Phightin' Phils Phorum

Winter Meetings At Half-Way Point

In the first two days of the Winter Meetings, the Phillies have been seeking out bullpen help, so far to no avail.  It now appears unlikely that they will be able to sign back Chan Ho Park due to differences of opinion, although he is not yet ruled out.  Scott Eyre is also in limbo since his elbow surgery.

With the revelations that Brad Lidge, JC Romero and Jamie Moyer may not be ready for Spring Training after their off-season surgeries, the bullpen is becoming more and more of a concern.  Moyer may go back to the starting rotation, but that remains to be seen.  Either way, with these players unavailable, this leaves a big hole in the back end of the pen unless they find players to fill the gap.

The Phillies did pick up another bench piece late last night, signing former Marlins outfielder, Ross Gload to a 2-year deal.  Gload hit .261 with six home runs and 30 RBIs in 230 at-bats with the Marlins.  He turns 34 years old in April but the real head scratcher here is that he is a lefty.  With a line-up that is loaded with lefties, it is curious to me that they would not sign a righty.  But as usual, the method to the Phillies madness is not always clear.

It does seem that Baseball America understands the madness to a certain degree.  They named the Phillies the Organization of the Year for 2009, which was announced at the meetings yesterday.  This award is given each year to the organization that excels in both the major leagues and minor leagues with improving their teams and developing talent.  Now let us see how much of that young talent the Phillies can hang onto while attempting to sign players for the 2010 season.

Starting pitcher Roy Halladay seems to still be in the rumor mill for the Phillies as well as several bullpen pitchers.  But Halladay will command a huge salary for 2010 and the Phillies are quickly running out of money.  That means if they choose to go after him, someone else will likely have to go.  The latest rumor is that Joe Blanton could be moved, but as most rumors, there is no way to know how credible the information is.  My guess is that Halladay, with 1 year and $15.75 million dollars left on his current contract, is not a real possibility.  The expense is too great and there is no guarantee they can sign him past that one year.

It is more likely that any big moves will take place later in the off-season.  However, with two days left of meetings, anything can happen.

Blanton photo: Jenn, Gload photo: Miami Herald

Phillies Sign Ross Gload

In a questionable move, the Philadelphia Phillies signed left hander Ross Gload to a two year contract to be the final bench player on their roster. The 34 year old bats and throws left handed limiting him in the field to playing only first base and the corner outfield positions. While offensively he will be an upgrade over Matt Stairs, why a left hander?

It would have made more sense to have a right handed batter that could play first base in a game where Ryan Howard needs a break against a tough left handed hitter. With Greg Dobbs and Brian Schneider, and a lineup that is heavy with left handers, another lefty off of the bench makes little sense to me.

On the positive side, Gload can hit for a decent average and power. Expect him somewhere around his .283 career mark and be able to change the game off the bench with a long ball. 

Below are his career stats.

SEASON▲	TEAM	G	AB	R	H	TB	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	IBB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	GO/AO
2000	CHC	18	31	4	6	11	0	1	1	3	3	0	10	0	0	.194	.257	.355	.612	0.88
2002	COL	26	31	4	8	12	1	0	1	4	3	0	7	0	0	.258	.324	.387	.711	0.33
2004	CWS	110	234	28	75	112	16	0	7	44	20	1	37	0	3	.321	.375	.479	.853	0.95
2005	CWS	28	42	2	7	9	2	0	0	5	2	0	9	0	0	.167	.205	.214	.419	0.73
2006	CWS	77	156	22	51	72	8	2	3	18	6	0	15	6	0	.327	.354	.462	.815	1.68
2007	KC	102	320	37	92	141	22	3	7	51	16	2	39	2	2	.288	.318	.441	.759	1.23
2008	KC	122	388	46	106	135	18	1	3	37	23	4	39	3	4	.273	.317	.348	.664	1.10
2009	FLA	125	230	33	60	92	10	2	6	30	23	4	30	0	0	.261	.329	.400	.729	0.86
CAREER		608	1432	176	405	584	77	9	28	192	96	11	186	11	9	.283	.328	.408	.736	1.07

Winter Meetings Preview: Victorino On The Block? Pedro to Return? Halladay?

The Philadelphia Phillies go into the winter meetings this year with their starting eight set as the team signed Placido Polanco to be their third baseman. The bench is all but set up as Brian Schneider and Juan Castros join Ben Francisco, and Greg Dobbs leaving one more opening. But could this change with a trade or two?

 Rumors have circulated about the Phillies willingness to part with All Star Gold Glover Shane Victorino. While Victorino is a fan favorite, his price tag will go up considerably in 2010. Couple that with the fact that promising prospect Michael Taylor could be ready this season and Dominic Brown a year after him with the Toronto Blue Jays wanting Shane and a new number two hitter in Polanco and all of the sudden a trade looks a little more possible. Consider this, if the Phillies could get Roy Halladay for Victorino and a not so highly touted prospect, would you be willing to part with him? Considering Taylor, and in my opinion the better long term option Brown, the deal makes complete sense. Even if Toronto wants Happ with Victorino, it still makes sense. The Phillies would be heavy favorites to win the World Series in 2010. If Halladay were to leave, the Phillies would have two very promising prospects to replace Victorino plus Ben Francisco and only really be out Happ. They would have all of the money saved to sign another top free agent starter with hopefully another pennant flying at Citizens Bank Park.

Speaking of additional starting help, Pedro Martinez played in David Ortiz's gold tournament over the weekend and sang the praises of the Phillies organization. He said, "(they) treated me very well and were very professional. They will always have the door open." While Martinez has been linked to the Yankees, don't be surprised if the future hall of famer works something out with Ruben Amaro to return in red pinstripes.

As the Phillies look to bolster their starting rotation at the winter meetings, they can not forget to revamp their bullpen. There is no guarantee that Brad Lidge or J.C. Romero will return to form in 2010 after each had surgery. With that in mind the team needs two set up men including one with closing experience. One option the Phillies have been linked to is Detroit Tigers set up man Brandon Lyon. Lyon is looking for a multi year deal and would cost the Phillies a draft pick as a "B" type free agent that was offered arbitration. But he has closing experience and has been a steady arm out of the pen with a 3.45 E.R.A. over the past four seasons. He can pitch multiple innings and can go multiple days in a row. 

Stay tuned to Phightin' Phils Phorum and MLBComplete.com for all of your hot stove breaking news, opinions, and analysis.

Holiday Sale 2009

The Phillies held their annual Holiday Sale this weekend at the ballpark and as usual, it was an interesting event.  Phillies Charities holds the event each year, selling game-used merchandise, autographed items, left over programs and books, photos, etc…  Although, this year was not nearly as crowded as last year because of the World Series loss. 

This means less money for Phillies Charities, which is sad.  In fact, the people selling many of the charity items were actually haggling to get rid of merchandise.  A Scott Eyre signed jersey marked $125 went for $100 after the buyer decided $125 was too much and decided to walk away.  Now that is something I have never seen in all the years I have attended.  But plenty of other items raked in big bucks, like game used bats, balls, street banners and empty Champagne bottles from the playoff celebrations.

I picked out a locker name plate grab bag for $30 and wound up with Carlos Ruiz, Miguel Cairo and Mick Billmeyer (bullpen coach).  The Ruiz plate was worth the $30, so I was happy with that.  I have also been working on a collection of signed 2008 World Series balls and am trying to get every player on the team.  But some players who have gone, like So Taguchi, may be impossible to get now.  So I decided to try to buy a Taguchi signed regular ball, which they had a box of there, but by the time I got up front in the line, they were sold out.  Yes folks, an entire box of Taguchi signed balls, gone.  Did everyone else have the same idea I had or are there just huge numbers of Taguchi fans out there that I do not know about?  I can tell you, he was not popular here in Philly at all, so I thought that was a bit weird.  Maybe because they were only $5 people didn’t care who signed it ;o)

While there were not any players there, everyone did have a chance to meet with broadcasters Tom McCarthy and Chris Wheeler, who was signing his new book, “View From the Booth.”  I think Dickie Noles was there too, but I did not see him.  And Milt Thompson was scheduled to sign copies of a hitting DVD he put out later that day.  I ran into Tom in the clubhouse store and chatted with him for a while, then got my book signed by Chris.  Here I am below with Wheels, plus a shot of a Holiday tree and Phanta Claus, who was entertaining the kids:

It was a dreary day outside, which may have kept some shoppers home.  Rain, slush and snow also dampened the Philadelphia Santa Claus parade, which made its way around the ballpark with fire engines, sirens and bright lights, although the only people silly enough to be outside were those of us waiting in line to get into the Holiday Sale.  Not sure if the Phillies tree lighting went off as planned as I cut out early, but here is a photo of the tree taken from inside the Hall of Fame club:

I also walked around the concourse a bit to see what the off-season ballpark looked like.  Turns out, they wrap the mobile concession stands with giant tubes of Saran Wrap.  This is either to protect them from the elements, or the stands have been put on some weird plastic wrap weight-loss plan:

Maybe they can shrink the prices while they are at it?  Just a thought ;o) 

So, did anyone else go to the sale?  What did you think about it?  Feel free to comment below :O)

Photos by Jenn except men in cling film, courtesy of Greenpeace.org

Polly Wanna Contract?

Ok then, here ya go!  The Phillies have signed Placido Polanco to play 3rd base after the Tigers declined to offer him salary arbitration.  Because he was not offered arbitration, this means the Phillies do not have to give up a draft pick.  The deal is for 3 years, 18 million dollars, plus an option for a 4th year.

Phillies fans should be thrilled to see Polly back in the red pinstripes; he is a career .303 hitter and rarely strikes out, a stat which would be a huge help to this lineup which tends to whiff more than most teams.  Polanco played second base for the Tigers, but has played 322 games at third in his career as well.  The Phillies actually signed him as a third baseman originally in 2002.

Back in June of 2005, the Phillies traded Polanco to the Tigers after Chase Utley won the position at second base.  Fans screamed for Polanco to stay and to be placed at third base instead of David Bell, but the Phillies sent him packing, a move which I have always felt was a huge mistake.  So, the Phillies have not only signed an amazing player today, but they also righted the wrong of 2005.

In exchange for Polanco in 2005, the Phillies got right-hander Ugueth Urbina and infielder Ramon Martinez.  To give you an idea of how that worked out, the following off-season in 2005, Urbina was arrested on attempted murder charges for attacking 5 farm workers at his Venezuela home with a machete and he also tried to light them on fire.  He is currently serving a 14-year prison sentence.  Great pick up, Phils!  I wonder if we can get him back when he is released?  Nothing wrong with a little entertainment… ;o)

Polanco is back and I think this is an outstanding move for the Phillies!  Welcome back, Polly!  We missed ya!

More Arbitration News

The Phillies did not offer arbitration to any of their free agents, not even Chan Ho Park.  He may still be back, but it looks like the Phillies did want to be tied down monetarily.  While this gives them greater freedom to sign players at lower costs, it also means other teams can now sign them.

Ticket Price Revisited

Thank you to everyone for their feedback on my last blog regarding the ticket price increases.  There were a few revelations in those comments.  For instance, Rich of Fightin’ Phillies reports that parking has also gone up from $11 to $15 and if the price continues to rise, he will not be renewing his season ticket plan in 2011.

The BILF Reporter says the ticket price increase did not upset her parents too much, but it also appears that partial plan holders are losing a playoff game opportunity.  In 2009, the partial season ticket holders were guaranteed at least 3 games; for 2010, it has been knocked down to 2 games.  Another comparison is that in 2008, partial plan holders not only got the 3 games, but they were also given “second chance” opportunities for up to 3 additional games when there were tickets leftover.  So, it is basically going from 6 possible games to 2 in a matter of only 2 years, while prices continue to rise.

Add together the parking increase, ticket increase, lost playoff game and some partial season ticket holders getting their seats bumped backwards, this is a recipe for some very disgruntled fans.  If anyone from the Phillies is listening, they may want to rethink this strategy.  Imagine what is going to happen here; they will lose their loyal fans as season ticket holders, gain bandwagon fans and then, when they stop winning, who will be left in the seats?  There are fewer and fewer reasons to buy or renew your season tickets.  Where is the incentive when each year, we pay more and get less?

And yes, I understand the Phillies are more reasonably priced that say, the Yankees.  And if you’ve got money, you are probably not concerned.  But people on a budget are used to paying a certain amount for a particular level of service; they will resent the changes.  All of these teams, not just the Phillies, should be more sensitive to what their fans expect and deserve.  Of course, this is just my opinion :O)

Speaking of fan appreciation, GM Ruben Amaro Jr. left an automated message on my voice mail today, thanking me and all the fans for our great support.  Say it with flowers, say it with a phone call….or, how about saying it with better seats and lower prices?  Just an idea…

Photo by Jenn

Phillies Looking to Make The Polanco Mistake at Third Base

According to Philadelphia Phillies beat writer Todd Zolecki, the team is focusing on signing Placido Polanco as their third baseman for 2010. To say that I am disappointed by this decision is an understatement. If he he is such a good option, why did we trade him in the first place? Leave that aside, where does he hit in the lineup? Why would Amaro not try to get younger at third base? The questions go on and on.

 The 34 year old Polanco hit .285 in 2009 with 10 homeruns. Hardly an upgrade from Pedro Feliz. Placido only walked 36 times giving him a .335 on base percentage. Is this what the Phillies need as far as production from a third baseman? Not even close. So he puts the bat on the ball. Big deal. I would expect his average will continue to decline as he enters his mid 30's. If he hit .341, then .307, followed by .285 last season, what should we expect in 2010 from a guy entering the twilight of his career? .270 with 8 homeruns? No thanks.

In the lineup he will probably hit in the seventh hole giving the Phillies yet another struggling bat there. I think back to David Bell, Mike Lieberthal, and Feliz and after a few weeks of hope, realize it will not be any better in 2010.

What about fielding? Sure Polanco is a Gold Glove second baseman but playing third is a whole different story. Hence why he was available for the Phillies to trade for Venezuelan inmate Ugueth Urbina when Chase Utley showed he could play every day. Can Polanco make the throw from third? He certainly will not be as good as Feliz. Again, he is not an upgrade.

So the bottom line is that the Phillies will not upgrade offensively at third base. They will not upgrade defensively. They will not get any younger. Ah, but they may save the all mighty dollar! 

What a step backwards! As a dog returns to his vomit, the Phillies return to Placido Polanco!

Phillies Go Into Winter Meetings With Similar Tune

New year same story. The Philadelphia Phillies prepare to go into baseball's winter meetings next week in Indianapolis singing the same tune as they have had every other year in recent memory. They need starting pitching and have little money to spend. The money issue is concerning for two reasons. They are  in the biggest baseball market in the country with only one team and what does this mean a year or two from now when guys like Ryan Howard are eligible to get the big money? 

This year they have the additional need of adding a third baseman. The good news for the Phillies is that Placido Polanco and Miguel Tejada were not offered arbitration making them available without having to give up a draft pick. The bad news is that neither seem to be a good fit for the Phillies as they are both in their mid 30's, would be a downgrade defensively, and would not be a good fit in the lineup. They are still looking at Adrian Beltre and Mark DeRosa. Beltre seems to be the only one on their wish list which would make them younger at the position and be an upgrade in the field and marginally at the plate. DeRosa is a role player and it is ridiculous to even consider him for a starting job on a pennant winner. What fans can really hope for is a trade at the winter meetings that significantly improves the position. Don't bank on it though as quality third basemen are few and far between.

One thing that I admire about Ruben Amaro is the fact that he understands that a team can not have too much starting pitching. With Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, and J.A. Happ in place, some teams would say they are set for Spring Training and leave their roster alone. Amaro knows that the best teams in the game just do not do that. With Jamie Moyers health concerns, the question of how good Happ truly is, and only having Kyle Kendrick as a back up, Ruben knows he needs more help.

The Phillies have looked at John Smoltz. Smoltz could be good on two fronts. If he is not needed in the rotation, he could pitch out of the pen and has closing experience should Brad Lidge's woes continue. The bad news on Smoltz is the question of his age and whether he can get the job done and his price tag which is rumored to still be fairly high. Look for Amaro to be creative filling in this role.

Now back to the money. The Phillies always seem to cry poor. While their payroll is in the top ten in   baseball, looking at their demographics and the additional revenue added from their recent success, they should have the ability to pay for what they need to ensure they remain the best team in the league. When fans see their ticket prices go up, the last thing they want to hear is that the team has limited funds. If they are going to be cheap, at least don't announce it like Ruben Amaro tends to do.

Where does this trend lead the Phillies in a few years? When guys like Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins are eligible to become free agents, will the Phillies pay them or will they allow them to walk? While a GM needs to think about winning this season, as a fan this is a real concern. We saw the Yankees beat us with what they call the core four. Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Cole Hamels appear to be our core four. The Phillies need to understand that and pay what it takes to keep them in red pinstripes. Period!

The winter meetings will be interesting as we see if Ruben Amaro can land a third baseman and an additional starting pitcher. On his mind will also be the beleaguered bullpen that struggled most of the year with injuries and inconsistency. Ruben Amaro needs to make the team better if they hope to make it to the World Series for the third time in a row. It is a tall order, but one that he can hopefully fill.

Catch & Toss

The Phillies found a back-up catcher today when they signed Brian Schneider to a $2.75 million, 2 year deal.  Schneider spent the last 2 years with the Mets and the previous 8 seasons with the Nationals/Expos.  The best news here is that Schneider was notorious for being a Phillie killer; pitching to him has been a 10 year nightmare.  Overall, Schneider is  a .251 hitter and should fit nicely into the back-up spot vacated by Paul Bako and Chris Coste before that.

And in a very odd twist to the situation, Coste has just been signed by the Mets!  Coste started the 2009 season with the Phillies before being tossed and subsequently picked up off waivers by Houston in July.  The self-proclaimed 33-year old rookie is now in enemy threads which is sure to send shockwaves throughout Philadelphia.  Coste was well loved in Philly and many were unhappy with his departure.  Not to mention, many would rather see him retire than play in a Mets uniform.  It is a sad, sad day for Coste fans.  But look at the bright side; at least we will get to see him a lot next year :O)

As for the other holes in the line-up, like third base, no word yet except that midnight tonight is the deadline for all teams to offer salary arbitration to their free agents.  The Phillies are likely to offer arbitration to Chan Ho Park as they have stated they want him back next year.  Park may decline and decide to look around for a starting pitching spot as several teams have seemed interested in him.  If he accepts, he will be with the Phillies for 2010 and probably get a raise.  As for the other free agents, Bako and Eric Bruntlett are out of the picture with their replacements already signed in Brian Schneider and Juan Castro.  Brett Myers has already been shown the door, as has Jack Taschner.  Pedro Feliz, Pedro Martinez, Matt Stairs and Miguel Cairo are also unlikely, although Stairs and Cairo may be offered minor league deals. 

Ticket Prices

So, have we all looked at our season ticket invoices yet?  This is not a huge shock, but Phillies ticket prices went up again this year by $2- $4 per ticket.  Not only that, but some season ticket holders received worse seat assignments.  Someone I know got bumped backwards 2 rows in the same section.  So, we are now paying more for less?  While 2 rows is not earth shattering, traditionally, season ticket holders have been rewarded for their loyalty with better seats from year to year, not punished.

So yes, the World Series win in 2008 plus the return trip in 2009 do affect the prices, unfortunately.  But that does not make it any easier to swallow.  The money does not go towards improving the team or free agency; it is just more in the pockets of the owners.   And with the team winning now, they do it simply because they can.

Prices over the recent years have increased tremendously.  A seat that cost $42 in 2004 is now $58 for 2010.  The last year of the vet for the same seat was $26.   What I am wondering though is what happens when the team sucks again?  Do we become the Nationals with a stadium that is only 25% full?  I follow the team win or lose, but I will not pay those prices to see them lose when I can do that at home for free.  Then again, maybe they will never suck again...one can dream ;o)

So, did anyone else get there ticket invoice and wonder what happened?  Did you get the same seats or did you get bumped back?  What do you think about the prices?  Let me know in the comment section below.

Photo by Jenn

Phightin' Phils Phorum Hall of Fame: Jim Bunning

 Jim Bunning pitched in the Major Leagues for 17 seasons. His first game as a major league pitcher was on July 20, 1955 with the Detroit Tigers. After having toiled in the minor leagues from 1950–1954 and part of the 1955 season. The Tigers scouts described him as having "an excellent curve ball, a confusing delivery and a sneaky fast ball". Bunning pitched for the Tigers from 1955 through 1963. He pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1964 through 1967, the Pittsburgh Pirates 1968 to mid-1969, and finished the 1969 season on the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bunning then returned to the Phillies in 1970 and retired in 1971. He wore uniform number 15 on the 1955 Tigers, and then switched to 14 in 1956 for the rest of his time with Detroit. He stayed with number 14 on his jersey with the Phillies and Pirates. When he was traded to the Dodgers in 1969 he wore number 17. The Phillies, retired his number 14 jersey after his election to the Hall of Fame in 1996.

Bunning is remembered for his role in the pennant race of 1964, in which the Phillies held a commanding lead in the National League for most of the season, eventually losing the title to the St. Louis Cardinals. Manager Gene Mauch used Bunning and fellow hurler Chris Short heavily down the stretch, and the two became visibly fatigued as September wore on. The collapse of the 1964 Phillies remains one of the most infamous in baseball history. With a six and a half game lead as late as September 21, they lost 10 games in a row to finish tied for second place.

Bunning would routinely shake off catchers' pitch signs that he knew to be signaled into the game   from the dugout by Mauch. This would have the effect of irritating Mauch, who broadly applied the practice of signalling pitches from the dugout to his catchers at a time when this was not typically done.

Bunning pitched his first no-hitter on July 20, 1958, for the Detroit Tigers against the Boston Red Sox. His second, for the Philadelphia Phillies, was a perfect game, which came against the New York Mets on June 21, 1964, Father's Day. Bunning's perfect game was the first in the National League in 84 years. He is one of only six pitchers to throw both a perfect game and a no-hitter. the others are Randy Johnson, Sandy Koufax, Addie Joss, Cy Young, and Mark Buehrle. He is also one of only five players to throw a no-hitter in both leagues. He played in the All-Star Games in 1957, 1959, 1961,1962, 1963, 1964, and 1966.

On August 2, 1959, Bunning struck out three batters on nine pitches in the ninth inning of a 5–4 loss to the Boston Red Sox. Bunning became the fifth American League pitcher and the 10th pitcher in Major League history to accomplish the nine pitch three-strikeout half-inning. Bunning's 2,855 career strikeouts put him in second place on the all-time list at the time of his retirement, behind only Walter Johnson. His mark was later surpassed by a number of other pitchers, and he is currently 17th all-time. He ended his career with a 224-184 record and a 3.27 ERA in 591 games.

In 1996 he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Holidays, Baseball and Food Coma’s…

To start with, I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and did not lapse into a turkey coma!  I also hope no one got trampled attempting to enter Wal-Mart at 3am on Friday ;o)  Holidays can either be fun or hazardous to your health…I hope you went with “fun.”

Speaking of holidays and shopping, what would you like to receive this holiday season?  I would like for Mike Schmidt to age backwards and play 3rd base for the Phillies again.  I would also like the Giants to release Tim Lincecum for his bad, drug induced behavior so the Phillies can have him.  I also wish aliens would come down from outer space and give us back Cole Hamels: Version 2008.  Clearly, he was abducted and it is time to bring him back.

By the way, 3 years ago, current GM Ruben Amaro Jr., who was assistant GM at the time, asked a room full of female fans if they could sign any pitcher in the league to the Phillies, who would it be?  I shouted, “Tim Lincecum!”  Ruben looked at me like I was nuts and decided that the woman who suggested Brandon Webb had a better idea.  Webb went down with a shoulder injury in April 2009 and did not play the entire season.  Lincecum has now won 2 Cy Young’s in a row.  Hey Ruben, still think I am nuts?  Just a little holiday fun for you there :O)

Ok, so clearly we cannot sign Mr. Lincecum.  But the Phillies have a lot of work to do this off-season to improve the pitching staff.  It looks to be a quiet market right now.  Things should start to heat up when the Winter Meetings begin on December 7th.

The few moves made so far have not even made a small ripple in the atmosphere.  The signing of Juan Castro to replace Eric Bruntlett on the bench seems like a lateral move, rather than an improvement.  Castro hit .277 last year with the Dodgers but is a career .230 hitter.  This news is not exactly knocking Phillies fans out of their boots.  We hope bigger and better things will be coming soon…

In other news, Jamie Moyer was recently hospitalized and had surgery to remove an infected blood collection that may have resulted from his previous groin surgery.  It should not affect his Spring Training schedule and he appears to be recovering well.  I wish him luck!

From the long time veteran to the rookie, JA Happ has been named to the Topps' 51st All-Rookie Team, which is just one of many honors he garnered this off-season.  Happ is still up for the Rookie of the Year award in the This Year In Baseball awards.  Voting continues until December 11th and many Phillies like Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth and others are in the running.

And finally, congratulations to Shane and Melissa Victorino who tied the knot earlier this month in Hawaii!  They are two really great people and I wish them all the best!

Lincecum & Happ photos by Jenn