Kyle Kendrick tries to build on Tuesday's seven-inning shutout effort in the Philiies' season series finale against Randy Wolf and the comparably matched Brewers. First pitch is 2:10 from Miller Park.
Notes: With the Aug. 31 waiver trade deadline looming, also marking the date in which a player must be added to teams' rosters in order to qualify for the postseason, it's worth keeping an eye on several Phillies, including one who is starting in left field today. Ty Wigginton gets his first taste of left field and bats fifth in Charlie Manuel's lineup. Left field is actually nothing new to Wigginton, who made 16 starts at the position last season for Colorado and has appeared 75 times, overall, in the outfield over his 11 year career. Wigginton has almost certainly cleared waivers already and could be attractive to teams in need of bench or corner infield help. The Yankees were mentioned as a possibility before the July 31 deadline.
In addition, Placido Polanco, who went 1-for-4 in his third rehab game with Class A Clearwater on Saturday and could be activated Monday, also reportedly drew interest before landing on the disabled list with lower back inflamation. Polanco's glove keeps him top of mind for teams needing a true third baseman, but Manuel, himself, has suggested that Polly couldn't shoulder a full-time load anymore. Kevin Frandsen has also played well in his absence.
Then there's Juan Pierre, who continues to play well in limited chances. Ken Rosenthal's sources suggested that Pierre has not been placed through waivers and would likely get claimed given the relatively small amount left on his contract. However, the Phils could always pull him back in order to receive value for the outfielder. Rosenthal listed the Giants as obvious candidates who would be a fit for Pierre. The Reds were linked to him most in the days leading up to the non-waiver deadline.
They not only settled for less than Hamels, but Lee as well. I truly believe that given the right package of talent and the willingness to take on the contract, Lee, and perhaps Hamels, were available.
Those are difference making pitchers. Dempster certainly was not and Greinke has obviously proven he isn't.
Posted by: Kendrick Appreciation Society | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 03:46 PM
http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/roger_clemens_signs_with_sugar_land_skeeters/11503075
Anyone need an experienced pitcher?
Posted by: Stocky Vance | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 03:48 PM
jbird, LOL!
Posted by: awh, Founder, JRoll in the 6-Hole Club | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 03:55 PM
For sure. The Rocket is back! Woo hoo!!!!
Posted by: Not Cliff Lee | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 04:00 PM
Wonder -- did rocket post this to melky's fake site?
Posted by: Stocky Vance | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 04:03 PM
The answer is: none of the above.. Mini-Mart
Posted by: oogie urbina | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 04:12 PM
That's just silly! No way I would bat leadoff! My power would be wasted!
Posted by: Mini Mart | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 04:41 PM
Quite the lynch mob you have here. I appologized, so have your fun.
Posted by: ChollyM | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 04:58 PM
A lynch mob? And I wasn't invited??
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 04:59 PM
Go ahead Fat. Take a shot. I don't mind.
Posted by: ChollyM | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 05:05 PM
ChollyM, this is BL, where the thin-skinned do not survive.
Posted by: awh, Founder, JRoll in the 6-Hole Club | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 05:09 PM
No problem awh
Posted by: ChollyM | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 05:11 PM
I'm 62. I've seen and done it all. It's all good.
Posted by: ChollyM | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 05:12 PM
... but Michael Martinez lives forever.
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 05:14 PM
Dave, if you can't back up your statement about Martinez living forever with strong statistical evidence, you may be chastized severely.
Posted by: ChollyM | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 05:28 PM
The Houston Astros get rid of all of their MLB level players, fill their lineup with AAA ceiling players and they lose a lot of games. The GM decides that he wants to go in another direction next year in the Managerial position, so he puts his Manager, Brad Mills, out of his misery and promotes his AAA Mgr. to the big club. I guess the logic is that the AAA Mgr. should be pretty familiar with all of thse players.
Should Rube do the same thing here? Cholly could use a break and we can promote the Pig Leader to where he belongs.
Posted by: Lake Fred | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 05:41 PM
I sure could use a break Fred.
Posted by: ChollyM | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 05:45 PM
"A lynch mob? And I wasn't invited??"
Boy it's hard to resist a straight line like that!
Posted by: docjoe | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 06:52 PM