Nate Schierholtz and Josh Lindblom have arrived, and Domonic Brown is set for his first start this season, when the Phillies continue their set with Washington. The Phils also recalled utilityman Michael Martinez and designated infielder Mike Fontenot for assignment.
Beerleaguer: If a tree falls in the woods, and there's nobody around, does it make a sound? That's how I define this Fontenot move. But since it's Beerleaguer, it's worth no fewer than 200 graphs of commentary and debate. I thought Martinez was the move to make when Placido Polanco went down since the Phils needed a glove. They must see something they like in Kevin Frandsen, who's started twice at third so far and has looked okay. Between Fontenot and Martinez, Fontenot is the better player, but maybe the Phils are hoping to pawn him off on someone. The Phils have undoubtedly put Fontenot on waivers with the idea of moving him, not demoting him, and for that reason alone, you make the move and get whatever you can take. Again - I'm no Mini-Mart fan, but he's a more versatile defender than Fontenot and probably a better fit for the roster at this point.
The Phillies also made two moves last night to clear room for Schierholtz and Lindblom by optioning Joe Savery and Jake Diekman to Triple-A. Both will benefit from regular work. Savery looked better in two appearances this month, while Diekman just unravelled in July and needs a minor league mulligan to work on his control. The Phils' bullpen hasn't settled into much of a routine all season and Diekman, as a specialist, was forced into some bad match-ups. That's the story of the bullpen - too many young players in over their heads.
Tonight's (crazy) lineup: Rollins SS, Schierholtz RF, Utley 2B, Howard 1B, Mayberry CF, Brown LF, Frandsen 3B, Kratz C. Vance Worley pitches.
Based on current trends, by the end of August Cody Asche will be considered by most BL posters as the early favorite for ROY next season and a shoo-in for MVP in 2014.
Posted by: clout | Thursday, August 02, 2012 at 05:46 PM
Thanks for joining us, Corn. That's been the discussion for the last hour.
Posted by: Kendrick Appreciation Society | Thursday, August 02, 2012 at 05:47 PM
Salisbury: Asked R. Amaro if he'd consider Rollins for 3b next yr w Galvis at SS. "No. He's our SS." That's that.
"... & our leadoff hitter forever, no matter how poorly he performs", r00b should have added.
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Thursday, August 02, 2012 at 05:48 PM
There's nothing worse in life than having Mini Mart be a major topic on BL. I blame Cholly and Rube. I blame Rube for acquiring him and Cholly for his man-boy love of Mini Mart.
Posted by: Lake Fred | Thursday, August 02, 2012 at 05:50 PM
"It will be to blow his wade early on a CF this offseason."
Damn that's one disturbing typo by MG.
Posted by: donc | Thursday, August 02, 2012 at 05:50 PM
I couldn't believe it until I actually typed it out. It blows my mind how someone so so bad can still be in the majors.
I can not wait to hear the reasoning for starting him or having him on the roster to begin with
Posted by: Corn | Thursday, August 02, 2012 at 05:51 PM
I've been trying to hold off on joining the calls for Manuel's job, but this Michael Martinez thing is just getting f88king ridiculous.
Posted by: DH Phils | Thursday, August 02, 2012 at 05:52 PM
I am outta here like Vladimir.
Posted by: Cliff Lee (adjudicated) | Thursday, August 02, 2012 at 05:52 PM
Charlie should have been canned a few seasons ago. This season really though opened up more eyes to how bad of a coach he is.
Posted by: Corn | Thursday, August 02, 2012 at 05:54 PM
Michael Martinez is the TMac of ballplayers.
Posted by: donc | Thursday, August 02, 2012 at 05:55 PM
So, Werth is back for the Nats. Didn't he promise to make sure the Phillies never won anything again since two fans laughed at him when he got hurt?
Posted by: SLO Phan | Thursday, August 02, 2012 at 05:56 PM
Roy O hears about his demotion to bullpen via the media. Pretty pissed off according to reports. Did the Beerleaguers do a poll on who believes he would make it this whole season?
Posted by: The Evil Ed Wade | Thursday, August 02, 2012 at 05:57 PM
Phillies place Cliff Lee on waivers.
Booooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/phillies-talk/Phils-place-Lee-on-waivers-but-its-no-bi?blockID=750407&feedID=693
Posted by: Don't trade Cliff Lee! | Thursday, August 02, 2012 at 05:58 PM
I hate to break it to you, but they're (ALL of the Phillies) were likely put on waivers. There is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON why a player wouldn't have been put on waivers.
Posted by: Buddy Ryan in 2008 | Thursday, August 02, 2012 at 06:10 PM
Scott Posednik, come on back.
Posted by: The Evil Ed Wade | Thursday, August 02, 2012 at 06:12 PM
Yo, new thread.
Posted by: Lake Fred | Thursday, August 02, 2012 at 06:18 PM
Cheap Phillie's Tickets to any game in the 2012 Season --> http://tiny.cc/9sshiw
Posted by: Amy | Friday, August 03, 2012 at 09:26 PM