Ruben Amaro Jr. announced that Chan Ho Park beat J.A. Happ for the fifth starter's job. Happ's fate with the team has not been decided, although Amaro said Happ, Gary Majewski, Jack Taschner and Bobby Mosebach are comepting for two bullpen jobs.
Amaro also said the Phillies have contacted the agent for Gary Sheffield, who the Tigers just released. Sheffield could be a bit now that the Phillies have released Geoff Jenkins.
My initial thoughts? I'd prefer to see Happ as the fifth starter and have Park in the bullpen, seeing as he did such a fine job there last year for the Dodgers, but Park clearly won the job and earned the right to be the fifth guy.
Plus, if it doesn't work out, Park could also be moved the bullpen and Happ (or later in the year, perhaps, Carrasco) can be called upon to fill the role.
It's sad to Geoff Jenkins go. I mean, the guy did have one of biggest pinch hits of all time.
But with the signing of Raul Ibanez and the emergence of Jayson Werth, not to mention Jenkins' struggles last year, the Phillies didn't have much need for Jenkins, especially with Greg Dobbs and Matt Stairs already providing two reliable left-handed bats off the bench. Jenkins was a very likable guy and I've never seen a player as excited as he was when he hit that leadoff double in game 5, part 2. It was a thing of beauty, and I will always remember Jenkins fondly.
And now that Sheffield is available, I'm hoping the Phils can sign him. Word on the street is he'd prefer to stay in the American League, but I'd welcome him to Philadelphia with open arms.
Sure, he's a malcontent from time to time, and he enjoys a little clear steroid cream every now and then, but the guy can hit a baseball. He'd be a perfect addition, providing the Phils with the power right-handed bat they desperately need off the bench. I'm in full support of signing Sheffield, if it happens. Plus, the way he wags the bat back and forth before the pitch is thrown is sweet.
Maybe I would care if his name was spelled correctly, Jeff, not Geoff. Lets face it. He stunk last year. One hit wasnt saving him. I do not want Gary 499 on this team. He is old and slow and has never pinch hit. He is a horrible fielder and a jerk.
ReplyDeleteHe is a right-handed power bat off the bench. Good enough for me.
ReplyDeleteAnd if they don't get Sheff, does that mean Mayberry is back up?
i'm gonna go with anonymous over lavar on this one...
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