Long-time Phillies broadcast Andy Musser passed away today at age 74. Throughout his distinguished, 45-year broadcasting career, Musser covered several college and pro sporting events and teams including the NBA's 76ers, the NFL's Eagles and over 25 years calling Phillies games. All of us at MLBTR send our condolences to Musser's family, friends and listeners.
Some items from around the NL East…
- Sandy Alderson tells ESPN's Jerry Crasnick that the Mets are open to bringing back right-hander Chris Young, likely on a minor league contract. Young made just four starts for the Mets last year before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery, but he tells Crasnick that he hopes to be pitching by April and his "arm feels the best it has felt in quite some time" (both Twitter links).
- The Marlins aren't interested in Prince Fielder in part because they feel his large contract would prevent the team from making other moves, writes MLB.com's Joe Frisaro as part of a reader mailbag. To wit, signing Fielder could make it hard for Miami to sign Mike Stanton to a multiyear extension.
- The Marlins' arbitration hearings with Anibal Sanchez and Emilio Bonifacio have been set for February 3 and 7, respectively, according to Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. You can keep track of those and all other cases and potential signings on the MLBTR Arbtracker.
- In regards to a recent Nick Cafardo item about how the Rays could again pursue a B.J. Upton trade, Pete Kerzel of MASNsports.com thinks the Nationals may still be interested in Upton but as a free agent next winter, not via a trade that would create another roster hole.
- Nationals manager Davey Johnson tells Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post that his roster is basically settled going into Spring Training. Kilgore thinks if the Nats make another move, it will be for a bench bat (barring a major signing like Fielder, of course).
- The Phillies have the resources to be perpetual contenders, and "should never stink again," writes Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
- The Braves had to wait until recently to re-sign Jack Wilson since many of the club's offseason trade talks involved a starting or backup shortstop, writes MLB.com's Mark Bowman.
Alternate headline for Chris Young story: Rehabbing Athlete Whose Earning Potential Depends on Health Swears Health Is Great, Really.
Mark Prior is a subscriber for that newspaper.
A day without sarcasim is a day without MLBTR. The guy made four starts for us last year that where up there with the best starts in the majors; how much do the best get paid per inning? when you break it down, was he was worth around $42,000 per inning?…. when CC Sabbathia pitched for about $103,000 per inning?
Young 1.88 ERA – Sabbathia 3.00 ERA. When you look at the math it’s not that crazy.
Interesting that the Marlins would say that considering their supposed offers to Pujols and CJ.
To be fair, they pulled their offer to Fielder when Buerhle was signed. So, unless Fielder is going to sign for what was offered to Wilson, it makes sense they would draw the line.
Besides, they’re hoping to sigh Cespedes.
The other thing that really gets me about it is the rumor that Pujols wouldn’t sign with them because he wanted a No Trade Clause, and they wouldn’t give him one. If that’s the case, then why wouldn’t they jump on Fielder who has apparently been asking for an opt out clause? I know they’ve been looking mostly at Latin players to build a winner while building a connection to a new fan base, but wouldn’t building a winner accomplish just as much?
Building a winner didn’t work out for the fan base the previous two times. I really do think Loria and Beinfest are overestimating the market for baseball in the state of Florida. I’ve lived here my entire life, baseball is barely mentioned.
That’s really unfortunate then. Considering the fact that Spring Training takes place there, and there are (now) two exciting teams to look forward to in the spring, not to mention that baseball can be played year round down there, I would think it would be huge. But I do have different tastes from most people.
It is unfortunate and considering what you just said, a bit surprising. The Marlins will see their attendance rise for a couple of years and if they really are as advertised, they’ve got a better shot at sticking than the Rays do. I hate how much NCAA football and basketball dominate the state of Florida…..
Basketball was only recently…..
You’re joking, right? Maybe it’s because I’m in Gainesville and the Gators recently won a couple of titles(I think), but college basketball has always been pretty popular in Florida. Not as much as the NBA or the NFL, but I hear about it more than baseball.
As an Fsu fan , I would agree that there has been a pretty good fanbase for the big three in Florida for basketball at the college level . And it is only going to get bigger with the Gators and Noles doing well as they have over the last few years .
On a side note , never again will a Nole and Gator fan agree on anything . It’s a rarity .
That user hit the nail on the head regarding baseball. Even though many teams still hold ST here, it just is rarely mentioned and I live close to Tampa. They “speak” football, Hockey and even orlando Magic over basketball for the most part, even NYY baseball.
Have lived here for decades and it has never changed and then the Rays, marlins as well with lousy locations for stadiums has not helped either.
Does anyone know if Jorge Soler has residency, or is he waiting like Cespedes?
I have no idea why Bob Brookover writes articles like this, its insulting to me as a Phillies fan.
You mad bro?
Typically.
Agree. The guy is a real lighweight
Pretty bold of Bob Brookover to write an article stating that the Phillies should “never stink again.” After all, and this is true, The Chicago Tribune did an article in 1908 on the back-to-back champion Cubs, stating that they should “never stink again.”
The Phillies have the resources ? Yes . The farm system ? No .
You’re likely to have at least 300 Phillies fans now raving about their high-upside players in A-ball. And to be fair, the Phillies system isn’t as bad as you’d think considering all the trading they’ve been doing.
The system’s good enough but there’s no impact level talent other than
Trevor May although realistically, he’s probably a #2-3. Valle would be an impact talent
if he could get on base.
Frankly, I’m surprised they have any upside left at all.
Oh the Braves fan to the rescue. The Phillies still have a top 10 farm system. Braves still have Boras clients that are made of glass.
Haha, I can just see you smashing up your keyboard typing that out. Chill….
Braves still have a top 5 farm system and I’m not sure I’d put the Phillies in the top 10 after the Pence trade. I hate Jair Jurrjens so I won’t make an argument for him, but Bourn seems to stay healthy and Hanson’s been injured exactly one time in his career….All 3 should start the season fully healthy. What other Boras clients do they have and why is this relevant?
There were so many things you could’ve picked at. Their 14 division titles and just one ring, falling attendance, the Teixeira trade, and their recent and historic collapse, for example. Boras clients made of glass? That’s what you picked?
The Phillies farm system is ranked anywhere from 24th to 27th depending on what site you are looking at .
He meant top 5 in the division.
Top 10? No. 24-27? No. More like 15-20.
Would you like to show me a link ? The few that I found that had the farm system rankings didn’t show the Phillies any better than 24th ?
I saw that.
I personally don’t put a whole lot of stock into farm system rankings. If two of Larry Greene, Mitchell Walding, Tyler Greene, or Roman Quinn have breakout seasons, the system will probably be top 15 again.
Braves system is not top 5. Top ten, yes. But not top 5. Jays, Rays, Pads, Royals, Rangers, Cards, and possibly DBacks have a better farm than the Braves.
I don’t disagree with your assessment, but the Braves are deep in pitching prospects, which is the currency of baseball. So while they may not have the home-grown replacements for Chipper and LF waiting down on the farm, they have the trade chips to get them.
The braves need to make a trade but who