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On Wednesday, The Good Phight published a spirited piece regarding the Phillies and the upcoming trade deadline. In it, Joe Catz argues that right now fans should stop being so concerned with what the future holds for the franchise if it is precluding you from enjoying day-to-day success. If you haven't read it yet, I suggest you do.
Essentially, his argument boils down to the fact that, right or wrong, the Phillies are not going to have a major overhaul of their roster via a late July fire sale. The reason being an ownership group that won't allow a full-on rebuild. They're constantly in win-now mode, and that means tearing it down just isn't an option.
I'd like to go on record and say I agree 100% with Catz. As a fan, you should never stop yourself from enjoying a team's success on a given night because you're worried it may affect an impending rebuild. Baseball is supposed to be fun, and when you can't even allow yourself the joy of your favorite team's successes, what's even the point anymore?
But there is something about his prediction that this team absolutely won't sell that I find troublesome: Even if they're constantly in win-now mode, selling may be the best course of action not only for down the line, but for next season. To Catz's credit, he says himself that he's not arguing that selling is the wrong move. Simply that it won't happen.
Let's assume he's right, and they aren't going to sell off all their assets. Where does that leave this team next season? Even if they make the playoffs–and that's a big if–chances are they won't be winning the World Series. That's a cold, hard truth, and it would mean another season of failure from this core group of players. At that point, the Phils can either bring back the big names whose contracts are expiring–Utley, Chooch, and possibly even Michael Young–or they can let them all walk, replenishing the holes via free agency or with farmhands.
The former leaves them with the same group of players, only they're one year older. The latter leaves them to choose from a free agent crop that includes a fair amount of 30 year olds looking for one final sizeable contract, or turning to youth, where they have very few position players that look like they'll be ready next season. Maybe Maikel Franco is, but going from Single-A to the Big Leagues in a calendar year is very rare, so it seems unlikely.
A lineup full of not quite ready first-year players isn't becoming of a team that's in win-now mode. Restocking entirely through free agency straps the organization for cash for another few years.
If the Phillies want to win next season, they should explore trading away some of their assets. Players like Ruiz and Young likely won't be back next season anyway, and Utley is a question mark. If you play your cards right, you may get back some guys who can help out next season (Like Nate Schierholtz last season, only you don't make the mistake of letting him walk for nothing). At the very least, you're putting yourself in a position where you can begin to formulate a core of young talent to build upon. With the money coming off the books, you have the luxury of signing one or two solid free agents, but not having to break the bank.
That future looks much brighter to me.
As for the pitchers who have been rumored to be on the block, Cliff Lee and Jonathan Papelbon, Ruben Amaro should listen to offers for both, but not necessarily pull the trigger. In the instance of Lee, if you want to win next season, you shouldn't trade him unless you're blown away by an offer. He pitches above the value of his contract and has shown no signs of wear and tear. His low-effort delivery is conducive to, as Sarge would say, continued success. As for Papelbon, it makes sense to be more open to dealing him and unloading the exorbitant salary for a position that can be replaced, especially if a team like Detroit gets desperate.
If the Phils truly are in constant win-now mode, they should consider selling some of their veterans. It's time to look towards moving on from a group of players that aren't long for this team anyway, as difficult as it will be to watch them go.
74 Comments
The writer of this article should be fired immediately. He shows that he's a frontrunner and delusional fan. BUY NOT SELL. AT LEAST STAND PAT, BUT NOTTTTTTT SELL. I bet this dude is gonna cry on July 31 when Rube is buying.
Again…I'll ask it again… if Carlos Ruiz is traded just who is gonna catch next season and possibly 2015? Just his work behind the plate alone is reason enough to bring him back on a cheap 1-2 year deal.
Nobody but Tommy Joseph and he needs to get his behind to the majors so he can start learning from Mr. Chooch, I don't think theres another prospect in our farm system than we need more to step up soon, prove the Pence deal was worth it.
Exactly. So if Joseph is the starting catcher of the future (2015 and beyond) wouldn't it make sense to keep Chooch here to mentor him? Chooch could start next year and if Joseph is ready to assume more of a starting role in '15 then Ruiz is the backup.
Agree with you Chuck… keep Ruiz bring him back for 1-2 years to teach Joseph and or valle.. maybe keep Ruiz past that as a backup as well…
I totally agree Chuck. The only other real option would be to try to sign McCann in FA, but that would cost a bundle and a half.
Can I ask what "cheap deal"?
He makes 5M this year, and that's base on money BEFORE his offsensive production last year – ie his "usual" defensive and offensive numbers, before adderall.
So he's going to make around that, or – most likely – more. And Chooch is certainly not worth more than that nor should he be paid more than that. But he will be. And the Phils certainly DO NOT need to do that.
Why do I want a 35 year-old catcher next year? On a "cheap deal"? Sure. But that's not happening and I think that you're missing.
Catchers are valuable only when they're cheap. And Chooch is no longer cheap.
??? Catcher is the most important defensive position on a baseball team. I don't mind overpaying to be sure that you are solid at that position. Last 5 WS catchers … Ruiz, Posada, Posey, Molina, Posey.
I think Kratz could be an adequate starter for next year. Back him up with Rupp and it, while not ideal, wouldn't hurt you either.
And why do you assume that he a) wants to come back and b) will be cheap? As far as I can see, McCann, Salty and Chooch are the only viable C's in FA next year.
Exactly. Thank you.
I agree 100% chuck! They can offer Carlos a 1 0r 2 year contract or a 1 with a mutual option. either way we need a quality catcher till someone on the farm is ready. my guess would be Cameron Rupp. He was just moved up to reading and is a good defensive catcher who hits pretty good. He's hit good at every level. Joseph's been hurt, Valle's not that good defensively and doesn't hit. So what do you do? sign chooch! Kratz comes back and we have 2 fine catchers who can hit.
2/2: To me, the assets are Papelbon, Lee and Utley, and you can make a case that each of them have as much, or more value to the team in 2014 than any trade return you get. I personally disagree with that only on Papelbon, who IMO is showing huge regression signs, and likely is at the high point of return on value.
That said, Michael Young will be traded, IMO by the deadline. I think the retrun back will be different based on where they are, in regards to prospects or bullpen help. And frankly Ruiz is playing bad right now. I just don't believe you'll see him get anything close to what youd expect back unless hes part of a package, and none of the catchers are ready next year, but really good analysis here.
Ryan great piece. I disagree with only one sentence-
"Even if they make the playoffs–and that's a big if–chances are they won't be winning the World Series."
The baseball playoffs are a crapshoot, if you can get in, you have a decent chance. We've seen two flawed teams win the last three years. The Giants and Cardinals were no one's favorites going into the seasons they won.
Otherwise I'm with you. Sell some of the veterans. Don't blow it up necessarily , but start the process of looking toward the future.
The playoffs are like the lottery.. gotta be in it to win it… lol
There's nothing inherently wrong with that sentence. Even if they were a good team, chances are they wouldn't win it, since their chances would be roughly 1/8 (same as every other team that got past the WC play in).
I think you have problems with what's implied; that, since the Phillies would be one of the worst playoff teams, they have less of a chance than everyone else to win the WC. I'm not so sure that's what the author meant to imply or not.
I think the author already made his point clear, which was that he didn't believe the team would even get in. He did it right above your comment about 48 minutes before you did, but thanks anyway.
The playoffs are indeed a lottery – much more so for MLB than with any other pro sport. It has to be – otherwise, the Yankees would win, say, 12 of 15 WS. The lottery aspect is compounded by the folly of "home field advantage" being determined by the outcome of a single exhibition game. This ensures the sought-after end result of skill and superiority being frequently overridden by luck and mediocrity.
The brief playoff lottery is preceded by a protracted, 162-game qualifiying round played from April to October. Baseball should be a daytime, "boys of summer" sport. Instead, the playoff qualifiers may well find themselves playing at night in weather more attuned to football, with its chilly, huddled fans and with exhalations of fans and players alike all but frozen in mid-air. This is kinda like playing the PGA championship in a monsoon and it's in this inappropriate environment that baseball's lottery contestants vie for the oft-errant claim that "we are the champions" (with apologies to Queen).
Which takes us, in whatever roundabout way, to the Phillies and the statement, "Even if they make the playoffs … chances are they won't be winning the WS" Au contraire, mes amis – any team that makes it to that final round with a rotation of Hamels, Lee, Kendrick … and the possibility, however longshot, of adding the name "Halladay" to that mix, has a darn good chance. So much will depend, team-wise, on who's hot and who's not – and player-wise ("is Papelbon on or off?") come October. But given the hill that the Phillies have to climb to get there, chances are that if they do, they'll be in the "hot" category.
If we get there, we can win it.
I don't trade cliff Lee.. not this year… I don't want to trade papelbon either but if we send money with him and get back rondon and either Garcia or castellanos than I'd be inclined to take that if we're deemed out of it and the end of the month…
Well put. Honestly, Well Put. I'm actually in agreement with the majority of what you've written here personally.
The piece I wrote the other day was really more in tune with the organizations overall philosophy, which is, right or wrong, to put a competitive team on the field every year.
in that sense, you won't see them sell off if they're in contention at the deadline. Where I have a slight issue is in your use of the term "assets" (1/2)
Ryan oughta listen to Joecatz. He's one of the few non delusional Phillies blog writers I've seen so far. He speaks the truth and explains the philosophy of the organization, unlike the delusional Ryan, who still insists the team is selling, when it's been clear since Day 1, THEY'RE NOT. But can you expect anything less from a guy who plays the role of Phillies GM on Twitter? That's why I've unfollowed him, he's just pretty bad at this thing called writing.
Apparently you didn't read my comments above. Aside from listening on Lee, Ryan is spot on in terms of what the team SHOULD do.
They SHOULD trade papelbon, and Michael Young.
They SHOULD listen on Carlos ruiz
They SHOULD listen on Utley, as much as that pains me to say.
the first two are the ones that should go regardless, and th others need to be blow away offers. The difference is that the returns and how you deal them should help for today and tomorrow. What this team SHOULD NOT and WILL NOT do is deal valuebale assets for lottery tickets because of the fallacy of prospect fetishing.
Stick to your word, Joe. If you want this team to compete for a playoff spot this year, you need both Papelbon and Utley. That's not even debatable. Don't adjust your word, just because you don't want to hurt Ryan's feelings.
I have always said that our sole responsibility as fans is to root for our team to win and to expect nothing less from our GM than doing whatever it takes to field a team capable of winning. When we let ourselves believe that we should accept losing and mediocrity because "it's the best thing for the team," it's like letting your employee off the hook for something that he did that didn't dramatically affect your organization. Eventually, if you let that stuff slide, the employee develop bad habits are and what seemed harmless (no one wants to make their employee feel bad), could turn into a nightmare.
We can't let ownership believe that it's ok to skimp out on team needs… if we don't have enough, we need to let the ownership know that we feel that they need to do more. We have had a great run but continued success is not a reason to say that, "Well, it had to end sometime." Maybe it doesn't work out this year and maybe there are some expiring contracts/players that we know won't be able to help us next year that we want to trade for farm hands but we as fans should be screaming for them to find ways to keep the window open NOT acting like it's ok if it does.
We have some good pieces and we have some not-so-good pieces. If it doesn't work out this year, we trade the pieces that we know need to be upgraded (expiring contracts and those pieces that don't necessarily fit) and build around what we've got coming back…
What we've got coming back – two legitimate aces, a premier closer, a budding young outfielder, a serviceable center fielder, a dependable shortstop and some other helpful pieces that can fit in our bullpen, on our bench and in the back end of our rotation… that's not immaterial.
I don't know what the answer is and I don't know what our needs will be or how to fill them but my point is that I honestly don't care how much ownership makes and what they think their budget should be… if I feel like we need a first baseman, I want them to go out and get the best first baseman available every time. I understand that's not always doable and budgets are necessary, to some degree, so I'll applaud them for moves that make sense in light of that but I'm not going to sit here and say that I'd rather have Michael Young than Adrian Beltre just because Michael Young is cheaper… I want the players that give us the best opportunity to win every time. Buy smart… subtract smart… if you trade Lee or Papelbon, you're going to have to find someone to close games and start behind Cole. Unless you can show me a better option, don't even entertain the thought of trading those guys away.
I think any buy/sell theories should be put off until after this upcoming series. Its been up and down this whole year. The same as the buy/sell rants. If they win one or two games its buy. Then when they turn around an lose one game its sell. I think Frandsden has proven himself to be a MLB player i wouldnt be opposed to trading Young. Sure there is a risk of Frandsden turning back into the proverbial pumpkin but i think i like the chances. The thing with trading Young you probably wont get much back in return. Is it even worth trading him at this point?
I agree. The blogosphere is overrun with buy or sell articles and we are still 19 days and 14 games from the trade deadline. The Phils have a chance to gain ground on two of the three teams ahead of them this weekend because the weak White Sox are in town (without Chris Sale, who pitched yesterday) and the Braves and Reds are playing each other. If the Phils sweep the pale hose, they will gain 3 gains in some combination on Atlanta and Cincy. After the break, they go on the road for 9 games at the Mets, Cardinals and Tigers. After the Detroit series, they will have played 105 games and will still have 3 days until the trade deadline. I'm sure – or at least I hope – that RAJ is doing his due diligence to be prepared to buy, sell or hold depending upon where they stand after Detroit, but it would be foolish to make a decision with 69 games left that does not have to be made until there are only 55 games left.
I could not agree more with the writer. Amaro not trading players and replacing the older ones has been his fault since 08 and that is why we sit where we do right now. Any good GM is always trading and wheeeling and dealing to continue to improve his team. If you look at Amaro's whole tenure with the phils…he is good at making the obvious signings/trades, but he can't ever pick up a steal or a guy under the radar…remember when Gillick was here he was the one that snagged Werth and Victorino. I always go back to 09 when at that point our players were in high demand. That year he could have traded an Utley, Rollins, Howard or Ruiz and got a boatload of talent. You need to look at the entire picture and project for three to four years down the road. Because Amaro did all the obvious stuff and didnt want to take some chances we are now stuck with big azz contracts
This writer wrote a good article…thanks
Back in 2008, and even in 2009, the Phils really didn't have any core players who were "older" so you should revise that statement about Amaro.
That part stating Amaro "can't ever pick up a steal or a guy under the radar" is also innaccurate. Some names to consider: Mayberry, who was brought over for a guy who's since been released; Horst, who was lights out last year, and was obtained for a utility infielder; Lannan, who was a non-tender; Frandsen, a minor league signing.
Amaro has made some mistakes, but so did Gillick. Remember Gio Gonzalez and Gavin Floyd for Freddy Gonzalez, and 3 years/$21 million for Adam Eaton? And the outfielder Werth replaced, who was paid something like $11 million to not play in 2009?
I also don't think Gillick would have traded an Utley or a Rollins in 2009. That would have been 3 years too soon, in violation of that overquoted Branch Rickey "axiom."and in 2009, Ruiz was not considered a great option because he had yet to learn how to hit.
Somehow I wrote Freddy Gonzalez when I meant Freddy Garcia.
Is that a "Freddyian Slip" ?
I have a complaint here: I find it rather presumptuous of anybody to automatically assume that the Phils are going to hang onto their big chips if they happen to still be in contention by month's end. Did anyone really expect them to sign Cliff Lee away from his other suitors, or to wait out Rollins' contract demands, or to let Madson walk? Amaro himself has called the current situation "fluid;" that alone should indicate "unpredictable."
I'm also with bacardipr: theories should be put off until later. I don't care if others debate, but I find it premature to speculate myself, and basing my speculation on possibly wrong assumptions about front office behavior.
"or to let Madson walk?"
If you think the overanalysis now is ridiculous, wait until the trades actually occur, and everyone will be in a rush to pass judgement before players arrive in their new cities.
I mean, that isn't exactly criminal, and it certainly fits the human nature bill, but I lifted the Madson quote for a reason. As I remember, he and Raul left as free agents at the same time. Raul keeps getting better, and Ryan is threatening to totally kill the trend of TJ surgery resulting in quicker returns all the time. So no matter who offers what opinions on potential deals, the only conclusion that should be had is coincidence may or may not validate their guesses. There are exceptions but some guys wind up thriving on right time, right place for immeasurable reasons.
Another post of philosophical rhetoric in the bog books.
You missed my point. I wasn't saying anything about the pros or cons of Madson or the crazy results of transactions. I was only saying that no one expected Amaro to let Madson walk, and Amaro did. I think that more than illustrates my comment about the presumptious nature of anyone who claims they know the front office will or will not do a particular thing. Picking the Madson comment out as an example of transaction crapshoots is your own invention, and is based on a rather a specious connection.
Some people in the national media think the Phils should also look at trading Rollins. I would like to hear what the author here and other fans think. My take is if the Phils can get value for Rollins, I would do it. Galvis is ready defensively to play every day, and I don't think there would be that much drop off offensively either.
I don't mean to complicate your question, but it's putting the cart before the horse to discuss should he be traded. The question is should he be shopped.
The answer is an indisputable yes.
But you yourself said if you can get value for him, they should move him. What is value? Would you take 2 mid level prospects? Or because he's got a year left plus an option year and not showing a real decline, (like an off year) hold out for a half decent releiver as well. The point is, this time of year isn't really about buying and selling, it's about liquidity. Only the top and bottom teams should really be strict buyers and sellers. But in no way shape or form is the Phils situation such that Jimmy shouldn't be shopped. Personally, I don't think he'd say don't bother because I've got that 10 and 5 clause. He might use it to his advantage. I don't see that whole plot evolving to a deal, but it's crazy to think of him as untouchable. Especially since Galvis isn't can't miss material that you can't wait to make room for like a Manny Machado. But should Jimmy finish his contract here? For now, I'd say PROBABLY not.
As good as Galvis is defensively, he is not better than Jimmy and, as poorly as a lot of us think Jimmy is doing at the plate, he is actually doing what Jimmy has primarily done throughout his career – .260 to .265 batting average but not as much power this year. Which, is better than Galvis has ever done.
Look, I dont know the answers either but, shedding Chooch right now would melt all the cool-aid drinkers hopes. We have absolutely nothing to replace Choochie defensively or offensively (with or without the power).
Shedding Paps at this time – what do we have to replace him?
Getting rid of M. Young – Galvis, Frandsen?
Nobody in their right minds would touch the Howard contract – Chase is Chase – absolutely one of the best, regardless if he plays 130 games..
I dont know what the answer is – moveable parts right now are probably only the pitching, Pettibone, Savery?
I agree on all points Brooks
SELL SELL SELL THIS TEAM NEEDS TO REBUILD NOW we have a huge tv deal coming so money is coming, Chooch is no good to us right now Howard.. well howard is howard which means over paid underachiever Utley is still remarkable but i say deal him for prospects its time to claim our division back abd we wont do it with old ass players who cant hit
Howard is untradeable. It is fine to suggest that they trade Chooch and Utley, but blanket statements like that don't make sense unless you know what teams will offer for them. Also, who do you want to play C and 2B next year?
Won't do it with just prospects either..have to have a mix..
I wonder what Rollins will fetch. He hasnt been to spectacular offensively at the moment.
Heck, if you're moving your ML shortstop when the probable replacement still can't hit, and you're trading away a proven second baseman, your closer, your best starting pitcher, your only proven catcher, and maybe a few others, why not just change the team's name to the Philadelphia Marlins?
George, couldn't agree with you more. There is no guarantee that prospects will equal future success. The Mets tried to build around David Wright and failed. The Marlins have had years of solid prospect acquisitions..Hanley Ramierez, Josh Johnson et al but they haven't tasted success either. This town could be looking at a very long draught after the departure of Rollins, Utley, Ruiz, Papelbon and Lee.
Because the Phillies would be trying to better themselves for the future, whereas the Marlins just slash all payroll so they can profit from revenue sharing.
Is Ruiz the Phillies best option at catcher? He has 3 extra-base hits for the year. I am fine with trading him but what is somebody going to give for him. For the Phillies, their interest would be for the team to take his salary for the remainder of the year. They are not going to get a good prospect for him. It will be interesting when Kratz comes back who the starting catcher is. It might be Eric Kratz.
I can see trading Michael Young. He is a decent enough hitter and has been getting extra-base hits lately. But he is not a good defensive option at 3rd base. While he has only been charged with 7 errors, he could have been charged with several more in the past few weeks. if you bring up Galvis to play 3rd base, the defense immediately gets better. Or you could use Frandsen at 3rd base and his defense would probably be an improvement over Michael Young's defense there.
Utley – Shop him around. Looking back at the mets trading Carlos Beltran to the Giants in 2011 is comparable to what RAJ should look for in return for Utley. They were/are at similar points in their careers along with similar numbers. The Mets got Zack Wheeler who was the 55th best prospect in baseball at the time. The Phillies should shoot a little higher due to Utley's remaining salary is about 2-3m lower then what Beltrans was.
Papelbon – Shop him around. The St. Louis Cardinals traded Zack Cox (62nd ranked prospect in MLB) for Edward Muijca who wasn't a closer, shows what a good bullpen arm can get when it's in demand. With Papelbon, I would go to The tigers and start off asking for Nick Castellanos (21st), Avisail Garcia (74th) and Bruce Rendon (95th) . . . Is that a lot to ask for? Absolutely and the Tigers would more then likely say no however, this is where I would come back with one of two things. 1. I'd offer to pay for a % of Papelbons remaining contract. This would be affordable due to the fact that Castellanos, Garcia and Rendon won't have high salaries for a few years. Or 2. I would throw Ruiz in the deal, the Tigers catching is their weakest position with Avila I believe hitting under .200. This deal would give you a 3B next year (and the future) in Castellanos (I'd move him back to 3B and if Utley is traded I'd move Ashe back to his natural position at 2B), a RF in Garcia (move Brown back to LF, Garcia's arm plays better then Browns does in RF) and your closer for this year and future in Rendon (he's been lights out in AAA and routinely touches 100MPH)
If the Tigers have a 6 year cost controlled "lights out" reliever in AAA in Rendon that routinely touches 100MPH, why in the world would they need to give up all those prospects to invest in a costly long term contract like Papelbon's?
Not kidding, please help me understand.
Lefty, teams do some mighty strange things when they're in "win it all now!" mode. Rendon won't help the Tigers this season, so they might actually be stupid enough to take on Papelbon. The Giants got a half-season from Beltran for Wheeler; Pence cost the Phils several top tier prospects (one of whom had a no-hitter going last night), and there have probably been a few hundred similar trades made through the years.
GMs should probably be put in restraints at the trade deadline, but then we fans wouldn't get a whole lot of laughter out of their shenanigans.
Because rondon has been getting lit up at the majors this year, he's not ready to make the jump yet it looks like… and tigers are in win now mode…
This is the same trade scenario I mentioned earlier in this post for papelbon… so I agree Eric d
Hogey, please see my response to Eric D below.
George, I think it would be funnier to actually see them all in restraints at the deadline.
The humor factor would depend on the type of restraints they were placed in. Straight jacket–maybe not as funny as some of the trades. Tied up half naked in leather and chains with a dominatrix standing ready with a vicious looking whip–now that would be a roll-on-the-floor kind of thing, definitely more humorous than watching a can't-miss prospect traded for a has-been having his final hitting streak.
Because John Heyman said so, that's why.
What I find hilarious about the papelbon rumors are that the to teams linked to him over and over again are the Red Sox, who's analytical department wouldn't touch his velocity decline and k rate regression with a ten foot pole for the return the phillies would want, and the tigers, who could have signed Rafael soriano to a similar deal in the off season and completely shied away because they don't believe, as an organization, that closers are worth that kind of money.
Cliff Lee – Shop him around. With Lee there are only a handful (if that) of teams who would even be able to afford to trade for him. I'd narrow them down to the Dodgers, Yankees and Orioles . . .
Lets look at some comparable trades . . Heck Lee has been traded enough himself so let's look at those first to see what RAJ.s asking price should be.
2009 – Lee (and Ben Fransisco) for Carrasco (52nd), Jason Knapp (64th), Jason Donald (69th) and Lou Marson (66th). Lee was also only making 6m for the year which came to 3m for the Phillies to take on plus the following year of 9m.
2009 Offseason – Lee for Tyson Gillies (NR), JC Ramirez (NR) and Phillippe Aumont (93rd). Not that any of the players the Phillies traded for Lee ever amounted to anything but it shows how much they gave for him and how little they got in return. I still feel the ONLY reason why they traded him so quickly (after they traded for Halladay) was because it would have been a PR nightmare for the Phillies to have Halladay/Lee/Hamels and then trade Lee say a week later. Although they would have certainly got more value for him they also would have had time where the fans could imagine a rotation of those 3 only to have him traded away.
2010 – Lee (with Mark Lowe and Cash) for 3 unbanked prospects and the 13th ranked prospect in the MLB in Justin Smoak.
Now back to the teams who could afford and want/need Lee's services . . .
Dodgers – it begins and ends with Zack Lee who is their top pitching prospect however is only ranked as the 62nd best prospect in baseball (to give you an idea, Our own Jessie Biddle is ranked higher then him at 61st). Since Lee isn't exactly a top prospect RAJ would certainly need more in return (a Zack Lee for Utley would be fine) adding in a Chris Reed or Onelki Garcia along with another prospect that ranks toward the back of their top 20 (in their org.) would sound about right.
Orioles – you would like to ask for Dylan Bundy however that would make no sense for the O's to move him nor would they. Kevin Gausman (26th) would be the guy I would target after him I have to be honest, I don't know much about the O's farm system. I would imagine it would take another top 20 or 2 prospects to make the deal happen.
Yankees – This would be a 3 player deal for me with the main piece being catching propsect Gary Sanchez (57th). I realize that the Phillies have several catching prospects in Tommy Joseph, Cameron Rupp, Sabastian Valle and recently drafted Jason Knapp (who I think is the best out of the bunch, if he sticks at C) but I don't think they are (besides Knapp) more then back ups or AAAA players. I'd throw Valle in the deal as well. I'd also target Mason Williams (32nd) and Ty Hensley (NR).
If Ruben made either of those three trades for cliff lee he should be fired. It's starts and ends with a top 15 midsession prospect, and if the team doesn't have tht they better be willing to ship off young controlled major league talent.
Michael Young – Trade. Locate the teams who need (or want his services) which is basically the Yankees and Red Sox. With Young you aren't going to get much in return, so this is where you look for your middle relief help. With the Red Sox I'm asking for Andrew Miller who has found a home in the bullpen. It may be a reach asking for him however this is the guy they should target with the Red Sox that will help this year and next (not a FA until 2015). If I'm looking for a prospect for him then I'm asking for Drake Britton a 24 yr old LHP, he's had his rough patches in the minors but has good stuff and stuff that would really play up coming outta the bullpen.
If I'm shopping him to the Yankees then I'm asking for Shawn Kelley . . Maybe Joba Chamberlain who NY would prob give up in a second for Young (Kelley would fit the bill for now and the future while Joba would be more now then later with this being his walk year) Would much rather have the former rather then the latter and would even rather have a prospect as well. Jose Ramirez, Mark Montgomery and Dellin Betances are all names that would be intriguing.
Andrew Miller is on the DL; I doubt he'd be much help now. I don't think the Sox would trade him for Young, anyway.
The Phils don't appear to want Chamberlain due to questions about maturity.
Your Lee ideas are suspect, too. The O's can't afford him, and the Yanks will be seeking hitters right now, if they seek anyone for they're suspect team. I also think L.A. is done spending like a drunken sailor.
This should have been my first post: The Phillies need to sell or else they are going to basically waste the value they have in Utley and Young. Both will be gone come the end of the year (Utley will be offered a contract so they get compensation for him, if traded they need to get a return that is worth more then a 1st rounder they would get for him) and what's to say that Utley can't go somewhere else via trade then maybe come back and sign here in the off season? That's for the ppl who want Utley here his whole career which to be honest with you I don't get. I mean I always hear that "Utley is a Phillie and he needs to retire a Phillie" last time I checked the player gets to decide who he retires as and Utley will retire as a Phillie.
As much as I'd like to see this team make the playoffs, we've seen this before. A few weeks back they reeled off a 5 game win streak and then got swept by the Brewers. What makes anyone think that this is sustainable? They would need to go like 42-30 in the second half (or the remainder of their games, not sure which it is) to even be close to a playoff spot . . Could it happen? Yes it could but is it likely? No. I just don't want RAJ to be fooled into buying or not making moves and then it hurts them for the future. They have a nice little core building with Brown, Revere, Hamels and then Biddle, Ashe (move back to 2B) and Franco . . . (Lee could even be thrown in there, I'm in the middle on moving him . . It would have to bring back a big return. If not keep him and he's still a 1 for the next few years)
"Could it happen? Yes it could but is it likely? No."
In the last week, the entire Atlanta Braves outfield has been injured to varying degrees, and their super sub Jordan Schaffer is also injured. And his back up Evan Gattis is still not back. That to go along with two or their three prize bullpen pieces being out for the season. There will be no more 12-1 streaks like at the beginning of the season for them. 42-30? I'm not so sure even that is necessary to win this division. I'll agree it's not likely, but I think the odds are better than you think.
Look Eric D, I like new ideas, I like imaginative and well thought out comments, and I commend you sir for that. But you can't just trade everyone. Once you make it clear you're "all out" selling, you become the dollar store for people to shop at, you get no value in return.
To repeat what I stated earlier, I don't believe they have to "blow it up". Just get rid of Papelbon before decline becomes too obvious, and maybe another veteran or two, and start to build for the future.
One thing I think we agree on, although you didn't specifically mention it, we should not be big time buyers. A scrap heap reliever or two, someone cheap, but no more trading highly rated prospects to try to win now.
If they're within a few games of the Braves by the end of July I would think there is ZERO chance they move Papelbon. Seriously…and I asked this question before….just who would then close games for a team that's legitimately in it at that point?
Same question that Charlie asked the media the other week, "who in the hell would I put in there?"
The braves losing their whole outfield might actually help them. You are talking about one uptown who wasn't even hitting .200, Heyward who was hitting under .230 and the other upton who was hitting under .240 since his torrid April.
And why would the cardinals give up a top prospect for a middle relief pitcher? Because that's what they needed at the time. Rendon is a work in progress and the Tigers already have said they wouldn't trust him this year . . . They want to win now and Papelbon might be the guy to help that.
Again we need to wait and see if this is for real by the phillies have done this all year only to then throw a losing streak to a lowly team.
My impression from your comment above was that this kid was ready for MLB action right now.
Your words "and your closer for this year and future in Rendon" probably were the culprit, I take "this year" to mean- this year.
I don't study the minors like you apparently do, just don't have the time, so it's not my strong point. I freely admit that, and I took your word for it that he was ready now.
Now you say he is a work in progress, and I'm left to ask, which statement is right?
Hey Lefty we have a bullpen full of lights out relievers (in the minors) how's that working out for us. So you're right to point out that comment (work in progress) and (Ready now). We've learned that the ready now's are all a work in progress. Till they mature and settle in. They all have the stuff or they wouldn't be here or even be considered to be here. With that said just look at Dom Brown. We were told he was a five tool guy who was gonna be an impact player. Well lucky for us we didn't unload him. (cause he turned out to be that). that was then and this is now 2/12 yrs later. It's funny how the kids in our organization all aren't good enough, yet everybody wants to trade for other orgs. guys who must be great up and comers simply cause they weren't in our system. Look at Olt he was a hot comotity last year by us and some people are still clamoring for him. yet he's not having a very good year. can't miss? They can all miss! ya never know.
Fyi on Olt, he started the year terribly, and was having vision issues. He eventually went on the DL, and since coming back he's been doing very well (the last time I looked).
I don't know what the phils are gonna do regarding buying or selling. The one constant thing they've done for about two and a half years now is make my hair (what's left of it) fall out! Hopefully when it's all gone they'll be back on top!
Rending would be a work in progress for the Tigers who are trying to win this year however if the Phillies fall out and are looking for a slight rebuild then Rendon fits the mold of someone who can come up for them this year. Sorry if I confused anyone.
Those trades for Lee would all net a couple top 50 prospects and another top 100. For someone making the money Lee is making and at the age he is what do you expect in return? 2 top 50s and a top 100 is a good haul for Lee


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~ Cyril, Bishop of Jerusalem, Doctor of the Church, Saint; on the proper technique for receiving Holy Communion in the hand (circa A.D. 347).

subset: commoncrawl


text:
See the last post in this thread for scoring details.
The standard rules apply (you can read them in full here) but, in short, they are:
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text:
I was pleased to see in your December 2011/January 2012 issue that you included resources for Tourette syndrome in your Resource Central directory.
However, the correct Web address for the Tourette Syndrome Association is www.tsa-usa.org .
Thank you so much!
Alisa Yaffa
Board Member, Northern CA and Hawaii Chapter of the TSA


text:
Kyle Kendrick is on a mission. He's been picking Roy Halladay's brain. Some days, he beats Halladay to the ballpark — which is usually as early as 5:00 a.m! By his current work ethic, it's easy to tell that Kendrick wants to be the Phillies' fifth starter.
The New York Yankees defeated the Phillies 7-5 on Monday, but the Phillies received an impressive outing from Kendrick, who continues to make his case for the final spot in the rotation. Kendrick tossed three scoreless innings. In the process, he struck out one, allowed just one hit and did not walk a batter.
On the other hand, Jose Contreras pitched terribly. In 1.2 innings, he surrendered six runs on six hits and three walks. There was a very slight chance that Contreras would be the fifth starter, but it's more realistic for him to fill Chan Ho Park's spot in the bullpen, with Kendrick and Jamie Moyer dishing it out for the fifth slot.
Also in the game, Jimmy Rollins (2-for-4) smashed his second home run of the spring. For the first time this spring, Domonic Brown did not get a hit (0-for-2).
Halladay will start tomorrow against the Braves. Andrew Carpenter, Danys Baez, and Ryan Madson are slated to pitch. Billy Wagner is scheduled to pitch for the Braves.
71 Comments
I know that this is still spring training and everything, but I really do not like what we have seen from Jose Contreras so far this Spring. He was a guy I felt really uneasy about signing to begin with, and he's really not making a good first impression.
Kendrick on the other hand is making a GREAT impression, and he seems so fired up to prove himself to the doubters, that I just want to applaud him. This is the kind of guy that the Phillies want to see!
I really like Moyer, but so far this spring KK has pitched really good, and if the season started tomorrow I think he should be the 5th starter, I know a lot of people disagree but I think Moyer can fill in long relief, or even middle relief, I like Jamie out of the pen.
Cant wait to see Halladay pitch vs our rival Braves. He is going to dazzle them and make them wish they had halladay. Hope to see Baez pitch better then Contreras who I think was working on his breaking stuff so today was an aberation and Madson will be good to see out there.
Moyer would be great in long relief, which still is a VERY important roll to fill. We need some bullpen guys who can handle multiple innings well without complaint, and I think Moyer would be excellent in that role. After all, he did a lot better last season after he was moved to a long relief role.
i don't feel i need to base my opinions of contreras solely off his performance thus far, i didn't think he was a good pitcher to start with. i was disappointed in that signing from the start and think they'd have been better off leaving the spot open for someone already in the system.
great to see KK and moyer performing well!
Contreras was money wasted, and it takes a job away from one of our guys in the high minors chomping at the bit to make their mark.
Chan Ho Park couldn't be retained…I get that much, and I like the Baez signing a lot. Unfortunately I never liked the Contreras signing, and I predict we'll all be running the guy out of town after a few months. He pretty much sucked his whole career, and he's not likely to get any better.
I'm with WFC010 on this one. I'd be much happier to see even a revolving door of high-minors kids showing their stuff than have to put up with Contreras if this is what we can expect from him. It just looked like the Yankees were completely wise to his game. He threw dozens of pitches in the dirt, apparently hoping the Yankee hitters would chase them, and no one did – hence all the walks. If everyone knows that he's a power low-ball pitcher and no one falls for it, then he's just a power walk machine.
Also, it was nice to see Howard get some singles – especially one the other way. I think even Joe Girardi (who was being interviewed at the time) said that if Howard can learn to hit the other way like that consistently, there's no stopping him. Maybe Howard should listen to the enemy.
I thought Contreras was just working on his breaking balls, hence the excessive amount of them. During his first outing, he was fine. I think he was just working on his command a bit. I expect him to do better than he did, at least.
I mean, certainly I am open to giving Contreras a chance. It's just that given his very unimpressive numbers, I don't see how paying him even semi-decent money is more worthwhile than giving some younger pitchers a chance to impress.
But then again, maybe Contreras will surprise us. Maybe he'll be one of those guys who impresses for one year, and that's as much (if not more) as anyone can ask. Or maybe he'll just be another guy out in the bullpen, ready to come in and mop up innings and maybe keep the team in the game – and you need those guys, because they keep the key arms from getting overworked. That would be ok.
It's one week into spring training. I don't know how Contreras is going to pitch through the season, but it would be a mistake to make any conclusions at this point. The veterans, especially in the first few weeks, are concentrating on location, grip, getting a feel for their breaking balls, and building up arm strength. Last year is a better predictor than two games in the spring. Contreras has already stated that moving to the pen is probably the best option to extend his career. He's not trying to crack the rotation, just getting into game shape. Like Moyer, Contreras knows how to get guys out when he doesn't have his best stuff, and he'll take one for the team when he has to (mop up).
For the younger guys (or those with "off" seasons in 09), results are certainly more important. KK needs to get his confidence back – so far so good. The Mets and Braves lean a little more to the right this year. If KK can continue, we're better served having him as a starter, Moyer, Contreras, Lidge, Madsen, Durbin, Romero, (if healthy), and a revolving door of kids for DL filler,…
Can we let these guys pitch more than 4 SPRING TRAINING INNINGS before we decide that their signings were good or bad . .
Maybe he's working on a new pitch? Maybe he was throwing nothing but fastballs, just to build his arm strength? Myabe he was throwing nothing but curveballs just to get his arm into a rythym??.. Who knows.. who cares..
they are in the process of getting themselves ready for the season..
so lets give them a chance before we give Kendrick the job (though I think he's already the front runner for #5)… and banish Contreras to the Camden Riversharks
your prediction of "RUNNING THE GUY OUT OF TOWN"
has a better chance of coming true, when people are slamming the guy after his second spring training appearance..
he was a low risk move.. if he helps the team, GREAT!
if he doesn't help the team, NO BIG DEAL
he was brought in to be an option.. if other guys are better then him, those guys will play intead of him. If he is better than other guys, he'll get the playing time, and we'll be glad we had him.
in his first season with the Yankees, 2003 … when he wasn't a full-time starter
He posted a season with 3.30 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and .202 Batting avg against..
as a starter his numbers havn't been quite as good . . . Im guessing the Phillies scouts saw something they liked in him, and im willing to bet that he helps us more than he hurts us this year
I agree with Don on this one,
We have not seen much from these guys. The Starters we have seen more but bullpen guys no.
My take on it is KK having 5 scoreless innings as a starter is great, but more importantly how he has pitched is what I am most excited about.
Contreras is working on defining pitches, I rather him do that in Spring training in gametime action and get spanked and live and learn, then do it in April and May. He will be fine. He is not a rookie trying to figure it out but a veteran working on some kinks.
Same goes for Hamels, the fact that he had success the first outing is great but what he threw in the outing was even more promising, and how he handled having the first batter go yard.
I love Kendrick's attitude and demeanor. That was part of his problem the year we won the Series. I want to see him as a our 5th starter if this is the consistent Kendrick we will see.
Moyer is tricky especially if he pitches well in the spring, but I have said it before and will say it again; When Jaimie Moyer is on he can fool the lineup 1 maybe 2 times through the order. Now unles he is pitching a perfect game that is like 4 maybe 5 innings. When he is off he maybe able to go through 1 time or not at all. That is a tell tale sign of a middle reliever. A spot starter as well. Kendrick(if he continues to pitch well and consistently) has more upside than Moyer over the course of the season. Also since Romero will be out for a little having a good lefty in there would be nice. He also is such a competitor and is a great presence in the bullpen.
So I see it like this.
Bastardo (Romero when ready)
Mathieson(if they go with extra reliever)
That makes the position players look like this
I think this is a more solid lineup coming out spring than we have had in the last 5 years. Especially the Pitching staff
Just an FYI to anyone thats down in FLorida for Spring training. If you plan on going to any of the lame Yankees games, prepare to not even get close to the field. Nope, they don't even let you down for BP. Went to the Phils/Yanks game yesterday and arrived early to attempt to get some good pics and maybe an autograph. well nope, that elitist club wouldn't allow anybody down to the field level without tix for the lower level, but they werent even available the second ST tix went on sale, they were all sold out for lower level.. All the more reason i hate the yankees.
Let's "run Ryan Howard out of town" because he's been awful at the plate this spring. Oh, that's right, he got 2 hits yesterday. So the "front-runners" can now change their tune.
Contreras looked like sh!t yesterday. But, yeah, he's JUST WORKING THROUGH THINGS. It's, what??…the second week of the spring games?? I would be willing to bet that by the FOURTH week he will look a lot different.
Sometimes it takes some of these guys some time to iron out the kinks, work on new pitches or, in the case of hitters, work on a new stance. That's why these are PRACTICE games.
Kendrick looked great though. Not overpowering, but impressively condident out there. Go KK!!
I was there 2 years ago. I will NEVER go back to that stadium to watch a game. Elitist is a kind word to describe it. Add "RUDE" to the list of adjectives.
On the flip side, caught a game at the Astros complex in Kissimmee. Completely the opposite…..very laid back, fan-friendly…..players not only sign stuff but TALK to the fans. Really cool experience.
The Tigers' complex in Lakeland is like that too.
Lay off Contreras. The guy's 57 years old. We can't expect him to really be sharp in spring training.
He pitched really well in Colorado's pen last year. And I think he has the potential to be just as good as Chan Ho was out of the pen.
Meanwhile, it's really encouraging that KK has four pitches working and is throwing all of them.
This year's staff is so much better than last year's. Remember when Myers was our opening day starter?
We could be looking at a staff with five pitchers with at least 12 wins
It's Spring Training… you can't get too high when things look good or too low when things look bad (applies to the entire season but is especially true during ST).
Tex, agree, at least double digits. Not only does the starting rotation look better than last year (or any year I can remember), but there are options. Chances are, one of the starters is going to need some down time, Moyer and Contreras are nice insurance for spot starting.
once again, not basing my opinion of contreras off of his one spring training performance. i'm basing it off of his mlb performance for the last decade. i think that that's a sufficient body of work to go off of. the guy isn't good. i hope he proves me wrong but i doubt he will. don- if he doesn't help the team no big deal? gotta disagree, if he loses them games then that's certainly a big deal.
I have to think that the 5th starter job will be Jamie Moyer's to lose this spring, but the leash will be much shorter than it was in the past once the season starts.
So christopher…..let me ask you a question….
If Roy Halladay goes 20-8 (which is a reasonable prediction for him)….then are them 8 games that he lost a "big deal"???
Just askin'…..
I dont think he's going to be in a position to lose them games… his role will be like a 6th inning pitcher.
Where you are either UP big or DOWN big in the game..
or as a Spot Starter . . . I would def rather have a veteran pitching than a kid with only AA experience. .
Regardless of what he does later this season . . the fact that people are expressing any kind of real concern for his Spring Training thus far is a little bit nuts.
I understand what Christopher is saying.. but I don't think that he'll be in any type of position where his pitching is going to have a big impact on our season..
chuck the difference in your example is the positive in that scenario clearly outweighs the negative. i don't think the negatives are going to outweigh the positives with contreras. don while i agree that's hopefully going to be contreras' role, any time you come into a game with a lead you run the risk of losing it, or directly contributing to a loss. we'll just have to wait and see. as for spot starts though, i'd much rather see KK or moyer in that role.
rather i don't think the positives are going to outweigh the negatives… got a little tongue tied there.
Hey… did I miss out on the Phillies Nation fantasy draft again this year? Hope not… can someone let me know? thnx
Spring Training is meaningless when it comes to the numbers these guys put up, but it means a lot if they are flashing new and/or improved stuff that they will definitely be carrying into the year. Everyone's touting Kendrick as working on his slider and adding an additional pitch to try and break back into the rotation. I'm more curious about what he's throwing than 3 scoreless innings (especially if there's only 1 strikeout). No walks is a good sign.
Does anyone have a more detailed breakdown of Kendrick's outing?
Based on what I've read, I think the two effective "new" pitches for KK are the cutter and the changeup. Couple those two with a very good sinker and BOOM. Magic baby.
christopher….I was being a bit of a wiseass. Don's right, though….Contreras' contribution….whether positive or negative isn't going to be the reason that we either have success or failure this season.
And, yeah, as I said earlier….this is only the second week of S.T. I'm not really all that worried about the 6 runs he gave up yestarday.
Great to see Kendrick kicking in. Hope he really shines in Spring Training and then does well as the fifth starter.
I am not a fan of Rueben. He basically is killing this team. He took over a world series team and has screwed it up. Last season he tried like hell to get Doc. The Jays wanted Drabek and Happ in the deal. He basically earned my respect by saying NO. Then turns around and makes a beauty of a trade. Getting Lee for some ok prospects. What a deal. Then this. He now gives up the guy he said we wont give up in Drabek. Plus two more major prospects for Doc. Are you kidding me. Then turns and gets rid of Lee for scrubs. We basically now have given up 6 guys for Doc. Then he tries to spin it and say the Lee deal was apart of the Doc deal which is a LIE. I do like Doc but not for what we gave up. If you were not going to keep Lee then shop him around to get some relief pitching. I dont care you dont keep him but come on. Then letting Park get away for the garbage Jose. There is no question Doc will be great but thats it. We have nobody else to count on. Our farm system is much weaker since Jr. took over. Guys like Taylor and Knapp are gone. Very sad to see what he has done to this team. Would of let Blanton go and signed Lee for that year. If Lee had to go, shop him around and fill the holes. SORRY BUT UPSET.
Jeff.. . . you're probably still mad about the Rolen trade too, right?
"letting Park get away" ??
we offered him more than he accepted from the Yankees
I love how everyone is an expert on the farm system and the prospects now . . complaining that D'Arnaud and Knapp, etc.. got traded is a phuucking joke.
Taylor is blocked by the guys we have now . . . and by this season, is passed on the depth chart/prospect list by Domonic Brown (who we kept)
Rollins, Howard, Utley, etc are only guarenteed here for a few more years.. so they traded some prospects to bring in Baseball's best pitcher, Roy Halladay, to win now why the rest of your team is good enough
By the time Kyle Drabek is good enough to help a World Series caliber team, Rollins will probably be retired,.. and the year will be 2014
Our 2008 World Series team had a starting rotation of:
Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer, and Joe Blanton
Ruben Amaro has turned that into:
Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, JA Happ, and ?
"basically killing this team" ??
First off Hamels is not the Hamels of 08. Who knows if he will ever be. We played a very average team in the world series.
Plus Lidge was lights out..
so he killed the team by bringing them back to the world series last year and setting us up to have the best team in the NL again?
If you're going to basically rip somebody apart….then at least have the decency to spell the person's name correctly.
We're not talking about a Jewish deli sandwich here…
It's RUBEN
This Seattle scrub prospect things never going to go away is it…? You can't look at Aumont and Gillies's numbers and skillsets and call them scrubs so it's obviously a lack of research. You don't need prospects who less than a year away from the majors if you have no spot or role for them on the 25 man roster. The Phillies are stacked with future role players near major league ready and have prospects with an elite billing in A-ball. There's no point whining over a D'Arnaud who wasn't going to see the majors for a long while when you've got a guy like Valle who can fill that role. Cliff Lee was not going to ensure a 2nd championship but was more likely to land us another CJ Henry or Mike Costanzo than a Kyle Drabek…
I really want to see the Phils make use of integrating arms like Carpenter and Savery into the major league bullpen but I really like the set-up of the bullpen this year. Baez and Contreras are both guys who can pitch in any role in the bullpen which should make Chad Durbin more effective in a more specialised role. If KK can win the rotation spot and add another righty to the rotation if Moyer was willing he would be a great addition to the bullpen, I was skeptical last year but he can come into a game and pitch to both lefties and righties and force them to have to make adjustments at the plate at a time in the game their settling in. If Lidge can hold on to the closers spot this is a very versatile, flexible bullpen with more collective experience than any bullpen in the league. It's not sexy but it could be damned effective, just look at that year the Rockies had a lockdown bullpen of people considered to be cast-offs too far past their prime.
To be fair to Jeff, SI recently ran an article where they ranked the managers in baseball. Amaro ranked 19th out of 30. So even though Jeff is probably guilty of painting him a little blacker than he is, others agree that some of Amaro's moves have been puzzling. As the article says, for as many great moves as he has made so far, he has made an equal number of puzzling/terrible ones.
I don't think I am a Phillies basher to say that I'm not thrilled with Amaro. Good job on the Halladay deal. But the two years and millions of dollars to Moyer? Even at the time that was a terrible idea. Same with the Ibanez deal. He's not a terrible GM on a Minaya level but outside of the Halladay deal, I'm not terribly impressed thus far either.
Here's a link to the article I am referring to: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/tim_marchman/03/03/gm.rankings/1.html
"very average team in the world series" ?????
The Tampa Bay Rays in 2008 were 97-65
While their team BA was .260 and ranked 13th in the AL…
…..their team ERA was 3.82 and ranked SECOND….
…..and their team fielding pct. was .985 and ranked FOURTH
So I would hardly call them an "average team"
I LOVE the idea the farm is weaker because the names that are there aren't recognisable after trading guy who'd be recognisable to the average fan for about five and a half minutes…
Carrasco, Donald and Marson's value was at their lowest because of not dealing them…
Jeff please do your research if your going to bitch and moan… By all means do it but you sound like the un-washed hobo in the corner of the bar dribbling down his beard and shouting at peoples feet as they walk by…
The 97 wins that the Rays put up that year, would signify them as better than "very average"
at least in my book.. they beat "better" teams in the playoffs
that is, if you consider the 88-win White Sox, and the 95-win Red Sox "better" teams
It's pretty impossible to be "fair to Jeff" in ANY respect at all.
All the guy does is bash EVERY SINGLE THING this team does.
Jeff, are you even really a Phillies fan….or just somebody that's always having a bad day?
Man it gets boring scrutinizing every single deal expecting to win every single element of every single deal…
Is Amaro really behind guys like Doug Melvin/Dan O'Dowd/Kenny Williams/Dave Dombrowski? Haven't the White Sox had the worst success for a team after winning a world series in the free agency era? Hasn't Dave Dombrowski currently got more bad contracts than anyone else?
Much easier to throw Amaro under the bus after a championship and successive world series appearance and blow smoke under Friendman/MacPhail/Byrnes/Daniels who've reigned over teams who've been able to acquire talent by being as competitive as a Buddhist monk in a bar fight.
NJ- I don't see how I threw Amaro under a bus. I merely questioned some of his puzzling decisions. You're not honestly telling me that the majority of people thought the Moyer signing or the Polanco signing, as far as years/dollars were decent deals. I don't expect the GM to rob the bank every time, but those deals weren't even equitable. The majority of commentators would agree with me on that.
As far as the exact rankings of the GM's, I didn't write that article, but merely included it to show that other commentators agree with me that Amaro has done a number of puzzling things. You'll have to argue with the columnist about the relative merits of Amaro versus Melvin, Williams, et al.
I am a Phillies fan. That means I gave credit where credit is due, but also question moves that make no sense.
Jeff seems to be one of those who seem to migrate here sometimes who think Moyer's deal was reprehensible but was no doubt scratching up the carpet at the deadline to acquire Halladay, who wouldn't have batted an eyelid at signing Alfonso Soriano or trading for Bedard as an Oriole and who probably think no good has come from getting rid of Abreu…
Prospects come and go, you build a major league team and support it with a farm that can re-invigorate it at the right time. Isn't that what Amaro is doing? Don't we have more prospects that have been through Philly in the 'top 100' than at any time in the teams recent history? Haven't we got more likely top prospects in A-Ball and below than almost any other team with a major league roster almost locked down for the next two years? Is the farm really empty? Do you really need accelerated prospects stuck in AAA or does the AA/AAA championship mean more?
Heather I apologize that wasn't meant to be an attack on you, I get that you posted it for debate, my comments are more for those who wouldn't the the sunny side of a fried egg…
the guy that did the GM rankings has
has Bill Smith, of the TWINS ranked #21
his reasons is the despite the teams great performance, and making the playoffs with scrap-heap players to go with Mauer and Morneu… that the trade of Matt Garza & Jason Bartlett -for- Delmon Young was a bad one.
he ranks Brian Cashman #3.. the man with the $200 Million payroll
"…the really impressive thing is that since he secured full control over baseball operations after the 2005 season, the Yankees have spent their money wisely, signing studs like CC Sabathia rather than sure bets for decline…"
Yea that's pretty impressive, signing a Cy Young pitcher to a huge contract… thank god they had Cashman at the helm to make that tough call !!!
among the reasons he ranked Amaro so low??
"..if so far successful, decision to sign 37-year-old designated hitter-masquerading-as-an-outfielder Raul Ibanez to a long-term contract have to count heavily against him."
So basically, a move that has worked great so far "HAS TO" count heavily against him. ????
That is the most A$$-BACKWARDS rankings list i've ever seen..
Would the name Drabek been so recognizable if not for his pedigree?
I'm not writing Amaro's name on my presidential ballot, but he's hardly killed the team. I'm not sure that in his shoes I wouldn't have made just about all the same moves. He's a quick worker who takes the approach that it's better to sign players before the market inflates their value. I'm fine with that.
The really chuckle is McPhail and MacPhail… And above all Hendry (aren't the Cubs the laughing stock of the upper teams in baseball with a very unimpressive farm system at all levels?)
Of course your going to produce prospects like Matuz, Tillman, Jones, Wieters if you plow your money into prospects and are fortunate enough to have an opposing GM come up with one of the worst deals in major league history. How are his deals on the major league level? Tejada? Mora? How has their pitching staff been under him?
The Rangers have got rid of virtually everything at the major league level in the last few years for prospects and have consistently been investing in prospects not veterans. If Amaro sold off the entire major league roster and collected more draft very early draft picks than almost any other team we'd love 'as good' as the Rangers do right now… Who's more likely to win a World Series in the next 5 years?
If I have to read one more idiotic post about the Polanco signing I swear I gonna throw-up on this site. (Not sure HOW I would do that exactly)
Can we just let the newly-acquired third baseman play AT LEAST one regular season game….before we start calling his signing a bad one??
Moyer…I get that one. BUT….this year hasn"t started yet, Jamie looks pretty good, maybe he can contribute (somehow I think he will)…..so let's just TRY to have an open mind.
Get of your high horse NJ. Get back to your job at Walmart. I can have my own opinion on this team. Yes Tampa was weak. They got lucky when the Yankees were not the Yankees. Pena and Eva did not hit in that world series. I love the Moyer deal. All those millions for a guy who will get destroyed against a good offense. Kendrick please. He will never be a good pitcher in the majors. Blanton will always be just ok. Happ I am hoping will be the future and Hamels has the stuff just has a big head that gets filled so quickly. Lidge is done. Had one great year. He can explode at anytime. Our bullpen is weak. Hey as long as we score 6 or more
Dang, Don beat me to the punch. Another – Epstein at #2. Spent $100M on Dice-K, and got a below average pitcher at best. Makes the Eaton signing look smart. Cashman at 3 is a total joke – Giambi, Pavano, Big Unit, overbid against himself for A-rod (who else was even going to put up $150M?),… too many others from both teams to count. Those two can cover up every bad signing with money. I agree with a few, but in general, it was lazy journalism at best.
At this point in his career, Rube is probably middle of the pack. Less than perfect, but certainly hasn't damaged the future of the org by any means.
Plain and simply put….You're an A$$.
Jeff what constitutes a strong bullpen, like the bench its the one place you don't look at the name on the uniform but how well will the guy fit his role?
Hey if your bi-polar your entitled to get a free pass on trying to bring the rest of us down but your opinion is just bitter and ill-informed, with no research and supporting evidence. Your just spewing out hate when the rest of us want to talk baseball, if your going to make a point go ahead, just back it… The rest of us will change our tone and say well play, don't agree but you've made a good point. There, something to aspire to. Now excuse me I have to get back to my job stacking shelves in Walmart…
cute chucky…get out of your moms house already.
Don't insiders constantly say success will be what defines a persons career, championships, MVP's, awards…
Isn't a better off-season defined by how close you are to being able to contend for a championship both now and down the road? Who has really closer on both of those, the Phils or 'the best off-season' Mariners?
I'm not saying its a conspiracy but the sports community doesn't like Philly, this isn't NYC or LA that gets a pass for its ego. The baseball community is very quick to forget the accomplishments of the front office/players on this team.
Jeff's METS are definitely going to be better this year, if they can get healthy..
Omar Minaya running things.. THAT is how a REAL GM does it
Ruben better wake up and stop ruining this franchise!!!
It's interesting that you tell NJ to "get off his high horse"…
….when you're the one that's spouting off like he's got the world by his throat.
And my Mom's house was sold years ago…and she's no longer alive.
Oh no… wasn't life so much better when Jeff was hiding under his rock?
LMAO on Cashman at #3. Anyone can sign the best FA's with that payroll.
I hate the no-trade clause in Ibanez' contract ore than the 3rd year.
Something tells me that no-trade clause won't be an issue…if the Phillies get to that point. It's probably there just as a formality….a "deal-sealer".
Jeff…what's your're opinion of that, again?? Didn't catch it the first time.
Hasn't Jake Peavy proved a no-trade clause doesn't mean much anymore…
A no trade limits the available options so you may eat more money or get less value in return.
MLB Network pointed out that Contreras hasn't
pitched against anybody but the Yankees this spring. I'd like to see him throwing to some NL hitters and how they handle him.
my opinion of Contreras is based off watching him in previous seasons and really not liking what I was seeing. While I would love to see him prove me wrong, I am trying to keep my expectations low and hope he surprises me. The deal was certainly cheap and low risk enough, I just hope that they don't keep him around if he does terribly.
And please, I don't like one move the Phillies made…so what? I was in favor of all their other offseason moves, so i'm not trying to complain.
Glad to see everyone's over the Halladay trade……Oh wait
First off change your name its embarrassing to be associated with someone who knows very little about this team and organization.
This team as it stands right now is in fact better than the championship team from top to bottom and will be.
You really can't judge a trade till all parts are played out.
So if Cliff Lee goes to Seattle and has an average year, Hamels regains form, Halladay wins Cy Youngs, and Drabek never amounts to anything along with Carrasco, Marsen, Donald, and friends.
Does that make Ruben a genius?
What if we win 2 more rings with Halladay and continue to have good minor league production.
When can some just relax on the deals made.
Jeff there is a reason He is the GM and you continue to work at 7-eleven and make minimal wage.
I think Jeff and mikemike are somehow related. Maybe father/son, brothers, or even just from the same depressing neighborhood. It's amazing how much they sound the same when they bitch and moan about the Phillies.


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Stacia Misner has over 25 years of experience with improving business practices through technology and has been providing consulting and education services for Microsoft's business intelligence technologies since 2000. She founded Data Inspirations in 2006. Stacia is a SQL Server MVP, MCITP, MCTS, and a frequent speaker at technical conferences, including Professional Association for SQL Server (PASS) and SQL Server Magazine's Connections. She has over 14 years of experience in business intelligence architecture and implementation, data warehousing, OLAP, ETL, and reporting and analysis. During that time, Stacia has authored or co-authored multiple books about Microsoft business intelligence technologies.


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http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/index.php?title=Packing_list_for_Bulgaria&feed=atom&action=history Packing list for Bulgaria - Revision history 2016-12-11T10:04:13Z Revision history for this page on the wiki MediaWiki 1.27.1 http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/index.php?title=Packing_list_for_Bulgaria&diff=719&oldid=prev PCWAdmin: 1 revision imported 2016-08-23T19:15:09Z
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Miscellaneous

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{{Packing lists by country}}

 The following recommendations are based on the experiences of Volunteers who have served in [[Bulgaria]]. Use them as an informal guide, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything that is mentioned, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. Many past and current Volunteers wish they had not brought so many clothes and toiletries and had instead focused on specialty items. You should not hesitate to bring items of sentimental value that will help you feel content at your site, but you can always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have a 100-pound weight limit on checked luggage; you will be responsible for any fees for overweight baggage. Except where otherwise indicated, all the following items are available in Bulgaria; they are listed here as items to bring because the quality of the items may be inferior, their price may be significantly higher, or they may not be regularly available in Bulgaria.

 ===General Clothing ===

 Volunteers need an assortment of clothing for work, play, and socializing. Since there is a variety of jobs, each with different clothing requirements, you should consider your particular job. Bulgarian teachers and other professionals have a fairly sophisticated fashion sense, which has been described by some as "elegantly casual," and your Bulgarian colleagues are the best models for what to wear in the workplace.

 Attire for male teachers usually consists of slacks with a nice shirt and optional tie. COD Volunteers may find a jacket and tie de rigueur for the office or that slacks or a skirt, and a shirt or sweater, are more appropriate. Youth Development Volunteers generally work in more casual situations, but still need appropriate business attire for occasional use. Suits, dresses, and skirts or nice slacks with blouses are all suitable work attire for women; however, avoid clothing that requires dry cleaning because this service is usually only available in larger cities. For both men and women, nice jeans dressed up with a nice shirt and jacket are acceptable in many situations. Three or four outfits should be sufficient for work. You will also need casual clothes for relaxing around the house, socializing, hiking, skiing, and travel. Good-quality jeans are available in Bulgaria, but they are expensive by Bulgarian standards, so you may want to bring one or two pairs of your favorite brand from the United States (dark or black ones are better than light ones). Clothes that are comfortable and that can be layered as needed to accommodate the season are best. Dark clothes are easier to keep clean and hand-wash, and cotton knits are best avoided because they don't keep their shape since you most likely won't have access to a dryer.

 In general, most day-to-day clothing you will need can be purchased for reasonable prices in Bulgaria, so you may want to use your limited packing space to focus on specialty clothing, such as hiking apparel or sporting attire and other unique and specific items.

 Some other suggestions follow:

 * Bathing suit (Bulgarian women tend to wear two-piece suits, so either two-piece or one-piece is fine)
 * Two or three pairs of fleece or silk long underwear (what is available locally is not of great quality), in colors other than white (which is harder to clean)
 * Several sweaters (good wool sweaters can be purchased locally at reasonable prices) 102
 * Scarves, hats, and gloves (think fleece, Thinsulate, and waterproof; it gets very cold in the mountains in winter)
 * Warm socks (you can buy normal day-to-day ones locally)
 * Lightweight coat or warm jacket, windproof and waterproof (mid-thigh or knee-length winter coats will keep you warmer than waist-length jackets). A wool coat is easy to buy locally, but it is not easy to find a truly waterproof jacket.
 * Shoes: high-quality, lightweight, waterproof hiking boots are an absolute must, and it is best to break them in before you arrive. You can, buy good-quality hiking boots from internationally known companies at a few stores in Sofia. Wool slippers and flip flops are helpful, and readily available here. Good-quality shoes in large sizes are hard to find; women's shoes and boots are especially difficult to find in larger sizes (over size 9). The quality of footwear in Bulgaria is poor, although there are some high-end stores in larger cities (with high-end prices to match). If you wear a larger size, you may want to consider bringing all of the shoes you will need for your stay including work shoes, waterproof boots, and casual shoes. Whatever your size, you will likely want to bring running shoes if you are a runner and other specialty shoes. High-end athletic apparel is available in larger cities, but often Bulgarians see them much more as a fashion statement rather than a practical purchase. The prices reflect that.

 ===Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items===

 Bring only enough to get through training. A wide variety of both locally produced and imported items (particularly in the cities) are available in Bulgaria, so do not pack extra toothpaste, toilet paper, dental floss, and shampoo, unless you are very particular about what brands you like. This goes for cosmetics, too.

 ===Kitchen===

 There are kitchen stores in larger cities in Bulgaria with practically everything you will need to equip even a gourmet kitchen; however, it might be easier and less expensive to pack some of the following:

 * Favorite local spices, such as chipotle sauce or items generally purchased at specialty or ethnic food stores
 * Favorite recipes using basic ingredients (you will also receive an excellent cookbook during training that was prepared by previous Volunteers)
 * Oven thermometer (oven temperatures and indicators aren't very accurate or standard in Bulgaria)
 * Garlic press
 * Plastic measuring cups and spoons (it can be tricky using recipes with U.S. measurements and metric measuring tools)
 * Stainless steel vegetable peeler

 ===Miscellaneous===

 * Compact sleeping bag, for weekend travel and winter warmth (consider a lightweight pad too)
 * Contact lenses and cleaning solutions (the Peace Corps does not provide contact lens supplies and they are expensive locally)
 * Sunglasses (can be bought locally, but cheap ones can be poor quality, and expensive ones are really expensive)
 * Sturdy, water-resistant watch with an alarm (or bring a travel alarm clock) and an extra watchband
 * Small backpack—durable, lightweight, and of good quality for overnight trips (suitcases are a nuisance and large packs may be cumbersome for short trips)
 * Money pouch or belt (to hide your passport and other valuables when traveling)
 * Swiss Army knife, with a corkscrew
 * 35 mm camera (compact ones are best, since they are inconspicuous and easier to travel with); Kodak and Fuji films can be bought and developed locally, but there are few places, even in large cities, that can process Advantix and Advanced Photo System film
 * A digital camera is a great idea if you are bringing a computer so you can download your photos — it's a great way to send photos home via e-mail and a great way to share photos with your community. Processing film is expensive and not available in most small towns.
 * A debit card or ATM card to withdraw cash that you know should work in Bulgaria and this region (for vacation travel)
 * Personal checks from a U.S. checking account (handy if you plan to apply to graduate school while you're here and as a service to Bulgarian students, who need personal checks, in exchange for cash, to pay for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and SAT tests)
 * Credit cards (a few banks in Sofia offer cash advances and ATMs are becoming more common; also good for travel in other countries)
 * Laptop—if you decide that you want one here with you (remember to bring an plug adapter with surge protector)
 * A few novels to swap and any resources related to your program that you feel you must have
 * Durable flashlight
 * Compact sewing and tool kits
 * Games (Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, Pictionary, playing cards, Frisbee, etc.)
 * Plastic storage bags of various sizes (generally not available in Bulgaria)
 * Postcards, maps, and pictures from home to share with your community
 * An American football

 Note: If you bring valuable items such as a laptop, CD player, or musical instrument, bring a sales receipt or other documentation of ownership. In the event that we have to send your belongings home as unaccompanied baggage, proof of ownership prior to your arrival in Bulgaria must be presented to Bulgarian customs officials to avoid excessive customs fees and/or export restrictions. Also remember to insure any items of value.

 Note: Don't worry if you forget something, you can find pretty much everything, especially if you go to any of the bigger cities. The communist years are over and since the late 90's availability of western products is vast and prices are still lower than in the US for most things.

 [[Category:Bulgaria]]
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Faculty Directory
Dr. Robert Kane
- Email:
- firstname.lastname@example.com
- Phone:
- 716.286.8085
- Office Location:
- Timon Hall, Room 134
Current Research
"Race and Representation: Japan and the Limits of Wilsonian Democracy" (book manuscript)
"Teaching as Counterinsurgency: Winning Hearts and Minds with Minimum Force to Build Effective Learning Communities," The History Teacher (forthcoming, 2010).
"The Potential Futures of the U.S.-China-Japan Nexus," Orbis 52: 4 (Fall 2008), 701-712 (doi: 10.1016/j. orbis.2008. 07.007).
"Race and Representation: Japan and the Limits of a Wilsonian Democratic Peace," paper accepted for presentation at "World of Power/World of Law: Wilsonianism and Other Visions of Foreign Policy," Fifth Woodrow Wilson National Symposium, The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, VA, April 16, 2010.
Kane, Robert G. and Mark Selden, "Pacific Terrorism: An Exchange on War and Terror," Japan Focus (March 2005).
Educational Background
Ph.D. History, University of Pennsylvania, 2002
M.A. Hstory, University of Pennsylvania, 1996
M.A. Asian Studies, Cornell University, 1992
B.A. History, Williams College, 1988
Current Involvement
American Historical Association; Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations
Association for Asian Studies
Society for the History of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era
National Consortium for Teaching about Asia


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Summer Cocktail Recipe from Tempe Mission Palms
July 12, 2013
Ready to cool off with a great summer cocktail? Our new bartender, Chuck, at Harry's Place created this refreshing drink, perfect to keep you "cool" by the pool. Enjoy!
Chuck's Special "Cool-Aide"
1 1/2 oz Orange Vodka (or substitute Orange Rum)
1 oz Amaretto
2 oz Cranberry Juice
1 Wedge Lemon
Pour vodka, amaretto, and cranberry juice in cocktail shaker. Squeeze lemon into shaker. Shake all ingredients well, and pour over ice. Garnish with lemon twist or wedge.


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Charleston Ballet to hold auditions
CHARLESTON – The Charleston Ballet, Official West Virginia State Ballet, under the direction of Kim R.
Pauley, will hold two separate audition classes for company membership and apprentice positions for the upcoming season. Open auditions for the Charleston Ballet Company will be held 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, for the next 2013-14 season of performances.
The Apprentice audition will be held from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 9 for younger dancers (ages 11-15). For the apprentice positions, male and female dancers must be between 11 and 15 years old with a classical ballet background and possess at least an intermediate level of technique. Girls must be working on pointe. All interested dancers and their parents must comply with the company membership regulations.
Male and female dancers of advanced ability with a classical ballet background are encouraged to audition for the company. Dancers must be at least 14 years old and women must be proficient in pointe work.
The upcoming season (2013-14) will include an exciting classical and contemporary repertoire and the Nutcracker with the WV Symphony Orchestra. In October, we will unveil Behind Barres: Reality Ballet Uncensored!. In March 2014, a performance of the classical ballet La Bayadere will be presented with the Columbia Classical Ballet in South Carolina.
These auditions will be held at the Charleston Ballet studio location at 100 Capitol St., on the mezzanine. Call 304-342-6541 for additional information or visit our website at www.thecharlestonballet.com.


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Think of the haters in your life as sandpaper; theyll scratch you up time and time again but in the end youre polished, smooth, and spotless..while they end up useless
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
ETA - I gave this stamp to gerrygirl as a stocking stuffer last Christmas. Took a while to wash the ink off my forehead...
[This message edited by BaxtersBFF at 12:12 AM, June 7th (Friday)]
NOT so Happy meal
[This message edited by Laura28 at 2:34 AM, June 7th (Friday)]


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Hao, L, Assmann, C, Gallop, JC, Cox, D, Ruede, F, Kazakova, O, Josephs-Franks, P, Drung, D and Schurig, T (2011) Detection of single magnetic nanobead with a nano-superconducting quantum interference device APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS, 98 (9). ? - ?. ISSN 0003-6951
Hao, L, Macfarlane, JC, Gallop, JC, Cox, D, Beyer, J, Drung, D and Schurig, T (2008) Measurement and noise performance of nano-superconducting-quantum-interference devices fabricated by focused ion beam APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS, 92 (19). ? - ?. ISSN 0003-6951
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2180 South Clinton AvenueRochester, NY 14618
Appointment: (585) 273-2751
Dr. Jahromi is the Surgical Director of the URMC Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center and an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery and Imaging Sciences. Dr. Jahromi holds a double fellowship in endovascular and cerebrovascular surgery. He has received the highest awards for neurological research in Canada, from the University of Toronto, the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada, and the Canadian Neurological Society.


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Man accused of wielding knife at girlfriend
BARRE A Waterville man has been charged with pulling a knife on his girlfriend during a fight Wednesday in Montpelier.
Austen J. LeClair, 21, pleaded not guilty Thursday to felony aggravated domestic assault with a weapon, resisting arrest and driving under the influence in Washington County criminal court in Barre. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 18 years in prison and a $26,250 fine.
According to an affidavit, police responded to a report of a domestic assault happening in a blue truck in a parking lot on Mill Road, off Route 12 North. Police say they found LeClair and a woman in the truck and told LeClair, who was driving, to shut the truck off and get out.
Police say LeClair instead started driving out of the parking lot, toward the cruisers. He slowed down when he came close to the cruisers and an officer opened the drivers door and pulled LeClair out, according to the affidavit. Police say a 5-inch-long knife fell out of the truck with LeClair and that he became combative and resisted arrest.
LeClair was eventually taken into custody. In court Thursday, he had a wound on the bridge of his nose and what appeared to be blood on his jacket.
Police said the woman told them Wednesday that LeClair had elbowed her in the arm and punched her in the head when they were arguing. She also told police LeClair pulled out the knife during the argument but that she was able to grab it and keep hold of it until the police arrived, at which point she was unsure how he got the knife back.
The woman told police she and LeClair had been dating a week and that his behavior that day was out of the ordinary. She said they had been fighting most of the day and that at one point during an argument his voice had become deep and demonic, according to the affidavit.
A competency hearing for LeClair is to be set, at the request of his attorney, Rosie Chase. LeClair is free without bail.MORE IN Central VermontMIDDLEBURY According to WebMD, Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes a persons muscles ... Full StoryTiffany Briggs and Kayla Jackson eyed each other across the table, clasped hands, and then it was... Full StoryMARLBORO Police are investigating a burglary on Higley Hill Road. Full Story
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Head to Cathedral Park on Saturday afternoon for a day of celebrating good ol' self-powered transportation. From some of the guys who brought you the Bike OSU Winter Bike Show comes the Alternate Transportation Festival, a day of walking and bicycle tours, local food demonstrations and fun for kids. At night, the festival heads over to Wild Goose Creative for four hours of music from the likes of Gelatinus Cube, Awfultruth & G. Mac, Prophecy the Crew and The Worn Flints.
The goal is to get outside, get active and toss around a few ideas about improving transportation in Columbus. Organizers encourage festival-goers to walk, bike, bus or carpool.
Shown in photo: Gelatinus Cube