Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Phils sign Pineiro, Moyer receives offer

The Phillies added some pitching depth, signing right-hander Joel Pineiro to a minor league contract.

Pineiro went 7-7 with a 5.13 ERA in 27 appearances for the Angels last season. He has 104 career victories with a 4.41 ERA over 1,754 innings pitched.

Breaking into the league in 2000, Pineiro spent his first six seasons with the Seattle Mariners. His experiment in Boston in 2007 was short lived, as he was shipped to St. Louis after just 34 innings with an ERA above five.

His most successful season in St. Louis was his last, when he won 15 games with a 3.49 ERA in 2009. He spent the last two seasons with the Angels, winning ten games with a 3.84 ERA in 2010 but struggling last season.

Pineiro has been invited to join the Phillies at Spring Training.

Another veteran pitcher receiving a minor league contract offer is Jamie Moyer, as the Colorado Rockies offered the 49-year-old a deal.

Moyer missed all of last season while recovering from Tommy John Surgery. Colorado is likely more interested in what Moyer has to offer them off the field rather than on it. With a youthful rotation and a man who's been pitching since 1986, why not take a shot? Either way, Phillies' fans will certainly be rooting for him.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Phils exploring Kerry Wood, keeping Brad Lidge on the radar

The Phillies have been in contact with free agent relief pitcher Kerry Wood. The veteran starter turned setup man would help to relieve concerns about the back end of the bullpen behind closer Jonathan Papelbon.

Antonio Bastardo and Michael Stutes were tremendous in the setup role for much of last season, but both struggled mightily down the stretch.

The asking price for Wood, thought to be around $4 million for one-year, may be the biggest obstacle in him landing in Philly.

Ruben Amaro Jr. has already stated that the payroll is "well past where [they] want it to be."

Wood, who went 3-5 with a 3.35 ERA in 55 games last season would be an intriguing addition. However, it seems Amaro is more likely to explore cheaper options.

The Phils have also remained in contact with Brad Lidge, while the Angels appear to be the front runner. Let's face it, the Angels are likely to be the odds on favorites to win it all this year, while Lidge has witnessed the Phillies get older and further away from another World Series championship each season. Most people would consider Anaheim a more desirable destination and while Philadelphia remains one of the best teams and baseball cities in the league, I can't really argue at this point.