Monday, July 1, 2013

Philadelphia Phillies: Trades, contract extensions, and other moves to be made


The Philadelphia Phillies can't possibly stay with the Atlanta Braves, or Washington Nationals in the NL East for long. They're already well behind the NL Wild Card contenders as well. So, a series of moves (trades, contract extensions, etc.) that will be made starting sometime this month. 

 The only rumored-to-be-traded player that I would keep and not trade is Cliff Lee. Yes, he's in his mid-30s and makes a ton of money. It's also risky to hang on to someone who reasonably faces a greater chance of injury at this stage of his career. 

But, this left-handed pitcher is so exceptionally good that I simply wouldn't let him go. 

Ruben Amaro, Jr. has plenty of pieces to deal and resultant money to spend to rebuild this team in time for 2015 contention, which is the final guaranteed year on Lee's deal. 

 I surely hope the Phillies don't deal the best left-handed Philadelphia starter I've seen since Steve Carlton.  

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Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
The Philadelphia Flyers' decision to buy out Ilya Bryzgalov had to happen. (Here's a link to my special Yahoo feature on today's deal, for more detailed information.)
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Bryz - Behind the Scenes

When one considers the impatience of this organization over the course of many decades, it seemed unlikely that the team would wait until next year to used it's second amnesty option (after using the first on Danny Briere).

Bryzgalov was quixotic behind the scenes in the locker room during game days and during practices. My own experiences with him weren't negative. 

It was easy for me to see that he's very uncomfortable talking with the media. At times he would avoid coming into the locker room, or not submit to team requests for him to speak to us (the reporters) after some games.

As to why that is touches upon his personality and goes beyond the realm of sports' analysis.

The man has skill for sure. Remember when he carried the Flyers on his franchise-record scoreless streak in March 2012? That was no fluke and came when the team's defense was as shaky as ever and Chris Pronger-less.

Mason

I don't know if Steve Mason will be the team's number 1 come the fall. It will be interesting to see who the 'other' goalie will be, as a veteran option would signal faith in the former Calder Trophy winner for the future.

(Photo courtesy of Sean O'Brien)
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Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
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Visit my Rant Sports Author Page, my Examiner Contributor Page, or my Yahoo Contributor Page.
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