Spring training and Football

Well, it has been a while since the last post, but I figured now would be a good time to take a look at the Phillies preseason and the Eagles free-agency actions.

Phillies

Now that spring training is upon us, let’s take a look at the questionable spots for the Phillies.
The biggest question right now is who is going to be the fifth starter. Veteran pitcher Jamie Moyer underwent three surgeries over the course of the off season which included one that was a result of complications from previous medical procedures.

Moyer’s biggest competition for the fifth starter spot comes in the once hopeful Kyle Kendrick. A couple years back Kendrick came up from the minors due to injury in the major league rotation and he had a pretty successful run. Since then, he has been less than mediocre in his professional appearances.

So far this spring, both Moyer and Kendrick are looking good. Kendrick threw three scoreless innings against the Yankees yesterday afternoon while Moyer has made some rehab starts to polish his mechanics while he continues to recover from injury.

Honestly, the only way I see Kendrick getting the starting position out of the gate is if Moyer has a major setback, or if he can really stun the opposition throughout the entirety of spring training. Otherwise I believe this job will belong to Jamie.

The other major question facing the Phil’s is the bullpen. After a perfect 2008 campaign, Brad Lidge led the league in blown saves last season. After the season, multiple injuries to the Phil’s closer were uncovered and he had surgery to repair them.

J.C. Romero also spent most of last season suffering from injury, after serving his 50 game suspension for supposedly violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He was never able to return to top form in the 2009 season.

Both of those guys are making great progress in their recoveries and are expected to be ready by sometime in mid-April. That leaves 2 spots open for the first half of the month. This will likely just mean more work for guys like Chad Durbin and newly acquired Danys Baez and Jose Contreras.

From there, there are only about two spots left to fill. With the departure of Chan Ho Park, the Phillies are looking for a reliable lefty to eat up some innings. That spot is likely to be filled by either Sergio Escalona or Antonio Bastardo.

The final spot in the bullpen will most likely be filled by either Kendrick or Moyer, whoever does not win the starter job.

Most probable batting order:
Jimmy Rollins
Placido Polanco
Chase Utley
Ryan Howard
Jayson Werth
Raul Ibanez
Shane Victorino
Carlos Ruiz

Eagles

The free agency period has officially begun as of last week. The big winner early in this un-capped season is the Chicago Bears organization.

The Eagles have not made any moves to sign any free agent with the exception of re-signing full back Leonard Weaver. With the three year $11MM deal with $6.5MM guaranteed money, Weaver became the highest paid fullback in league history.

After cutting Brian Westbrook, the birds absolutely needed to complete this deal. Weaver can be used as a combo back and will be a great asset in short yardage situations. With Lesean McCoy becoming the number 1 running back on the team, the Eagles will need weaver to spell some relief should McCoy ware down through the season.

In addition to cutting Westbrook, the Eagles also let go linebacker Will Witherspoon. While Andy Reid did not deny a possible return to Philly for Witherspoon, it is unlikely. Sources have linked Spoon to the Panthers, the team who initially drafted him. It is clear that the Birds saw that Stewart Bradley’s return will be significant enough allow some flexibility at the linebacker position.

Other moves the Eagles have made:

Signed Jason Avant to a five year contract extension.

Traded Reggie Brown to the Buccaneers for an undisclosed 2011 draft pick (sources have reported that it is a 6throunder).

Re-structured Stacey Andrews’ contract cutting his salary for next season almost in half after a disappointing first year in Midnight Green.

Week of Reunions

Just one day after Allen Iverson re-signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, it is apparent the Placido Polanco will once again be a Phillie. According to Jayson Stark, the only thing standing in the way of a 3 year $18MM contract (including a mutual option for 2013) is a physical.

Since Polanco was not offered arbitration by the Tigers, this signing will not cost the Phillies any draft picks for next season.

Polanco played for Philadelphia from 2002 to 2005. It is cited that the mutual familiarity was a driving force behind this deal. Since going to Detroit via trade, Polanco has accumulated two gold glove awards at 2nd base. It is obvious though that he will be moved back to third base in Philadelphia.

Polanco is more patient at the plate than his predecessor, Pedro Feliz who struck out more than walking throughout his tenure in Philadelphia. Polanco has never had more than 50 strikeouts in a single season throughout his career. Not to mention he is another right-handed bat in a lineup filled with lefties.

Where will he hit? Probably in the number two spot moving Shane Victorino down in the lineup. This might change. Victorino has proven that he can thrive in the top of the lineup and it might suit the Phillies to bat Polanco in the 6th or 7th spot.