie Jones

When you get a chance, please read this fantastic article about the author's (The Philadelphia Inquirer's Frank Fitzpatrick's) Christmas Eve encounter with Willie "Puddin' Head" Jones.  I'll take this over a kale cake recipe any day.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Spoiler Free Post (#MTFBWY)

2015 Topps #131

I'm in the midst of a social media black-out since we're not seeing the new Star Wars movie until Saturday.  However, my phone still alerted me yesterday afternoon when the Phillies announced the signing of two more relievers to minor league contracts.  The suddenly crowded bullpen should hopefully be an upgrade over last season.  Actually, anything would pretty much be an upgrade over last season.

Andrew Bailey (rhp) - The Haddonfield, NJ resident was a two-time All-Star and won the A.L. Rookie of the Year award with the A's in 2009.  He hasn't come close to replicated his rookie season success over the past five seasons with the A's, Red Sox and Yankees.

Edward Mujica (rhp) - Mujica is a ten year veteran, and he split last season between the Red Sox and A's going 3-5 with a 4.75 ERA in 49 relief appearances.  He was an All-Star with the Cardinals in 2013.

Player (position) - 2015 Organization - Last Major Baseball Card Appearance
1.  James Russell (lhp) - Cubs - 2015 Topps #255 (Braves)
2.  Emmanuel Buriss (inf) - Nationals - 2010 Topps Update #US-82 (Giants)
3.  Ryan Jackson (inf) - Royals/Angels - 2013 Panini Prizm #238 (Cardinals)
4.  Frank Herrmann (rhp) - Angels/Pirates - 2010 Topps Update #US-89 (Indians)
5.  Chris Leroux (rhp) - Brewers/Phillies - 2013 Panini Select #205 (Pirates)
6.  Reinier Roibal (rhp) - Phillies - N/A
7.  J.P. Arencibia (c) - Orioles/Rays - 2014 Topps #627 (Rangers)
8.  Greg Burke (rhp) - Blue Jays - 2009 Bowman Chrome #103 (Padres)
9.  Ernesto Frieri (rhp) - Rays - 2014 Topps #240 (Angels)
10.  Gregory Infante (rhp) - Blue Jays - 2011 Topps Allen & Ginter #84 (White Sox)
11.  Angelys Nina (inf) - Rockies - 2012 Bowman Prospects #BP45 (Rockies)
12.  Andrew Bailey (rhp) - Yankees - 2013 Topps Heritage #344 (Red Sox)
13.  Edward Mujica (rhp) - Red Sox/Athletics - 2015 Topps #131 (Red Sox)

1962 Salada-Junket Coins #86B Andy Carey

Curt Flood instantly comes to mind when I think of former players refusing to report to the Phillies following a trade.  When researching my post for Andy Carey's 1956 Topps card, which is up this morning, I didn't realize that Carey had also once refused to report to the Phillies.

On December 15, 1961, Carey (along with Frank Barnes) was traded by the White Sox to the Phillies for Taylor Phillips and Bob Sadowski.  Carey refused to report to the Phillies in March 1962, as he preferred not to spend his final year in baseball on the last place Phillies and he intended to focus full-time on his growing California brokerage business.  The Phils received Cal McLish from the White Sox as consolation for Carey's refusal to report, and Carey was eventually swapped to the Dodgers where he finished his career closer to home.

For Phillies collectors, Carey is included within the 1962 Salada-Junket coin set, marking his only appearance with the team on any collectibles.  The set's creators originally released the Carey coin featuring him in a White Sox uniform, but the photo was updated to feature him in the Phillies hat and uniform he'd never actually wear.

Frieri, Arencibia Headline New Group of Non-Roster Invitees

2014 Topps Heritage #232

I really appreciate the Phillies spacing out their roster change announcements to once a day, giving me a chance to catch up with the additions and departures daily.  Yesterday, the Phillies added five players to the list of now 11 non-roster invitees.

Of the new players added, I would think former Rays J.P. Arencibia and Ernesto Frieri have the best shots of making the team.  Arencibia is a catcher who appeared in 24 games last season, hitting .310 with 6 home runs and 17 RBIs.  He hit a career high 23 home runs in 2011 with the Blue Jays.

Frieri was the Angels closer for parts of 2 1/2 seasons between 2012 and 2014, compiling 71 saves. He saved two games with the Rays last season and had a 4.63 ERA in 23 1/3 innings pitched.

Player (position) - 2015 Organization - Last Major Baseball Card Appearance
1.  James Russell (lhp) - Cubs - 2015 Topps #255 (Braves)
2.  Emmanuel Buriss (inf) - Nationals - 2010 Topps Update #US-82 (Giants)
3.  Ryan Jackson (inf) - Royals/Angels - 2013 Panini Prizm #238 (Cardinals)
4.  Frank Herrmann (rhp) - Angels/Pirates - 2010 Topps Update #US-89 (Indians)
5.  Chris Leroux (rhp) - Brewers/Phillies - 2013 Panini Select #205 (Pirates)
6.  Reinier Roibal (rhp) - Phillies - N/A
7.  J.P. Arencibia (c) - Orioles/Rays - 2014 Topps #627 (Rangers)
8.  Greg Burke (rhp) - Blue Jays - 2009 Bowman Chrome #103 (Padres)
9.  Ernesto Frieri (rhp) - Rays - 2014 Topps #240 (Angels)
10.  Gregory Infante (rhp) - Blue Jays - 2011 Topps Allen & Ginter #84 (White Sox)
11.  Angelys Nina (inf) - Rockies - 2012 Bowman Prospects #BP45 (Rockies)

Four More Ex-Phillies Move Along

2016 Chachi Departures #6

2016 Chachi Departures #7

2016 Chachi Departures #8

2016 Chachi Departures #9

While we were waiting for the Ken Giles trade to be officially announced, four other ex-Phillies moved on to new teams.  Each of these players recently signed minor league deals with their new teams.

Dustin McGowan (rhp) - McGowan joined the Phillies on opening day last season, and he'd appear in 14 games with the club, going 1-2 with a 6.94 ERA.  His sole Phillies card can be found within the second team issued photo card set, released in June.  McGowan will try to earn a spot in the Marlins bullpen in 2016.

Erik Kratz (c) - In his second stint with the Phils, Kratz made it into 12 games in September, hitting .227 with two RBIs.  He didn't appear on any new Phillies baseball cards this time around and he'll be heading to spring training with the Padres.

Ethan Martin (rhp) - Martin came to the Phillies from the Dodgers in the July 2012 Shane Victorino deal.  He pitched in 17 games for the club in 2013 and 2014, and missed the bulk of the past two seasons with shoulder ailments.  He appeared on a bunch of Major and minor league cards with the Phillies in 2013 and 2014, but he didn't receive any cards last year.  Martin signed a minor league deal with the Braves.

Sean O'Sullivan (rhp) - Finally, O'Sullivan, who had a horrible season with the Phillies (1-6, 6.08 ERA) signed a minor league contract with the Red Sox.  O'Sullivan had a card in the team's second series photo card set and actually made it into the Topps Update set with the Phillies.

Moving On - 2015-2016 Offseason

• Chase d'Arnaud - inf (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent the Atlanta Braves, 11/24/15.
• Justin De Fratus - rhp (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed with the Seattle Mariners, 12/2/15.
• Erik Kratz - c (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the San Diego Padres, 11/8/15.
• Sean O'Sullivan - rhp (10/9/15) - Elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Boston Red Sox, 12/11/15.
• Kevin Correia - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Adam Loewen - lhp (10/10/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Arizona Diamondbacks, 11/7/15.
• Dustin McGowan - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Miami Marlins, 12/10/15.
• Seth Rosin - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Brian Bogusevic (10/26/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed with the Orix Buffaloes of the Japanese Pacific League, 12/9/15.
• Domonic Brown (10/26/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Chad Billingsley - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jeff Francoeur - of (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Aaron Harang - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jerome Williams - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Cliff Lee - lhp (11/2/15) - Team option declined and elected free agency.
• Jordan Danks - of (11/6/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Ethan Martin - rhp (11/6/15) - Elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Atlanta Braves, 12/11/15.
• Jonathan Pettibone - rhp (11/6/15) - Elected free agency.
• Nefi Ogando - rhp (12/2/15) - Claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins.
• Ken Giles - rhp (12/12/15) - Traded with Jonathan Arauz to the Houston Astros for Mark Appel, Harold Arauz, Thomas Eshelman, Brett Oberholtzer and Vincent Velasquez.

New Additions - 2015-2016 Offseason

• Dan Otero - rhp (11/3/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Oakland Athletics. (Designated for assignment 12/12/15)
• Jeremy Hellickson - rhp (11/14/15) - Acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks for Sam McWilliams.
• A.J. Achter - rhp (11/20/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins. (Designated for assignment 12/12/15)
• Michael Mariot - rhp (11/30/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Royals.
• Peter Bourjos - of (12/2/15) - Claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals.
• David Hernandez - rhp (12/9/15) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
• Tyler Goeddel - of (12/10/15) - Selected from the Tampa Bay Rays in the Rule 5 draft.
• Daniel Stumpf - lhp (12/10/15) - Selected from the Kansas City Royals in the Rule 5 draft.
• Charlie Morton - rhp (12/12/15) - Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates for David Whitehead.
• Brett Oberholtzer - lhp and Vincent Velasquez - rhp (12/12/15) - Acquired with Mark Appel, Harold Arauz and Thomas Eshelman from the Houston Astros for Ken Giles and Jonathan Arauz.

Farewell Ken Giles; Closer Traded to Astros in 7-Player Deal

2016 Chachi Departures #10

Of course I understand the rationale behind the Phillies trading their young closer Ken Giles to the Astros for five players.  There's no need for a top caliber closer on a team that will most likely finish buried in the second division again in 2016.  Even though he's young and inexpensive, it makes sense to trade Giles for potential building blocks for the future.

Still . . . this stinks.  I'm bummed.  My (now nine-year-old) son Doug is bummed.  My wife is bummed.  My youngest son Ben is mildly perturbed.  Giles is a genuinely likable guy, and someone I would have loved to have rooted for with the Phillies for years to come.  Instead, I'll root for him and his Astros unless they're facing off against the Phillies.  It's crazy to me that the four pitchers who threw the combined no-hitter for the Phils back in 2014 are now pitching elsewhere.

When I looked it up, I was surprised to see I had only 19 Giles cards in my collection.  His earliest card can be found in the 2012 Lakewood BlueClaws team set and his latest Phillies card (for now) can be found in the 2015 Topps Chrome set.  Minor league infielder Jonathan Arauz also heads to the Astros with Giles.  Only 17, Arauz was signed last season by the Phillies and I don't have any cards of his in my collection (if they even exist yet).

To make room on the 40-man roster, pitcher Dan Otero was designated for assignment.  Otero was the team's first offseason addition, back on November 3rd.

As is the case with any trade, much better analysis can be found on other websites and blogs.  What I'm most interested in are the baseball cards available for the five newest Phillies.

2016 Chachi New Additions #10

2016 Chachi New Additions #11

Vincent Velasquez (rhp) - Velasquez appeared in 19 games for the Astros in 2015, and the 23-year-old was considered to be one of the top prospects in the Astros farm system.  He began appearing in Bowman releases in 2010 and he has cards in the 2015 Topps Heritage and 2015 Topps Update sets.

Brett Oberholtzer (lhp) - The 26-year-old lefty is from Delaware, and he's appeared in 45 games with the Astros over the past three seasons.  He could compete for a spot in the Phillies starting rotation to open the season.  Oberholtzer appeared in a number of Bowman sets in 2009 and he also has cards in the 2014 and 2015 Topps flagship sets.

2015 Bowman Prospects #BP85

2015 Choice Tri-City ValleyCats

2015 Bowman Chrome Draft Scouts Fantasy Impacts #BSI-TE

Mark Appel (rhp) - This is where the deal gets extremely intriguing to me.  Appel was baseball's number one overall pick in 2013 but he's struggled since joining the Astros system.  A change of scenery and the different view point of the Phillies organization could hopefully turn him back around.  Still, he now becomes one of the top prospects for the Phillies, and he could be considered their new top pitching prospect.

As is the norm for a number one draft pick, Appel has had a ton of baseball cards so far in his young career, and the Beckett database lists 548 cards for him as of this writing.  He appeared in quite a few Bowman sets in 2015 along with the Topps Heritage Minor Leagues set.

Thomas Eshelman (rhp) - Eshelman was the Astros second round draft pick this past June after a phenomenal college career at Cal State Fullerton.  His first licensed baseball cards can be found within the recently released Bowman Draft set.

Harold Arauz (rhp) - No relation to Jonathan Arauz, Harold Arauz is only 20 and went 0-5 with a 5.75 ERA for Low-A Tri-City last season.  Arauz's only baseball cards to date can be found within Astros minor league team sets.

I pulled images for the Eshelman, Appel and Arauz cards from eBay and I hesitated to post the Arauz card since the watermark bugs me.

As is the policy of The Phillies Room and the Chachi Set Executive Committee, Velasquez and Oberholtzer receive Chachi Additions cards due to their joining the 40-man roster.  Eshelman, Appel and Arauz will have to wait a bit longer for the Chachi debuts.

Moving On - 2015-2016 Offseason

• Chase d'Arnaud - inf (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent the Atlanta Braves, 11/24/15.
• Justin De Fratus - rhp (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed with the Seattle Mariners, 12/2/15.
• Erik Kratz - c (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Sean O'Sullivan - rhp (10/9/15) - Elected free agency.
• Kevin Correia - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Adam Loewen - lhp (10/10/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Arizona Diamondbacks, 11/7/15.
• Dustin McGowan - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Seth Rosin - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Brian Bogusevic (10/26/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed with the Orix Buffaloes of the Japanese Pacific League, 12/9/15.
• Domonic Brown (10/26/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Chad Billingsley - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jeff Francoeur - of (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Aaron Harang - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jerome Williams - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Cliff Lee - lhp (11/2/15) - Team option declined and elected free agency.
• Jordan Danks - of (11/6/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Ethan Martin - rhp (11/6/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jonathan Pettibone - rhp (11/6/15) - Elected free agency.
• Nefi Ogando - rhp (12/2/15) - Claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins.
• Ken Giles - rhp (12/12/15) - Traded with Jonathan Arauz to the Houston Astros for Mark Appel, Harold Arauz, Thomas Eshelman, Brett Oberholtzer and Vincent Velasquez.

New Additions - 2015-2016 Offseason

• Dan Otero - rhp (11/3/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Oakland Athletics. (Designated for assignment 12/12/15)
• Jeremy Hellickson - rhp (11/14/15) - Acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks for Sam McWilliams.
• A.J. Achter - rhp (11/20/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins. (Designated for assignment 12/12/15)
• Michael Mariot - rhp (11/30/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Royals.
• Peter Bourjos - of (12/2/15) - Claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals.
• David Hernandez - rhp (12/9/15) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
• Tyler Goeddel - of (12/10/15) - Selected from the Tampa Bay Rays in the Rule 5 draft.
• Daniel Stumpf - lhp (12/10/15) - Selected from the Kansas City Royals in the Rule 5 draft.
• Charlie Morton - rhp (12/12/15) - Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates for David Whitehead.
• Brett Oberholtzer - lhp and Vincent Velasquez - rhp (12/12/15) - Acquired with Mark Appel, Harold Arauz and Thomas Eshelman from the Houston Astros for Ken Giles and Jonathan Arauz.

One Trade at a Time - First, the Morton Deal

2016 Chachi New Additions #9

2015 Grandstand Clearwater Threshers #29

While I'm still trying to digest the blockbuster deal just announced with the Astros, I first need to acknowledge the relatively smaller Phillies trade announced this morning.  The Phils acquired starting pitcher Charlie Morton from the Pirates for minor league pitching prospect David Whitehead. Morton has spent the bulk of his career with the Pirates, having come to Pittsburgh in a trade with the Braves back in 2009.  In 158 career games, Morton is 45-70 with a 4.54 ERA.

Last season, he went 9-9 with a 4.81 ERA and he'll fill in nicely in the Phillies suddenly full starting pitching rotation in 2016.  The Phillies owe him $8 million for this upcoming season and they hold a team option to bring him back for 2017.

A third round pick by the Braves in 2002, Morton's first cards popped up in Bowman and Upper Deck releases that same year.  He appeared in his first Topps flagship set in 2012 and his most recent card can be found in the 2015 Topps set.

Whitehead (from Elon University) was drafted by the Phillies in the 34th round of the 2013 draft.  He went 9-11 with a 4.44 ERA in 25 starts last season for the High-A Clearwater Threshers.

To make room on the 40-man roster for Morton, pitcher A.J. Achter was designated for assignment. Achter had only been property of the Phillies for a little over three weeks, and I'd have to think he'll come back to the club on a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.

Moving On - 2015-2016 Offseason

• Chase d'Arnaud - inf (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent the Atlanta Braves, 11/24/15.
• Justin De Fratus - rhp (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed with the Seattle Mariners, 12/2/15.
• Erik Kratz - c (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Sean O'Sullivan - rhp (10/9/15) - Elected free agency.
• Kevin Correia - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Adam Loewen - lhp (10/10/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Arizona Diamondbacks, 11/7/15.
• Dustin McGowan - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Seth Rosin - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Brian Bogusevic (10/26/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed with the Orix Buffaloes of the Japanese Pacific League, 12/9/15.
• Domonic Brown (10/26/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Chad Billingsley - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jeff Francoeur - of (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Aaron Harang - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jerome Williams - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Cliff Lee - lhp (11/2/15) - Team option declined and elected free agency.
• Jordan Danks - of (11/6/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Ethan Martin - rhp (11/6/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jonathan Pettibone - rhp (11/6/15) - Elected free agency.
• Nefi Ogando - rhp (12/2/15) - Claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins.

New Additions - 2015-2016 Offseason

• Dan Otero - rhp (11/3/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Oakland Athletics.
• Jeremy Hellickson - rhp (11/14/15) - Acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks for Sam McWilliams.
• A.J. Achter - rhp (11/20/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins. (Designated for assignment 12/12/15)
• Michael Mariot - rhp (11/30/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Royals.
• Peter Bourjos - of (12/2/15) - Claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals.
• David Hernandez - rhp (12/9/15) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
• Tyler Goeddel - of (12/10/15) - Selected from the Tampa Bay Rays in the Rule 5 draft.
• Daniel Stumpf - lhp (12/10/15) - Selected from the Kansas City Royals in the Rule 5 draft.
• Charlie Morton - rhp (12/12/15) - Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates for David Whitehead.

Happy Birthday Doug!

How did nine years go by already?  Our oldest son Doug turns nine today, and I couldn't be prouder of the kid.  Of course I'm biased, but I believe he's by far the coolest, smartest and kindest nine-year-old in the world.

Happy birthday Doug!

P.S.  Sorry the Phillies had to go and trade Ken Giles, one of your favorite players, but the move makes sense.  We'll need to get you an Astros hat to go along with your Red Sox and Angels hats and your Rangers shirt.

Phillies Select Two in Rule 5 Draft

2016 Chachi New Additions #7

2016 Chachi New Additions #8

The Ken Giles trade still isn't official, but the Phillies did officially add two more players to their roster today.  The Phillies selected first and 12th in this year's Rule 5 draft which was held this morning to wrap up the annual winter meetings.  Both players will need to remain on the Phillies 25-man roster for the entire 2016 season or be offered back to their original teams.  Odubel Herrera was a true find from last year's Rule 5 draft, and I'm hoping one or both of these guys stick around (and contribute) as well.

Tyler Goeddel was the first overall pick, chosen from the Rays.  Goeddel, who can play all three outfield positions, hit .279 with 12 home runs and 72 RBIs for the Rays' Double-A team in Montgomery last season.  He also stole 28 bases.  Goeddel began appearing in Bowman sets in 2011 and his most recent cards can be found within Rays minor league team sets.

The Phillies also selected left-handed pitcher Daniel Stumpf from the Royals.  Stumpf pitched for Double-A last season, striking out 76 in 70 2/3 innings and holding opponents to a .212 average.  It doesn't appear as if the lefty has appeared on any baseball cards other than in Royals minor league team sets.

Moving On - 2015-2016 Offseason

• Chase d'Arnaud - inf (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent the Atlanta Braves, 11/24/15.
• Justin De Fratus - rhp (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed with the Seattle Mariners, 12/2/15.
• Erik Kratz - c (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Sean O'Sullivan - rhp (10/9/15) - Elected free agency.
• Kevin Correia - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Adam Loewen - lhp (10/10/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Arizona Diamondbacks, 11/7/15.
• Dustin McGowan - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Seth Rosin - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Brian Bogusevic (10/26/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed with the Orix Buffaloes of the Japanese Pacific League, 12/9/15.
• Domonic Brown (10/26/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Chad Billingsley - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jeff Francoeur - of (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Aaron Harang - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jerome Williams - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Cliff Lee - lhp (11/2/15) - Team option declined and elected free agency.
• Jordan Danks - of (11/6/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Ethan Martin - rhp (11/6/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jonathan Pettibone - rhp (11/6/15) - Elected free agency.
• Nefi Ogando - rhp (12/2/15) - Claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins.

New Additions - 2015-2016 Offseason

• Dan Otero - rhp (11/3/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Oakland Athletics.
• Jeremy Hellickson - rhp (11/14/15) - Acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks for Sam McWilliams.
• A.J. Achter - rhp (11/20/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins.
• Michael Mariot - rhp (11/30/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Royals.
• Peter Bourjos - of (12/2/15) - Claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals.
• David Hernandez - rhp (12/9/15) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
• Tyler Goeddel - of (12/10/15) - Selected from the Tampa Bay Rays in the Rule 5 draft.
• Daniel Stumpf - lhp (12/10/15) - Selected from the Kansas City Royals in the Rule 5 draft.

Phillies Continue to Shuffle Roster

2016 Chachi New Additions #6

2016 Chachi Departures #5

The Phillies Magical Mystery Rebuilding Tour continued yesterday and based on reports flying around last night, more changes are in the works.  The annual Rule 5 draft gets underway this morning at 10 a.m., with Rays outfielder Tyler Goeddel rumored to be heading to the Phillies.

As of press-time for this post*, closer Ken Giles was most likely on his way to the Astros for four players, including three pitching prospects.

The one definite addition as of last night is relief pitcher David Hernandez.  Hernandez, who returned from Tommy John surgery in 2015, has appeared in parts of six seasons with the Orioles and Diamondbacks.  He went 1-5 with a 4.28 ERA in Arizona last season over 33 2/3 innings.  Hernandez began appearing in Bowman products in 2008 and he's been baseball card-less since his 2013 appearance in the Topps set.

* * *

In other former Phillies news, outfielder Brian Bogusevic has signed with the Orix Buffaloes of the Japanese Pacific League.  Bogusevic appeared in 22 games in September for the Phillies and he appeared in both Lehigh Valley IronPigs team sets.  I haven't made an official count yet, but the 2015 Phillies team is bound to have a ton of players with no actual Phillies baseball cards.

Moving On - 2015-2016 Offseason

• Chase d'Arnaud - inf (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent the Atlanta Braves, 11/24/15.
• Justin De Fratus - rhp (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed with the Seattle Mariners, 12/2/15.
• Erik Kratz - c (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Sean O'Sullivan - rhp (10/9/15) - Elected free agency.
• Kevin Correia - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Adam Loewen - lhp (10/10/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Arizona Diamondbacks, 11/7/15.
• Dustin McGowan - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Seth Rosin - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Brian Bogusevic (10/26/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed with the Orix Buffaloes of the Japanese Pacific League, 12/9/15.
• Domonic Brown (10/26/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Chad Billingsley - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jeff Francoeur - of (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Aaron Harang - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jerome Williams - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Cliff Lee - lhp (11/2/15) - Team option declined and elected free agency.
• Jordan Danks - of (11/6/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Ethan Martin - rhp (11/6/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jonathan Pettibone - rhp (11/6/15) - Elected free agency.
• Nefi Ogando - rhp (12/2/15) - Claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins.

New Additions - 2015-2016 Offseason

• Dan Otero - rhp (11/3/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Oakland Athletics.
• Jeremy Hellickson - rhp (11/14/15) - Acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks for Sam McWilliams.
• A.J. Achter - rhp (11/20/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins.
• Michael Mariot - rhp (11/30/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Royals.
• Peter Bourjos - of (12/2/15) - Claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals.
• David Hernandez - rhp (12/9/15) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

*Press time for The Phillies Room is around 10 p.m. (or earlier) during the offseason.  Depends on whether or not there's a good Christmas movie on.

Bourjos Added to the Outfield Mix

2016 Chachi New Additions #5

The Phillies claimed outfielder Peter Bourjos off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals yesterday, adding a key fourth outfielder to the mix for their 2016 roster.  Bourjos has only played center field during his big league career, so it will be interesting to see how they work him into the mix with Odubel Herrera slated to start in center.  A mix of Cody Asche, Aaron Altherr and Darnell Sweeney are expected to man the corner outfield positions.

Bourjos spent the first four years of his career with the Angels and the last two seasons with the Cardinals.  A career .241 hitter, Bourjos is known more for his glove than for his bat and the Phillies actually referenced his above average outfield range in their press release announcing the move.  His addition likely means Jeff Francoeur will be playing elsewhere in 2016.

Bourjos has been appearing in baseball card releases since 2007.  In 2015, he appeared in the Topps flagship set, Topps Opening Day, and the Gypsy Queen Glove Stories insert set.

* * *

2016 Chachi Departures #3

2016 Chachi Departures #4

When the Phillies announced the Bourjos move, they also announced that pitcher Nefi Ogando had been claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins.  Ogando appeared in 4 games with the Phillies last season and he'll join the Missing Links ranks as yet another recent Phillies player with no official Phillies baseball cards.

Finally, reliever Justin De Fratus has latched on with the Mariners, signing a one-year deal worth $750,000.

Moving On - 2015-2016 Offseason

• Chase d'Arnaud - inf (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent the Atlanta Braves, 11/24/15.
• Justin De Fratus - rhp (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed with the Seattle Mariners, 12/2/15.
• Erik Kratz - c (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Sean O'Sullivan - rhp (10/9/15) - Elected free agency.
• Kevin Correia - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Adam Loewen - lhp (10/10/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Arizona Diamondbacks, 11/7/15.
• Dustin McGowan - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Seth Rosin - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Brian Bogusevic (10/26/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Domonic Brown (10/26/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Chad Billingsley - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jeff Francoeur - of (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Aaron Harang - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jerome Williams - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Cliff Lee - lhp (11/2/15) - Team option declined and elected free agency.
• Jordan Danks - of (11/6/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Ethan Martin - rhp (11/6/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jonathan Pettibone - rhp (11/6/15) - Elected free agency.
• Nefi Ogando - rhp (12/2/15) - Claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins.

New Additions - 2015-2016 Offseason

• Dan Otero - rhp (11/3/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Oakland Athletics.
• Jeremy Hellickson - rhp (11/14/15) - Acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks for Sam McWilliams.
• A.J. Achter - rhp (11/20/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins.
• Michael Mariot - rhp (11/30/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Royals.
• Peter Bourjos - of (12/2/15) - Claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals.

Phillies Hot Stove: Feel the Excitement!

2016 Chachi New Additions #4

2016 Chachi Departures #2

While teams closer to contention are adding staff aces in David Price (Red Sox) and Jordan Zimmermann (Tigers), the Phillies are taking advantage of being the first team in line for the waiver wire.  They added their third waiver wire pick-up this offseason when they claimed right-handed pitcher Michael Mariot on Monday.  Mariot had appeared in 19 games with the Royals over the past two seasons, owning a 6.11 ERA in 28 innings of work.

Mariot's only baseball card appearances to date come within prior year Royals minor league team sets.

The only other recent Phillies-related transaction of note is the signing of infielder Chase d'Arnaud to a minor league contract with the Braves.

Moving On - 2015-2016 Offseason

• Chase d'Arnaud - inf (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent the Atlanta Braves, 11/24/15.
• Justin De Fratus - rhp (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Erik Kratz - c (10/9/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Sean O'Sullivan - rhp (10/9/15) - Elected free agency.
• Kevin Correia - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Adam Loewen - lhp (10/10/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Arizona Diamondbacks, 11/7/15.
• Dustin McGowan - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Seth Rosin - rhp (10/10/15) - Elected free agency.
• Brian Bogusevic (10/26/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Domonic Brown (10/26/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Chad Billingsley - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jeff Francoeur - of (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Aaron Harang - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jerome Williams - rhp (11/2/15) - Elected free agency.
• Cliff Lee - lhp (11/2/15) - Team option declined and elected free agency.
• Jordan Danks - of (11/6/15) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Ethan Martin - rhp (11/6/15) - Elected free agency.
• Jonathan Pettibone - rhp (11/6/15) - Elected free agency.

New Additions - 2015-2016 Offseason

• Dan Otero - rhp (11/3/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Oakland Athletics.
• Jeremy Hellickson - rhp (11/14/15) - Acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks for Sam McWilliams.
• A.J. Achter - rhp (11/20/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins.
• Michael Mariot - rhp (11/30/15) - Claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Royals.