The Phillies narrowed their focus on Andrelton Simmons before he signed with the Twins this afternoon, writes Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Didi Gregorius remains in play to return, but he may not be so keen on another one-year deal. Regardless, the Phillies prefer not to move Jean Segura back to short, notes Lauber. Even with Gregorius more-or-less the only remaining starting shortstop on the market, Segura’s presence, as well as Scott Kingery, means they don’t have to panic on an overpay. Should they ultimately strike out on Gregorius, Jonathan Villar and Hanser Alberto lurk as free agents, or the Phils could turn to the trade market to make a play for either Trevor Story of the Rockies or Javier Baez of the Cubs. Neither club has seemed particularly likely to move their star shortstop, but Phillies’ president of baseball ops Dave Dombrowski might be the guy to convince them. Let’s check in on some other infield news…
- With middle infielders flying off the shelves, Kolten Wong is seeing an uptick in interest, per MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (via Twitter). The ace defensive second baseman has seen at least preliminary interest from the Tigers, Mariners, Rays, Cubs, Phillies, and Cardinals, with whom he’s spent his entire career. Wong’s power disappeared in 2020, slashing .265/.350/.326, but he won a second consecutive Gold Glove Award and continued to be an on-base presence for the Cardinals. Wong has quietly posted 3.3 bWAR per 600 plate appearances throughout his career, and as he enters his age-30 season, he could prove one of the more impactful free agents remaining on the market.
- The Tigers plan on experimenting with Isaac Paredes at second base, writes Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Paredes is penciled in as the Tigers’ everyday third baseman, but manager A.J. Hinch said basically that there is no harm in expanding the 21-year-old’s skill set. He’s been on fire playing winter ball, and with Jeimer Candelario having a big season in 2020 (and Spencer Torkelson on his way to claim one of the infield corners,) it’s certainly worth testing the limits of Paredes’ defensive abilities.
If I try weal weal hard, I’m gonna get dwafted and be a big star!
You are either making fun of Rangers29…or you are his alter ego.
That’s actually pretty funny!
I’m a pretty sporadic poster. Hey, there’s lots of hunting to do this time of year. Big day. I’m swapping out the kayaks for cross country skis on the truck’s roof.
Anyway.
Haven’t been on the board much. So just want to be clear. Is it now considered “funny” that a high school kid has a dream of playing in MLB? Am I getting that right?
Huh.
It appears I’m not as surrounded by poets & dreamers like I’d previously thought.
Did you guys actually play sports?
@ DBF – I must be in these comments sections too much, because I see your comments on a fairly regular basis.
Anyway, I think to most of us it’s not funny, but open access to message boards and the anonymity of screen names allows some people to spout whatever insults they choose with little repurcussions.
This board is now about 90 percent trolls, and 10 percent intelligent baseball talk. Years ago, it was actually, a pretty fun board. Smart baseball fans talking to other smart baseball fans. Now, If you get on here with questions or insight, you’re usually ridiculed. It’s basically like the whole social media experience nowadays, except MLBTR doesn’t censor like Twitter and FB. The reality is, only you can control whether you’re an anonymous a*shole that likes to troll people on here, and sadly, the 90/10 troll/good person split is a society in general thing now.
That’s one of the main reasons I’m seldomly here.
And that’s why I say he’s looking for approval in the wrong place.
Well, I come & go, I guess.
Today was gone most of the day, & sometimes I’m out for a couple. I don’t see myself as a regular?
But I may be wrong about that.
Anyway, maybe you’re just lucky? Timing is everything, right?
Fair enough.
Man, they had to pry the uni’s outta my hands, though. & let’s not even talk about my attempts to walk on to Big 10 football & baseball programs.
Cuz that was all pretty embarrassing.
@DBF – Ever heard of vintage base ball? If not, check out VBBA.org and/or look for a team near you.
Aww man.
I appreciate the confidence, serious.
But my days of even softball, flag football, sparring… hell – even things like downhill skiing, open water kayaking, & driving motorcycles “too fast” are pretty much behind me, bro.
My exercise – these days – is mostly hiking x-country for grouse, kayaking or boating for waterfowl, or skiing for small game. A different game, but game nonetheless.
Thats hilarious, all the regulars will know instantly
Unfortunately so. I hope things work out for the kid but he’s searching for approval in the wrong place.
Maybe he should spend more time practicing his craft
He may be a dreamer, or he may be for real, but he’s already more mature than lolmetsforever.
lolmetsforever
If I try weal weal hard,
==========================================
If it helps you to make it thru the day, by making fun of someone’s dream, when I retire, I want to go back to bench-pressing my body weight, getting my black belt, and winning a WSOP bracelet.
Blast away.
Right on Joe, I’d like to get my Master’s Degree and start a community project.
I can’t wait until those one man airships that are made in France become available here. One of my dreams is to fly one.
Just think about it, man. You’re low enough & slow enough that people can hear you yelling. & that much closer to the clouds for them to hear.
You can’t bench your body weight?
My first thought, too.
you have become the very thing you swore to destroy.
@lolmetsforever
Look I had a dream to play in MLB a few decades ago as well, I broke my elbow the same Summer me and my Best friend (18 and 20 at the time) planned on touring FLA to see if we could walk on somewhere. Dream over
Don’t be jealous your time is up, be happy for Rangers29 that he has a dream, is passionate about it and is doing what he can to pursue it.
Canadians are supposed to be kind and supportive.
Reds and A’s need a shortstop. Still think Philly would prefer Didi to Kingery.
Didi looks to be in a good position to leverage a multi year deal.
This Phan does prefer Dee Dee to Scotty
I wonder what type of package Rockies would want from Phillies for Story. Having him in the lineup would be great. Phillies system lacks top level talent but has some interesting younger talent in A ball.
Most likely, they would be asking for Stott plus other pieces. For the Phillies, they don’t have many bullets to spend in the trade market. So they need to weigh those decisions. I could see the Phillies more willing to discuss guys like Marchan, Rodriguez, Medina, Moniak, etc. I mentioned below, how possibly getting the Rockies to package Gray or Marquez with Story could bring back a bigger return and lessen the sting of a move. But it’s the same issue it was with JT. Are you going to move pieces from a limited pool of prospects to acquire someone you can get for just $$$ the following season? Story is a clear upgrade over all their current options. But there’s no guarantee the Rox will move Story. If I’m the Phillies, I try my darndest to re-sign Gregorius to a 1-year deal. And use my talent in the minors to deal for a top/mid rotation arm (Marquez, S. Gray, McCullers, etc.). Use what’s left to sign maybe 2 more bullpen guys from the likes of Colome, Kela, Doolittle, etc.
That gives them some financial flexibility to make a move mid season if needed. And then pursue a contract with Story after the season.
Love trying paredes at 2nd. Ive been hoping they would do that since we got him from the cubs. His bat turns into a huge asset at that position.
Normally, I’m a pretty patient man, but can the Braves PLEASE add a bat or two..That’s all I ask..
Let me rephrase, an impact bat..lol They need that masher behind Freddie, they need another BP piece, and then let’s go!!
Im with ya. if they sign a good bat and we hope there is minor league ball we could send Riley, Inciarte and Camargo back to the minors to work on their game because they have all gotten STALE. and let some of the newbees play. Maybe that will shake these guys up
I still think they get Ozuna at 4/76. The DH is coming soon enough so they can handle his defense for a yr until Waters is ready.
I’ve been preaching patience this entire time as well, but I would say now is about the time to start sweating a little. We’re starting to run out of quality bats to add to the line up.
Sign Pederson or trade for Ramirez, Suarez or Bryant are there any other options? Besides Ozuna that is.
Shouldn’t Drew Waters be close, if not already there?
I hope the Mariners stay away from Wong. Let Moore and Long battle for 2b and prove that they either belong or don’t belong as part of the core. Plus, Noelvi Marte could end up playing 2b in a couple of years.
That was my thought as well. We dont need a 30something 2b when we have so many in house INF already. Id rather see more bullpen action as thats where the BIG question marks are.
For the Phillies, Didi makes the most sense but with next year’s class of shortstops. I can see why he wouldn’t want a 1-yr deal. It’s up to the A’s or Reds to see if they want to add extra years to a deal. I think playing with Phila last year and his relationship with Girardi, I would bet he returns to the Phillies if all other offers are equal.
Although the Phillies may be in play for a SS next year in FA. They have Stott who’ll likely be ready in 2022. Although moving him to 2B or 3B could happen. Interesting name is Story, I think he would be the SS the Phillies would target if every big SS hits the market next winter. Trading for him a year before giving him a big contract may not be worth it.
Unless they fill another need in the rotation with the deal. The Phillies could use a 3rd starter to slot between Wheeler/Eflin. Maybe the Phillies could try to acquire a package of Story and one of Jon Gray/German Marquez. But that’s more of a fantasy trade imo. While I give it to the Rockies, they try never to fully tear down and try to put a product out there. They just don’t have the depth on the roster or the younger upcoming players to complement their current roster to compete. Chances are none of the teams out west are touching the Dodger or Padres for at least the next 2-3 years. The Rox should deal guys like Story, if it can help replenish their system.
I could see them bringing back Didi, but it would make for a crowded infield with him, Segura, Kingery, Bohm and Hoskins. I guess in that scenario, Segura would take over at 2B, move Kingery to 3B and Didi back at SS with Bohm and Hoskins sharing time at first base and DH.
Kingery would likely play CF
Giving up on Quinn is a bad idea. He is a game changer
I am not giving up on Quinn at all. However, assuming no DH in the NL, Kingery won’t be the bat on the bench to start the year.
If Didi re-signs, Kingery would be pushed to CF and/or spell McCutchen in LF. You saw with the Twins signing Simmons and all the moves the Padres made. Teams are trying to copy the Dodgers formula of grabbing as many quality field players who can man multiple spots and figure out the PT later. The Phillies likely don’t have the money to address CF & SS, Kingery will slide into whatever spot isn’t filled through FA/trade.
I think the Phillies are going to take ‘21 to see if Bohm can handle 3B full-time and if Hoskins rebounds. If the latter doesn’t, I could see them moving him while he has some club control left (plus he’s already 28 and is a Scott Boras client) and shifting Bohm to 1B. Then if 3B opens up, they could shift Stott there and address SS in FA next year. Then I think it’s likely they try to move Segura and let Kingery take over 2B.
@jett Eflin is a legit 3rd starter. I don’t see the need to slot someone in front of him. Behind him on the other hand, absolutely. The Phillies lack a 4 and 5, which leads to them needing the weak bullpen even more.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Zach Eflin. But if we’re talking about challenging for the division, wanting to make a run at a WS. Do you feel confident with Eflin being your #3? Maybe you do, but if I could slot 1 more guy ahead of Eflin, I’d do it in a heartbeat. I think Eflin can be a #3 but on a team with title aspirations, he strikes me as a #4.
I would take someone like Sonny Gray or Marquez over Eflin as a #3 and that’s not a shot at him. I’m just thinking about building the best rotation possible. With JT re-signed and them inking Rickardo Perez in the winter signing window, I think Rafael Marchan is expendable now. If the Phillies could package something around Marchan to get Sonny Gray from the Reds, I’d feel a lot better. Nola/Wheeler/Gray/Eflin gives them a better chance at competing for a wild-card spot than how they’re currently constructed.
There’s always room to improve absolutely. And of course I’d happily take Gray. I just don’t think the Phillies have the finances and/or prospects to secure a legitimate top end starter. So I think they’ll aim lower. And I’d be okay with that. I’d take the Phils 1-3 right now.
Agreed. Everyone needs to stop doubting eflin. His advanced metrics were in line with Nokia Afc wheeler. FIP in particular. He has 4 complete games and throw 97. He’s only 25. What’s not to love
Eflin’s struggles in 2019 came from the pitching coach, Chris Young, using his computer scouting report to have him pitch in the top of the strike zone. Eflin works better when he uses his sinker and keeps the ball down. He is a descent three and if you slot anybody ahead of him it should be a lefty.
take out both players last starts before the 2019 all star break and Eflin beats out Sonny Gray (who would make the all star game) by a whole .6 runs.
Cheesesteak gets it. And, yeah, it’s been quite a while since the Phils have seen a lefty in their rotation, save for a spot starter or 2.
Didn’t MLBTR already write up this exact same Paredes/Tigers content earlier today? Or am I dreaming
didi will absolutely be trying HARD to get a 2 yr deal. not only is he worthy but it will also keep him out of next years FA class of SS. — baez, story, seager, lindor, simean, simmons. he will be able to skip to the next yr when it will likely be he & correa.
the phils will have mccutcheon, odubel & segura $ avail next yr for one of those SS.
they will know better if hoskins is real or let him go overseas to rebuild his value.
Bohm could have a sophomore slump like alonso (mets)& hoskins did.
JTR will be playing 1B & DH by 2023 for them
try to trade segura & a pitcher to reds for Gray
maybe they can sign Didi to a $19mil 1 yr deal —thats almost 2x of his pay last yr.
I would like to see the Cubs sign Wong. Good lead-off man, great glove. Then move Hoerner to CF.
Just love them Cardinals huh cubby?
That’s one possible set of moves that could be made to try and improve the cubs offense. Wong can steal a few bases too which would be a welcome addition. The question is: what is the budget that cubs ownership has given Hoyer? Current payroll is at ~ $158 mil down from $218 mil last year. Will Hoyer be allowed to make any significant additions?
Teams aren’t spending a lot of money this year.
Some teams you mean. The Padres, Jays, Phillies, and Nationals have all made additions this offseason and now have payrolls $10 – $25 mil more than the cubs.
Wong is definitely an undervalued player. Not sure the cubs are signing anyone over 2 million dollars though.
Man I think the Phillies dropped the ball on Brad Hand, 1 yr 10.5 mill was right up our alley. We could’ve had Archie Bradley and Brad Hand in the 8 & 9th inning. It would’ve shortened game for our Starting pitchers especially for the guys after Nola & Wheeler.
Could Isaac Paredas be the next Placido Polanco?? Hope so!
I was expecting to see W Castro at 2nd.
I still wouldn’t mind seeing either Cron or Schoop back.. IMO, S Alcantara could use another season in MiLB
However, I sure wouldn’t mind Kolton Wong!
We could use OBP all day in MoTown
After the year Schoop just had, I am amazed he is not getting any mention. He is a solid glove and hits for ave and power. Unfortunately, I don’t see the fit on the Tigers, with Paredes being added to the IF. Candelario needs to play third to max his trade value for the future. Paredes is a long term fit at 2B. With Torkelson and Workman on the way, Candelario can be moved if not signed, and 1B has little demand.
I do not like talking publicly about trading players because they’re Tigers and I luv em and support them. But don’t you think the Cubs would have an interest in him now, along w/ salary dump of Kimberly and Soto and Short…..? Buys a lot in my mind. Willie has his song…..
The cardinals know that a little Wong goes a long way. Get it done.
It’s not a mystery the Phillies r still looking for help @ SS & CF and maybe another Starter Pitcher. With the Money starting to be a problem do the Phillies give Odubel Herrera another chance @ being our Starting CF. He’s done the canceling & everything needed to get back into the majors. What r your thoughts about “El Torito” playing again for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Yes, everyone is forgetting about him. Everyone deserves a 2nd chance and the faint rumblings from the Phils’ front office seem to indicate he’ll get one.Maybe he’s had his wake up call and he’ll concentrate on the task at hand instead of being a goof off. If the Phils sign JTR & Didi they won’t be able to afford a CF on the market. However, my bet is that Hasley will surprise & step up his game.
The Phillies don’t need a cf..they have Hasley, Roman and Goofy..that would eliminate getting a bench bat..with DeeDee back, they automatically have their infield and bench..The big need is another rotation arm and more pen help..
I hope Kolten Wong gets picked up by the Red Sox. Between him and Conner, two Wongs can make a right.
I would love for the Tigs to trade for Connor. He looks legit. And it seems like he’s going to be buried in the depths for the next couple of seasons (if Plawecki and Vazquez repeat their previous performances)
I’m surprised how underrated he is in that system. Not sure what the Tigs would have to give up for him, but I’m certainly interested and will be keeping an eye on him.
I would go along with the Mets signing Wong, moving McNeil to 3rd, and seeing what Davis would bring in a trade. Sign Bradley for CF, and they’ll have strong defense up the middle.
Always great to see former cubs flourish once traded. Jeimer, Paredes, Eloy, Gleyber, and Soler. It’s really reassuring to know that the previous cub’s braintrust is gone. Now, we won’t have any more stupid trades… OH WAIT… JED IS STILL THERE? sounds like we are in for a rough couple of years.
From one Cubs fan to another, stop whining. We all agree this offseason has been a disaster. Cubs fans that lament the Torres/Chapman deal, have a real short memory. That title in 16 sure was fun….and we don’t get it without Chapman. You make that trade 100 times in a row, if you want to win. One piece from a World Series title, and our “braintrust” went and got it. How can you miss Torres when he was never there?? As far as other trades, sure they’ve whiffed on a few, but EVERY GM does. Jeimer was blocked by a guy named Kris Bryant. If Schwarber would’ve actually learned to hit the ball, well then our OF would have been pretty good, making Eloy more expendable, at a time when we really needed starting pitching. Quintana wasn’t the same guy we traded for. It happens. This team’s problem now, is not Theo, Jed, or Rossy. The Ricketts family acting like the Cubs are small market team is the problem. Division wide open for the taking, and these schmucks are crying poor. Lame.
Except the Ricketts family has revitalized wrigley and it’s surrounding areas. They have been top 5-10 in payroll for the last couple of seasons. Yes, i’ll take the title in 2016. The allocation of resources has been horrendous on Theo’s (and Jed’s) part. They have spent $$ on average returns. They have had 3 positive signings (2 were huge $) Zobrist, Lester, Yu. The rest have been bad. Quit blaming the rickett’s for being “cheap” as that is a falsehood. The cubs have bet on a lot of guys. These same players havent really improved. Addison russell (gone), KB, schwarber, heyward, etc. javy was great and then last season he was worst qualified mlb’er in terms of offensive output. Look at other teams in the league with big resources. They dont just simply trade “blocked” guys for the hell of it. Organizational depth is a big reason teams like the cardinals, rays, athletics stay relevant.
Eloy, soler and Schwarber were the same players. Huge bats and no defense. I think keeping Schwarber was the right move to try to win in 2017 and 2018. Soler got a good look and didn’t produce. Gleyber for Chapman was a no brainer and won a World Series, I just wish they resigned him. Closer position has been a black hole for 3 years.
Curious what Wong will sign for. As a Jays fan I would have much preferred him over Semen. Must be that Wong is seeking a multi year deal and the Jays preferred the longer term flexibility of Semens 18 million load of cash.
M’ have Ty France and Dylan Moore who can play second base and/or left field. We don’t need another bloated aging contract blocking a position.
The M’s can sign Wong, DFA Marmalejos and let Moore play LF, if the price is right.