With the 4 p.m. non-waiver deadline passed, the Phillies have announced a minor trade for right-hander Julio Mateo in exchange for minor league infielder Jesus Merchan.
Mateo has appeared in only 12 innings with the Mariners this season, the last one being May 3. Since then, he's been pitching in their farm system, going 3-1 with a 0.79 ERA, with 12 saves and a 29/2 K/BB ratio. He is not highly regarded and was mostly kept away from pressure spots through parts of six seasons with the Mariners. Overall, his career numbers stack up fairly well: 3.68 ERA; 219/84 K/BB ratio, 1.20 WHIP. He will give up the longball and allowed the fewest percentage of ground balls on the Mariners' staff last season.
He also comes with baggage. The soon-to-be 30-year-old was arrested May 5 in New York on charges of assaulting his wife. He reportedly hit wife, Aurea, in the eye, choked her and bit her lip, opening a wound that required stitches, after she told him she wanted out of the marriage. The Mariners suspended Mateo for 10 days without pay and demoted him to the minors. He was placed on the Triple-A temporarily inactive list for almost three weeks while undergoing counseling.
The trade comes over a year after Brett Myers was arrested for beating his wife on a Boston street. The Phillies faced harsh criticism for allowing Myers to start the next day's game at Fenway Park the day after his arrest. Myers and his wife, Kim, received counseling for the incident and the situation appears to have been smoothed over.
Merchan, who was batting .330 with Double-A Reading this season, is expected to report to Double-A West Tennessee.
Beerleaguer: I can't really comment on the character issues, but in baseball terms, this is another "value village" signing by the Phils and isn't close to matching what the Braves have done this week in adding Ron Mahay and reportedly closer Octavio Dotel. I'm also bothered that it's another ex-Gillick mercenary. But for the cost, Mateo might count as an improvement over the worst man in the Phillies' bullpen. There are lots of candidates to chose from.
Merchan, a versatile defender and good contact hitter, is having a nice season, but is an older player and is not considered a top prospect. Nobody should lose much sleep over parting with Merchan, although he's been a nice asset for Reading these last two seasons and put himself on the map.
With five years of service, Mateo is headed for his final arbitration year this winter and is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of 2008. History indicates that Mateo's best months are ahead. (Career August: 48 1-3 innings, 40/10 K/BB ratio, .222 BAA, 1.01 WHIP; career September: 29 1-3 innings, 18/6 K/BB ratio, .231 BAA, 1.02 WHIP).
Update: The Phillies will reportedly take a look at Mateo in Double-A Reading first.
Link: Mateo gets second chance
Gillick's mindset: "I don't care if he beats his wife, as long as he beats the Mets."
Posted by: dlhunter | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 04:56 PM
He also said something like what he did was (paraphrasing) "it's not a big deal. I didn't kill anyone, I didn't sell drugs...".
Posted by: P O'Neil | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 04:57 PM
He sounds like a jackass.
But Gillick isn't putting a Sunday School class together. He's trying to win ballgames. And like it or not, Mateo hasn't been convicted of anything yet. These are, at the moment, accusations.
Posted by: Bridoc10 | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 04:59 PM
Atleast the Mariner's suspended him without pay. When Myers was accused of beating his wife he started the next night. The Phils could take a lesson from Seattle there.
That said, why do I have the idea the "alledged domestic violence incident" is going to be the notable part of this guy's Phillies tenure?
Posted by: regalmeans | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:01 PM
Vic and Bourn to 15 day DL.
ouch.
Posted by: enrico | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:03 PM
She also needed stitches in her mouth.
Anyhow, like Myers, hope he learns his lesson and more importantly for us, can pitch well here.
Posted by: P O'Neil | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:03 PM
Bad news indeed, Enrico.
Is there a link? (Other than to www.700level.com?)
Posted by: Bridoc10 | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:08 PM
I still think the Phillies should have outright released Myers after his arrest last year.
(Although I'm so, so happy to see that Myers has matured and worked out his demons, so to speak; and I'm glad he's still a Phil now, especially an intimidating closer).
But this trade, well, ouch. They just traded for one guy with character (Iguchi) and now they take a step backward. Standard, I suppose.
Posted by: JZ | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:10 PM
Sorry - I posted in the wrong place:
The Braves also got Royce Ring - for Ledesma and Startup - is that advantage Atlanta or San Diego?
As for the outfield, I guess this means Dobbs is starting with Roberson off the bench as Burrell's 8th inning pinch-runner....
Posted by: Verdeforce | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:11 PM
Matt Morris to the Pirates for OF Davis. Weird.
Posted by: P O'Neil | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:12 PM
In the division, the Braves did the best overall and the Mets apparently did nothing, so I think that puts the Phillies in the best position to win this thing, because the Braves starting rotation and offense really weren't that good to begin with.
Posted by: Verdeforce | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:20 PM
I just hope we can survive the next two weeks with all these injuries. What is the lineup going to look like? Roberson leading off?
Maybe:
Rollins
Iguchi
Rowand
Howard
Burrell
Ruiz/Coste
Helms/Dobbs
Roberson
Pitcher
Posted by: Ribbies | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:24 PM
I do wish we got something a little better (what would Marte have taken? I know Wilson was discussed, but was there any way around getting him too?), and I wish it were someone not from Seattle/Chicago/Toronto/Texas/Baltimore.
Posted by: Malcolm | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:26 PM
so what's the official word on all these roster moves? i've seen the following:
- mateo to ottawa...ok.
- condrey to ottawa...presumably for lohse.
- vic to DL...presumably roberson called up.
- bourn to DL...who is taking his place?
Posted by: bathtubhippo | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:28 PM
Ribbies... perhaps... although in most cases, Manuel bats the 3B ahead of the C.
Posted by: CJ | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:30 PM
Worth is activated, Mateo is going to Reading
Posted by: Grumpy Gramps | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:30 PM
After watching Dobbs patrol RF last night, we had to get someone up ASAP whether they hit worse than Jamie Moyer or not.
Posted by: CJ | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:31 PM
I'm sorry, I know we're all supposed to be sensitive, but unless his wife happens to be my daughter, I don't see where my outrage or lack thereof makes an iota of difference. But, as long as I'm being insensitve, I imagine the Phillies wives' seating section might end up guest starring on Oprah.
Posted by: Alby | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:32 PM
Sorry I meant Werth.
Posted by: Grumpy Gramps | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:32 PM
ah....i thought i read somewhere that werth was really sucking in rehab and was still in a lot of pain. if true, should be great to have him back, because he was really lighting the world on fire when he wasn't injured.
Posted by: bathtubhippo | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:32 PM
They've got to be kidding. Werth goes 1-for-10 against single A pitching and they activate him? Time to cut bait, Patsy. I'd rather see Pedro Swann.
Posted by: Alby | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:33 PM
Another one of Pat Gillicks old boys. Does anyone other than the Ms and the White Sox even pick up the phone when he calls?
Verdeforce, the Braves offense ain't that bad, especially if some players play like they historically have. Chipper, Andruw, Francouer, McCann, Renteria - They're all pretty solid or better. There biggest issue is a high OBP leadoff, but at least Willie Harris has speed. You add Teixeira in there and you got a pretty damn good offense.
Posted by: Slugdog | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:34 PM
Mateo to Reading? LOL! Just confirms my slightly tongue-in-cheek suggestion that this team likes to call people up from there because they can use the corporate minivan to bring them to Philly rather than paying for a plane ticket out of Canada. Cheap bastards.
Posted by: Jacobin | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:42 PM
Andruw is just so hot and cold, as is Chipper. I'll give you that Renteria has been really good over there and I would expect Texiera to be good as well, but I'm not nearly as impressed with their supporting cast as ours and I would still take almost every Phillie over Brave position by position among the starting 8 (when healthy!).
Posted by: Verdeforce | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:43 PM
Let's hope that changes when Allentown opens - because otherwise, they should just switch the extra A down the road since all the players are already there....
Posted by: Verdeforce | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:45 PM
Jacobin: Actually, most teams use the team closer to home as the a rehab or "soon-to-be-called-up" location. For awhile, when the Braves had AA in Greenville, SC, it was used as the primary rehab spot for Braves players because it was closer than Richmond.
Posted by: CJ | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:46 PM
@Jacobin, my guess is, it's easier for the Phillies to keep an eye on Mateo... and if they need to activate him immediately, he's a short drive away and doesn't have to get on a plane froma FOREIGN country or anything. In addition... Plus if you were Mateo would you rather be in Ottawa or 45 minutes from a Big City.
I'm sure it's going to be a short stay in Reading for Mateo.
Posted by: Mike Cunningham | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:47 PM
i think that its a logistics question. there is only 1 nonstop flight a day from ottawa to philly.
also, i think that i've read that more and more teams are using AA for prospects and AAA as a dumping ground.
Posted by: joe | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:48 PM
If the Stanley Cup Playoff reporters were at all accurate, Ottawa is one of the coolest cities on the continent - I'd love to go there for a visit, I just wouldn't get to see anyone whose ever going to make the big league club at this rate!
Posted by: Verdeforce | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:50 PM
Might also be that Mateo can't leave the country, pending his Septeber court date?
Posted by: Grumpy Gramps | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:50 PM
From the Inky:
Roster moves. Outfielders Shane Victorino and Michael Bourn were placed on the 15-day disabled list today.
An MRI showed that Victorino had a small tear in his right calf and Bourn has a low ankle sprain.
Outfielder Chris Roberson was called up from triple-A Ottawa and Jayson Werth was activated off the disabled list to replace the injured outfielders.
The Phillies said they believe Victorino will be ready to go after the 15 days, but Bourn may take longer.
Pitcher Clay Condrey was waived outright to make room for Kyle Lohse, who was acquired by the Phillies yesterday.
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20070731_Phillies_deal_for_reliever_Mateo.html
Posted by: Ribbies | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:51 PM
Geez, I said it was meant somewhat tongue-in-cheek. Sure it makes logistic sense, but they've dipped down to Reading a few times this year. Seemingly more so this year than in the past when they'd call up from Scranton.
Oh, and the Burger King jerk is calling the Braves the team to beat, so I feel even more confident that Atlanta's moves will not put them in the playoffs.
Posted by: Jacobin | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:53 PM
Earlier this year, someone had mentioned that most of the major injuries this team has faced (except for Howard) were in the pitching staff... and that we were lucky that it hasn't hurt the Position Players..
Now with Utley and Vic and Bourn it's spread to the position players... I hope the Bourn injury isn't as bad as I think... and worse... I don't want this to affect his actual speed? Which ultimately is his most important asset.
Posted by: Mike Cunningham | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:53 PM
I don't see why people were so excited on the previous thread about Mateo. Character issues aside, this guy is definitely a "Value Village" pickup who is going to be miscast as a setup guy in this pen.
Better than Alfonseca/Mesa/Geary but that isn't saying much.
Here is a scouting report on him front late last year:
"Versatile reliever. ... Bounce-back arm. ... Can get through an order once or pitch in setup when needed. ... Commands three average- to above-average pitches, including a fastball (89-93 mph) with good life down in the strike zone, a slurvy-type slider and a late-biting split. ... Pitches inside effectively with his fastball. ... Hides the ball well; tough to pick up."
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:54 PM
word is Gillick tried hard to get marte or torres from the pirates but they insisted on us taking jack wilson and his contract.
Posted by: Slocs | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:55 PM
expect us to pick up a conine type tomorrow or wednesday.
Posted by: Slocs | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:55 PM
Mateo adds depth. I expect him to stay in reading while the phils see if geary has figured it out. If geary bombs or heaven forbid we experience a new or relapsed injury we have someone better than Condrey to call on.
Posted by: Slocs | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 05:59 PM
"An MRI showed that Victorino had a small tear in his right calf and Bourn has a low ankle sprain."
That is really terrible news. I doubt we see Bourn or Victorino again before Labor Day weekend. Hopefully they can both be back in time for the 4-game series with the Mets at the end of August.
This also means we get to see Roberson again. Ugh. Whenever Roberson comes up to bat, I make sure to do something else. An out pitch against Roberson is any pitcher who can throw an offspeed for a strike. He is useless.
Cholly is going to be looking at his bench the next couple of weeks and he is going to be seeing a bunch of crapola. I bet that Coste is used as a PH in every game where he does not start. Certainly have no faith in the other stiffs on the bench (Nunez, Werth, Roberson, or Barajas).
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 06:00 PM
Sorry Weitzel - we know you liked Condrey....
Posted by: Verdeforce | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 06:00 PM
Normally I would accuse the Phils of being cheap but taking upon Jack Wilson's contract would have been a huge burden (owed over $13 million through '09).
Also, I loved Littlefield's other move of trading for Morris and his huge contract. If this is a speel dial for stupid GMs in baseball, Littlefield has got to be No. 1 or No. 2 on list.
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 06:04 PM
Maybe Vic and Bourn can rehab at Lehigh and use Westbrook's hyberbaric chamber.
Get well soon, boys.
Posted by: Bridoc10 | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 06:08 PM
For the posts about Reading vs. Ottawa and travel to the big show. Minor leaguers take their cars to their next assignment, if they can make the drive in one day, otherwise, they have to fly and make arrangements to retrieve their cars. I would imagine that they get reimbursed for mileage.
The Phillies situation with injuries is becoming a real crapshoot with too many dice.
Roll the dice on Mateo. Roll the dice on Lohse. Roll the dice on Brett Myers. Roll the dice on Flash Gordon. Roll the doctor dice on Bourn, Vic, Freddy Garcia, and Chase. Bring in Werthless, hand him the dice. Put Helms or Dobbs in the outfield, blow on the dice and roll. Like Clint Eastwood once said, "Do you feel lucky?"
Posted by: Lake Fred | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 06:20 PM
The headline should have been "Phils Trade Jesus for Wife Beater"...
Posted by: Jon | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 06:30 PM
yeah. Littlefield is an idiot, I would like to see those pictures he has of the owners cause Cholly could do a better job GM-ing.
Posted by: Slocs | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 06:30 PM
jon: good one!
Posted by: Slocs | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 06:31 PM
Did he set anyone on fire? We need to fill our quota.
Posted by: ill advised | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 07:27 PM
According to Phillies.com, Julio Mateo will report to Reading. He can't go to Canada because of the domestic violence case he's facing.
Way to go, Gillick. Nice to know how much character counts with you.
Posted by: Peter | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 11:54 PM