Phightin' Phils Phorum

Top 10 Reasons Why Ibanez Replacing Burrell Is A Good Thing

The Phillies announced yesterday that Raul Ibanez has “officially” been signed to a 3-year, $31.5 million dollar contract.  Ibanez stated that he was encouraged by former teammate Jamie Moyer to come to Philadelphia.  Ibanez replaces 9-year veteran Pat Burrell in left field.  Here are just a few reasons why this change may be a good thing:

- Ibanez will waste less time in front of the mirror than Burrell did.

- Jamie Moyer now has someone his own age (almost) to play with.

- Elvis the dog will no longer be able to pee on the field at Citizens Bank Park.

- Women love the Latinos J

- Ibanez and Moyer can join the AARP together and get everyone discounts at I-Hop.

- We will all be entertained by Gary “Sarge” Matthews attempting to pronounce the name “Ibanez.”  (Should be pronounced EE-bahn-yez.)

- Ruben Amaro Jr. has almost completed his quest to turn the entire Phillies line-up to the left side of the plate!  Maybe Ibanez can help Jayson Werth with the switch? J 

- Ibanez will hit fewer home runs than Burrell – maybe now people will shut-up about Philly being so “home run friendly!”  Take that people!

- Think of all the money the Phillies are going to save on hair gel and body oil!

- And finally, no more Pat Burrell wedgies!

 

And totally off topic, Happy Birthday Chase Utley!  Utley turns the big 30 today J

Burrell Not At Top Of The List

Apparently, new GM Ruben Amaro Jr. has more important things on his mind these days than left field.  With the Phillies having exclusive bargaining rights with Pat Burrell until this Friday, it is somewhat surprising that they have yet to even contact him.  However, Burrell continues to make his presence known.  Yesterday, he showed up at the Eagles game along with Cole Hamels to participate in the pre-game coin toss.  They were given a very warm ovation from the crowd.  I am guessing they needed it...Burrell looks like he is freezing!

Burrell has expressed more than a few times that he wants to remain in Philadelphia.  He was quoted by the Philadelphia Inquirer as saying, "I think it's been very clear that I want to stay, and they know that. But at the same time, I don't know what the direction of the organization is. Either way, I've got nothing but positive things and thanks to say to the organization for my time here. And obviously, this past couple weeks has been the end of it all. I want to be back, but I don't know what's going to happen."  The issue is rumored to be number of years as opposed to salary, although with 10 arbitration eligible players on their list, the Phillies front office has got to have dollar signs in mind as well.  Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels are both going to want hefty salaries, and that is only 2 of the 10.  Not to mention we have another 8.5 million that will be thrown away, yet again, on a useless Adam Eaton.

What is at the top of the Phillies’ wish list is left-handed pitching, more specifically re-signing both Jamie Moyer and Scott Eyre.  They will most likely get these deals done before all others.  Amaro does seem prepared to sail this ship without Burrell…he has mentioned Greg Dobbs on more than one occasion as a replacement.  He even compared the Dobbs situation to Jayson Werth’s, who really blossomed once he became a starter.  Amaro said that “sometimes all a guy needs is a chance,“ when referring to starting Dobbs in left field.  So just like we were forced to part ways with Aaron Rowand last off-season, so may we be in the same boat with Burrell this year.  Hey…maybe he’ll go to the Giants to hang with Rowand?  They certainly don’t mind signing long term deals… J

Here’s one more photo from the Eagles game…their wives are going to LOVE this one J

Pat Finally Speaks Out!!!

So Pat Burrell finally spoke out about being taken out of the game in the late innings!  He recently stated:  “I’m upset, absolutely. I’m upset, and I have been for a long time. It’s not personal. I don’t want to ever come out of close games.”  He also went on to say that Manuel was aware of how he felt. Good for you Pat!!! I don't always agree with taking him out, especially when the Phils are winning and he is being replaced by Bruntlett (not a big fan, he is only hitting .231) who by the way did nothing to help them win the other night.   Unfortunately, Hamels gave up a run that tied that game but when Bruntlett came up to bat in the 11th he hit a pop up.  I agree that there are situations in which we could win late in the game...in those situations if Pat gets on base Manuel should replace Burrell with someone who can actually make it from 1st base to home plate in less than 20 minutes.  My issue is that it looks like Manuel is replacing him just to replace him.....and then what do you do if that doesn't work and you then you lose his bat.  How come we don't take Howard out.....he isn't very fast, he strikes out a lot and let's face it he isn't the best defensive 1st baseman ever (I cringe every time they throw to him at first base and he has to scoop the ball)!!

I am a Pat the Bat fan and I am just happy that he spoke out about this!  Again, good for you Pat!!!