Just when I thought Wade would be fired...

jiminphilly · Post by **jiminphilly** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 3:37 pm

He makes a good trade. F***

He is one of, if not the worst GM in the league but he pulled off a nice trade yesterday-

Polanco for Urbina and Martinez.

The Phillies really needed help in the bullpen and Urbina knows the NL and can be lights out at times. Polanco was blocking Utley's progress though I think we're doomed at 3rd if Bell can't stay healthy.

I was really hoping Wade wouldn't make a substantial deal and be fired after the team collapsed.. and thats still possible if they don't address the starting pitching.

Bizzarofelice · Post by **Bizzarofelice** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 4:39 pm

I was wondering how soon it would be until Bell lost his job to Polanco. If you had Placido hitting 2nd and then Abreu, Burrell and Thome I'd hafta think the Phils would be not keeping up but pulling away.

Never thought of this before, but you guys have a lot of lefty bats. Does Utley switch hit?

jiminphilly · Post by **jiminphilly** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 5:55 pm

Bizzarofelice wrote:I was wondering how soon it would be until Bell lost his job to Polanco. If you had Placido hitting 2nd and then Abreu, Burrell and Thome I'd hafta think the Phils would be not keeping up but pulling away.

Never thought of this before, but you guys have a lot of lefty bats. Does Utley switch hit?

No Utley is a lefty.

The offense has been really good as of late and I credit them having a lead off hitter for once. Kenny Lofton would be an all star if he wasn't platooning in center with Jason Michaels. The Phillies actually wanted to trade Bell but 1. he has a back problem 2. he makes too much for a guy with a back problem so he really could not be moved. They are also getting killed by Lieberthal but he handles the pitchers well so I guess he's worth the $7 mill :roll:

Bell has been hot as of late so as long as his back holds up they'll be fine with him at 3rd. I still think they need to replace Padilla with a better starter and if they do.. they could be dangerous down the stretch.

If only they didnt have to play the Marlins. The Marlis own the Phillies.

Shoalzie · Post by **Shoalzie** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 11:25 pm

I'm bummed to see Ugy go. He got his game turned around after a rough start to the season. The big story in the offseason was how his mother was rescued...he's able to play with a clear mind now. The Tigers have some depth in the 'pen so they could afford to give him up. He was great in the closer role when Percival was out. Farnsworth can easily become the 8th inning guy. Martinez is a serviceable utility guy...not huge loss for the Tigers.

I'm excited about Polanco...gives them another good bat on the infield. Infante has dropped off from last year's pace. He's hitting just .215 so far...hit for .264 with 16 home runs last year when he took over for Vina when he got hurt. Infante is a natural shortstop so he's able to become the new utility guy. Guillen's been banged up lately so he could slide over to play short for now. They need to address first base since they sent down Pena to AAA...he's struggling bad at the plate.

Both teams did alright in the deal...hopefully Polanco stabilizes the top of the batting order. Inge has been a great leadoff man...I can see Polanco hit 2nd while Guillen is hurt. He might slide to 6th or 7th when he's back. It wouldn't hurt to have a .300 hitter in the back end of your batting order. Urbina is will be a great righty out of the 'pen to go with the lefty Wagner...good 1-2 punch.

Funkywhiteboy · Post by **Funkywhiteboy** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 4:34 am

jiminphilly wrote:The offense has been really good as of late

Too bad they can't hit against that awesome Texas pitching every night! :P

jiminphilly · Post by **jiminphilly** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 6:33 pm

Funkywhiteboy wrote:
jiminphilly wrote:The offense has been really good as of late
Too bad they can't hit against that awesome Texas pitching every night! :P

Sillies actually have the highest batting avg. in the NL and are 2nd in runs scored in the NL.

In their last 22 games they've averaged 6 runs a game. If they had decent starting pitching I think they would be running away with the NL East since the Marlins and Braves are suffering from injuries.

Funkywhiteboy · Post by **Funkywhiteboy** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 4:20 am

To be honest, I don't care much about the Phillies.
I'm enjoying Frank Robinson's smoke-and-mirrors act down the road in DC.
I don't expect the Nats to finish the season in first, but I'd give Frank, with Jim Bowden,
the award for doing the most with the least!