The Phillies have acquired utility man Ty Wigginton from the Rockies in exchange for a player to be named or cash, Colorado announced on its official Twitter feed (link).
The teams will split Wigginton's $4MM 2012 salary, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, and the Rox can recoup another player or $100K in cash if the Phils exercise Wigginton's $4MM 2013 option. If the Philly declines Wigginton's 2013 option, the Rockies will pay a portion of the $500K buyout, Renck adds. The player to be named or cash will switch hands within six months, tweets Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com.
Wigginton, who turned 34 last month, owns a .265/.325/.443 career line in 10 seasons with the Mets, Pirates, Rays, Astros, Orioles and Rockies, though he's been better against lefties (.274/.353/.461) than righties (.261/.313/.437) by a healthy margin. Wigginton has primarily played third base but has seen action at first base and even logged time at second and in left field.
The Phils had reportedly been pursuing free agent utility man Michael Cuddyer, so it's fair to infer that the acquisition of Wigginton means they're out of the Cuddyer bidding. Cuddyer and Wigginton are roughly comparable players in terms of their positional profiles and age, although Cuddyer, 33 in March, has posted a better offensive line in his career: .272/.343./.451. Wigginton, though, should prove a significantly cheaper addition.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said he regards Wigginton primarily as a corner infielder and occasional outfielder, according to Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer (Twitter), who adds that Wiggy will be insurance for Placido Polanco and Ryan Howard. The latter suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in the Phils' postseason-ending loss to the Cards in the NLCS, so there's some concern over whether he'll be ready on Opening Day.
Wigginton's departure from Colorado should open the door for catcher/first baseman/third baseman Jordan Pacheco, who played well during a late-season cup of coffee in 2011, to fill a similar role in 2012, tweets Renck.
Finally. Some sort of real action.
Always been a big Wiggy fan. He’s a great fit for the Phils. He can play first while Howard is out and spell Utley, Polanco, Pence, and Mayberry/whoever is in left field. I’ve heard he’s a great clubhouse guy, too.
Where does Thome go then?
Nobody in the organization saw Thome playing first everyday while Howard was out. Even Thome said he could only do maybe two days per week at first if he stepped up his conditioning. He’s primarily the lefty off the bench.
Oh okay thanks.
I’ve been a fan of Wiggy for years, hated to see him traded from the Mets years ago. Now, I’m going to be stuck watching him on the hated Phils. My day just got crappier.
AHA!
???
too bad the Phils are one of the best teams in baseball and the Mets will never go anywhere. Say goodbye to Jose Reyes.
Stay classy, Philthydelphia fans. Oh, wait, you root for the Tiantadelphia Philthies, you can’t help it.
Enjoy those 150 million dollar payrolls for your overrated old farts the next few years as you age ungracefully.
yea cause those mets aged even better. 2007 the mets have wright reyes and main the phillies had hamels howard and utley and look who is still contending and who cant fill their stadium
yea cause those mets aged even better. 2007 the mets have wright reyes and main the phillies had hamels howard and utley and look who is still contending and who cant fill their stadium
Good pick-up I guess? Can’t really tell without knowing money involved and the mystery player (if there is one). I’m a little confused as to what the Phillies plan is for SS since I feel like they’ve spent quite a bit of money this offseason.
COL is sending $2MM with Wiggy, so Phils will be paying him the other $2MM. He’s a much cheaper option than Cuddyer (granted he’s not quite as good) so the saved money can be put towards Jimmy or another SS.
They’re really high on Galvis, wouldn’t be surprised if they just let Rollins walk if he doesn’t accept their terms.
They see him as a scrappy type of ball player, and he projects as a future gold glover.
Right-handed bat off the bench, can play both corners. Not a bad deal.
unexpected…
Not bad. A cheaper version of Cuddyer. Can back up Polanco, Utley from their inevitable injuries. Can play first while Howard’s out. RH hitter who typically does real well against LH pitchers. From his time with the Orioles, I’d say he’s more effective with 300-400 at bats then playing him everyday. Good role player.
I think (gut feeling) is they’ll let Jimmy walk and give the position to Freddy Galvis … for better or for worse. That’s just the sense I’m getting.
I really like this move. Can play multiple positions and most of all can contribute offensively.
Another aging veteran with declining production. Perfect
Yeah instead of Wigginton for the utility slot, they should have signed Jose Reyes to fill that role.
Well that wouldnt make sense. Jose Reyes isnt an aging veteran with declining production
Signing Reyes would just block another prospect, Freddy Galvis, who will be ready to go in 2013 or 2014. Galvis also happens to be even younger than Reyes and, more importantly, VERY cost efficient. To sign Reyes would consume most of the remaining budget making it very hard to build a strong enough bench.
You are assuming that Galvis will provide enough production to make his minimal salary important. Lets be honest, hes no Machado.
Wow, so signing Reyes would block Galivs, which is bad to you.
Yet I will bet that you LOVE the Paplebon signing, despite the fact that Paps’ salary effectively BLOCKS Bastardo and Stutes from getting a shot at the closer’s job, and they actually have MLB experience and success, which Galvis does not.
Can’t have it both ways brah…
You think Stutes could be a closer? That’s funny.
Justin DeFratus or Phillipe Aumont I could see, but you’re stretching the “anybody can close” theory.
Tell me, honestly, how many times have you seen Aumont pitch, in person?
Be honest..
Once. Doesn’t really matter though does it? Reports on him are closer potential. I was just saying that if Papelbon would be “blocking” anybody, those would be better examples than Michael Stutes, other than the fact that you said “MLB Experience,” which would take Aumont out of the equation.
Michael Stutes doesn’t have closer stuff, never was projected to be anything more than a middle reliever/maybe set up man. He came onto the scene this year in spring training and had a good 2 months and fell off the face of the Earth.
No one who had ever watched Stutes pitch would consider him for a closer role. He’s a mediocre middle reliever who has value because he’s cheap.
He has decent stuff but his control is so far out there. His slider in the 2nd half would be 10 feet off the plate down, no where near being a strike and his fastball runs all over the place.
I like him in the Chad Durbin role. 7th inning, gives you multiple innings, but to think he could close is lunacy. Bastardo I could see it, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable with him either.
He just finished his rookie year, and already he’s “mediocre”? Wow, tough room..
I know. Kid has a mid 3 ERA for his rookie season pitching for a team that had World Series aspirations yet haters still hate.
The Phils farm sytem is horrible right now, they traded away almost evrything they had Cosart,Singleton, and Draebek.The Phillies are relying what now tere one good prospect May, and a decent prospect in Galvis.
no it was a good trade for the Phils hes a higher producing Pedro feliz
Clearly, the Phils don’t value sabermetrics, another low OBP guy who Ks a lot. AT 4 million next year plus 2013 option with 500K buyout.
You lost me at sabermetrics.
$2MM is being paid by Colorado. My feeling is they valued his versatility more than his offensive numbers. What’s it matter if he K’s a lot when he’ll be filling in for Ryan Howard, strikeout master?
The $2 million was not there initially in the article, makes it a better move as a bench player.
Saying the Phillies don’t value sabermetrics is like saying the Occupy crowd doesn’t value showers. Both are understatements of epic proportions.
They don’t. They value scouting more. They do some statistical analysis but it’s really limited.
Ugh, David Wright’s predecessor returns to the NL East. Hope he doesn’t get a starting gig because he’ll counteract any offensive contributions with his defense.
In other news I woke up today
Really? Did you call this move?
Very good trade for the Phillies. Perfect bat off the bench with some pop, or starting 3B man if Polanco doesn’t cut it, or starting at 1st until Howard is healthy. Versatile player, good trade.
If Ty Wigginton is the starting 3B on the Phillies of all teams, something has gone horribly wrong.
Hey, it could be David Bell. That guy was juicing and still sucked.
FYI Contract:
2012: $4MM
2013: $4MM option ($.5MM buyout)
i guess this ends the Cuddyer hopes…i dont like this move at all
Cuddyer wants 3 years at over 8 million a year. Wigginton is cheaper and not that much of a drop defensively.
It’s probably a wash defensively, Cuddyer isn’t really great at any position he plays. Maybe better in the outfield. Offensively, Wigginton is a step down but not by that much, especially at a low cost.
I don’t know if it takes them out of the Cuddyer “sweepstakes” because he’s more of an outfielder. They probably just want him at their price.
Cuddyer wouldve been perfect on the Phils but Wiggington fits just fine.Just think if you payed him 8 mill a year you wouldnt be able to sign Rollins ohh how tragic.a 32 year old declining veteran
GAWD BLESS DAN O’DOWD *TEBOWS*
seriously though…you phils fans have no idea what you’re in for…there’s a reason why us rockies fans are happy he’s out
He’s a utility bench bat on the Phils. I think we’ll like him just fine.
why are they glad he’s gone?
RISPathetic. GIDPathetic, But…if the Phils don’t have to use him more than once in a blue moon, his versatility (being not really good at many positions) might come in handy.
He’s an upgrade from Ross Gload. I think that says it all.
You mean the same Ross Gload that led in pinch hits 2 of the last 3 seasons?
No but the same Ross Gload that struck out 8x more often than he did walk as a pinch hitter last season. Only six more hits than K’s
jeeze idk why they’re all in love with him then haha
Weren’t they interested in him last off-season before he signed with Colorado?
Seems like a deal more suitable for the trade deadline or waiver deadline.
I really hope that the Ty Wigginton acquisition increases the chances that Cuddyer will indeed give Minnesota a hometown discount. Cuddyer is and always should be a Minnesota Twin.
That’s what I’m hoping for. This is starting to sound like the Carl Pavano situation last year. He’ll feel out the FA market looking to cash in, but eventually come back to the Twins and sign that two year deal.
Yeah it’s basically a win win situation. If he wants too much money than we shouldn’t sign him and save some money to sign other players. (Willingham and/or Kubel) If he wants to sign for a reasonable amount with the Twins than it’s nice to have him in our lineup.
Maybe they will shift their interest to Reyes if Wiggington pushes Cuddyer out of the picture. Just a thought- this is like a warm up session for Amaro.
He can play everywhere…poorly
Oh come on, he was the Orioles lone All Star in 2010 and he kept A Rod on the bench for the entire game if my memory serves me correctly. You gotta give him some dap for that.
Yeah… He was the lone all-star on the Orioles because the rest of the team was absolutely horrible, his OPS in the first half of 2010 was .768. The 2nd half of that season his OPS was .680 and his OBP is below .290. Throw in his below average defense and .495 OPS with RISP last season, and you have a player that’s below average at best.
He is the type of bench guy they need. Like other wrote on here, he can fill in for Polanco, Utley, Howard and whoever is in left.
Wigginton INF/LF -R
Thome 1B/PH – L
Martinez SS/3B/OF – S or Valdez INF – S
Schnieder C – ? who cares
Mayberry/Fransisco – R
That is an improved bench. Wigginton can’t play short so they still need to keep Martinez…( Mini Mart stays because he can play the outfield, and a five man bench would leave them with only one outfielder)
Wigginton can “play” right field too. At least he started a couple games there against the Dodgers last year..
Valdez plays SS fine as a backup. Martinez gets optioned to LV now that he’s no longer a Rule 5 draftee.
Valdez is great. As long as he doesn’t have to bat…..
They have Mayberry to play Centerfield so Martinez isn’t really needed. The Phillies used to do that with Werth when Victorino would get hurt or needed a blow. Plus, Valdez is a more than capable defensive back up for Rollins/whomever.
I like their bench moves so far, they’ve added some power and other than Martinez have versitility.
Would love to see them sign a left handed bat (that’s an upgrade over Raul) to play left field with John Mayberry.
Johnny Gomes.
thats a good bench ,Thome can replace the bat stairs had on the bench and wiggington is definitley a upgrade to the Phillies bench
Nice bench addition, not much value when he’s playing everyday but when he’s coming off the bench he can give those starters a rest. Strong piece to Phils puzzle.
this is an ok move he’s a decent backup… i think we should sign ARAMIS RAMIREZ to play 3rd in phillie, we need his power bat… i’d get rid of polanco the 6+mil. he’s makin is too much money to keep him around as a back up… resign j-roll and our lineup will be set… maybe trade for carlos quentin to play left???? we need more pop in our lineup the last couple years have been killing me….
I think that may cost too much…
we know that RAJ said we have room to resign j-roll, if we trade polanco that frees up some room, then we sign A-Ramirez to like a 3 year 36 mil… we should have room to do that….
You are assuming that someone would want Polanco. If six million is too much to the Phils, it is twice the amount anyone else wants for an old player with decreasing talents. In case you haven’t noticed, teams are going with guys in their early twenties on their rosters, not dinosaurs. Only two teams remain that fit that description, the geriatric Yankees and Phillies. The Phillies have decimated their minors system and most of their core players are now mid-to-late thirties. If all of them underperform, there is no one to call up to replace them and the Phils will crash and burn. That is telling it like it is, as based on past history. I’m sure some will disagree, but you can’t change history.
you’re right i wont argue that at all… i wouldn’t want polanco… but there has to be someone that will take a chance on him, especially for a minor leaguer at least, but we need a bat and polanco isn’t it…
I have to agree, because it is said that there is a sucker born every minute and there are many new GM’s now in the league for 2012. If Philly agrees to pick up 5M of his salary, I’m sure Baltimore might take him, as insurance for Chris Davis at third, or Andino at 2nd. It isn’t a huge upgrade and he could pinch hit on occasion.
i dont know if we even will have to eat any of his salary if a team needs a 2b or 3b maybe like 2 mil and a minor leaguer i would do….
Ruben is definitely in a win now mode. Can’t fault him for that. Can’t fault them for spending money since that is the system we’re in.
As far as getting rid of Polanco, it would probably have to be similar to how the Rox got rid of Wigginton. Pay half the salary to ship him out to someone needing a bench player/part time starter.
i say just do it and get it over with already ruben…. lets sign the cuban too buddy.. Git r done…
None of the current Phillies are in their late 30’s. Polanco is their current oldest player and he just turned 36 a few weeks ago.
yeah, watching a team win 102 games must be devastating
watchin a team win 102 games and lose to STL 1-0 is devastating yes thank you!!
true, but they’re not the only ones to be pulling hair out over losing to st louis this past october..i honestly think they were a team of destiny, there is no other explanation for all the ridiculous wins they pulled off
well the explanation is that they played very well, caught somes breaks, and capatalized… but come on here game 5 phillie cant capatalize on any oppurtunity to score just 1 run to back halladay, maybe 2 to at least get to the lcs… i think that just showed where the team is… our pitching is excellent i like the papelbon signing that dude is a gamer, i hated him in boston man, but i love the fact we have him now he’s a bad dude… whether we get oswalt back, i dont know if that matters, if he’s healthy yeah but idk… definately need to get hamels locked down, possibly resign lidge, i love him as a setup guy definately… i would totally sign aramis though we need a bat and he’s looking like the best option…
yeah i honestly dont think re-signing oswalt is that big of a deal considering the rest of the rotation and all
yeah i think worley as 4 maybe kendrick or blanton 5
yep exactly
It was devastating for a week but I’d take my chances with a 102 win team.
102 wins dont matter if the world series involves 2 different teams….
Keeps the revenue coming in though.
Would I take a 92 win World Series Champion? Yes I would, but because they didn’t win the World Series doesn’t diminish the fact that they won 102 games. It’s a great accomplishment.
The fact that the Braves only won one World Championship doesn’t diminish their run.
Ohh!!! How about we trade Kyle Kendrick for Ryan Braun, David Herndon for Troy Tulowitzki, and then Blanton for Evan Longoria. Did I leave anything out?
i sense sarcasm but over what comment the fact we need a bat and should get rid of polanco???
“Wigginton, who turned 34 last month, owns a .265/.325/.443 career line in 10 seasons with the Mets, Pirates, Astros, Orioles and Rockies,”
He also played for the Devil Rays
why did they literally just give him away? like couldnt they have made phi at least give up something of decent value? (i realize hes no superstar…but still)
Nice pick up
I wonder if the Phillies would be open to free up some salary by trading Polanco?
Still don’t have a true left fielder. I’m not sold on John “Yayberry” playing everyday.
Thank god it’s not Cuddyer
There is no need for Cuddyer anymore. The Phillies still have roughly 24 million to spend this offseason and I think they will turn their attention to SS. I wouldn’t be suprised if they go after Reyes unless they think he wouldn’t fit into their clubhouse, then they will try to get Rollins + maybe a left hand reliever or maybe just keep the money incase of a trade were they need to add salary.
now that they won’t sign cuddyer, whats ruben’s big move? rollins? – no reyes right? maybe they cuban guy?
I just don’t get why a team that won 102 games with their best player (Utley) having a bad year NEEDS a big move.
I’ve always liked Wigginton. I think he is one of the best part time players in the game. As a Braves fan, I hate to see him go to the Phillies. Their front office is too good.
Their front office is too good. Hahahaha! I bet Ruby paid you to say that! LOL
Orioles All-Star Ty Wigginton? Jeepers!
I wish Ty well in Philly . He was great for the O’s a few years back. Was sorry to see him go. Even more sorry to see they gave him away for nothing by refusing trade offers or arbitration.
I was hoping the O’s would trade for him but we get Antonelli instead 🙁
You wanted to the O’s to get Ty back via trade? I dunno. Anyway, the Phillies have been interested in Wigginton for awhile now and now they have him.
At the very least, he will know what its like to play on a good team and play in front of sell-out crowds
Yes I wanted them to get him back. 4 million for Wiggy is a bargin considering they are paying Gregg 5 million to blow saves. And he hits leftys well something the O’s need bad. Along with pitching , defense , a new owner , etc.
Glad he landed in Philly on a great team committed to winning. Good luck in Philly , Ty 😉
Thank you so much Phillies. Yes he’s a likable player who can play many other positions. But you just bought 2 million dollars of .163 RISP, .115 RISP w/ 2 outs, and .063 bases loaded.
At Coors, a hitting paradise.
I wish him luck with you guys. Can you take Street too?
The Phillies are getting Wiggy with it
Good pick up. Decent power bat, gives you another versitile player who, if need be, could play everyday.
I’d rather pay this guy $2 million or whatever than pay Cuddyer $36 million, especially if they spend the savings on Rollins, Lidge, and a Lefty Bat.
what did they give up, do you know? like who the PTBNL was…he had to be decent for a solid guy like wigginton
No idea, I’d imagine it would have to be a decent prospect considering Wigginton is a good player.
It will prob. Be cash.
test
You’re good.
Didn’t feel like reading bast Sabermetics. BUT Wigg has VERY good splits as a 2B/LF .296/.345/.520 and .313/.353/.606 and 3B isnt too bad .261/.321/.439. He is just a horrible offensive 1B, which drags his stats way down with a .240/.313/.384 split.
Where is he going to play? 3B and LF and spell 2B. Mayberry will most likely fill in for Howard at 1B with Thome spelling pushing Mayberry to LF and Wiggington to 2b/3b. You’ll see a decent rotation there. Expect at least 400 AB and double digit HR’s. Very good for 2mm I wanted him a couple years ago b/c he’s a great role player.
This is a good move. will cost the Phillies only 2 million for a player that fills our needs.
Its early yet, but Bill James has already come out with 2012 player proections.
Here’s what I see using those Projections:
1) Rollins – 573 A – 89 R – 150 H – 16 HR – 62 RBI – 25 SB – .262
2) Utley – 510 A – 85 R – 143 H – 21 HR – 79 RBI – 14 SB – .280
3) Pence – 613 A – 86 R – 179 H – 25 HR – 91 RBI – 10 SB – .292
4) Howard – 594 A – 92 R – 158 H – 40 HR – 128 RBI – 1 SB – .266
5) Victorino -592 A – 97 R – 164 H – 17 HR – 64 RBI – 24 SB – .277
6) Brown – 510 A – 79 R – 140 H – 19 HR – 71 RBI – 24 SB – .275
7) Wiggy – 450 A – 51 R – 112 H – 17 HR – 56 RBI – 5 SB – .250
8) Ruiz – 442 A – 50 R – 120 H – 9 HR – 54 RBI – 1 SB – .283
B) Polanco – 486 A – 61 R – 138 H – 6 HR – 49 RBI – 3 SB – .284
B) Thome – 265 A – 37 R – 63 H – 15 HR – 46 RBI – 0 SB – .238
B) Mayberry – 148 A – 20 R – 38 H – 6 HR – 21 RBI – 4 SB – .257
B) Fransisco – 311 A – 41 R – 83 H – 9 HR – 40 RBI – 7 SB – .267
B) Valdez – 259 A – 31 R – 66 H – 2 HR – 21 RBI – 4 SB – .255
B) Schneider – 132 A – 11 R – 29 H – 2 HR – 14 RBI – 0 SB – .247
CAN’T COMPLAIN ABOUT THAT…
Not one .300 hitter, fail. haha.
Wait…Brown?
How does he come up with the at-bat figures? I assume its a formula that leaves out some real world variables, right? Cuz Howard ain’t getting 594 abs and Francisco won’t be getting 311 with Mayberry only getting 148. And Brown’s numbers are waaaaay high.
Can any one point to an explanation or just give me quick primer on how this is done? I would google it myself, but well, I’m a lazy lazy man.
He’s the lovable guy who doesn’t care where he is: he just likes to play and doesn’t need (or want, really) an inflated contract. MLB needs more Wiggs.
MLB needs more Wiggs… If you’re an opposing pitcher that is.
Srry for the back-to-back comments; Amaro stated a few days after the Pap deal that they still had 60 mil. in the tank. Well, there’s 2 mil. gone, which leaves us at 58. The popular contract I’ve seen for A. Ramirez is 36 mil over 3 years, or 12 mil each. I would say they have the money. I love J-Roll, but I’m not giving eight figures to a guy who pops up 60% at-bats, injured every part of his lower body, hustles only half the time, and, correct me if you feel differently, but didn’t it seem last year like he wasn’t really going after grounders he would have made back in ’07, ’08? Wish you luck, Jimmy, whether you wind up back here or in Oakland (or San Jose)
i definately say ramirez is worth that money, j-roll is an icon in philly but i agree with everything you said about him… if he comes back healthy and will hustle and play like he’s on a mission i’d love to have him back…
Thanks Phillies! I would’ve been happy with a bucket of baseballs if it meant getting Wigginton and his worthless self out of a Rockies uniform. Should’ve probably set off some warning signals when the money conscious Rockies were willing to pay him $2M to play against them. Enjoy the .160 average with RISP, I know we did!
No more Wiggy! Good job Rox!
So far, the Rockies have declined Cook’s option, acquired an extra draft pick for “losing” Mark Ellis, added Brandon Wood on a no-risk minor league deal, and gained $2million shipping Wiggy to Philly.
They also passed on marginal and over-priced players like Carroll and Barmes, which would have been poor allocation of re$ources. Giambi coming back doesn’t seem like the greatest move, but it’s not too bad. Pretty decent early Hot Stove season, but the yet-to-be-made SP/2B/3B solutions will make-or-break this off-season for Colorado.
Valdez or Polanco can fill in intill Galvas is ready. I would sign Scott Podsenik to play LF.