New Year, New Reliever

Today the Phillies agreed to terms with 32-year old right-handed relief pitcher Danys Baez, formerly of the Orioles.  Pending the physical exam, Baez will be given a 2-year contract.  He went 4-6 with a 4.02 ERA in 59 games last year, did not pitch in 2008 due to ligament surgery on his right pitching elbow and had a dismal 2007 with a 6.44 ERA in 53 games.  Baez does have closing experience, which might be helpful if Brad Lidge is not ready to pitch in 2010. 

However, this move is still a bit of a head scratcher.  Baez had two good seasons; his rookie year in 2001 and with Tampa Bay in 2005.  But his lifetime ERA is 4.04 with a record of 35-49.  Charlie Manuel managed him from 2001-2001 when he played for the Indians, which we all know means that Chuck likes him a bunch, as he does most of his ex-players.  It is easy to assume that played a factor in the decision.

Also, Baez is a righty, and the pen is in desperate need of lefties with only JC Romero signed and a few rookie possibilities.  Scott Eyre’s future is still uncertain.  So, this move tells us a few things:  #1 – The Phillies are not confident that Lidge will be game-ready in April.  #2 – The Phillies are willing to take their chances with the left-handed rookies, Sergio Escalona and Antonio Bastardo.  #3 – Although we do not know the contract amount yet, it is safe to assume Baez came cheap.  That means, the Phillies have blown their payroll and this will be the last big move, aside from handing out a few raises.


P4137079 jmoyer.jpgAnother pitcher whose status is uncertain is Jamie Moyer.  He has had 2 surgeries already since September, 3 hospital visits, 2 blood infections, a PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) and a partridge in a pear tree.  Well, at least there was a little holiday cheer thrown in for him.  All that and he is now scheduled for surgery #3 in January on his right knee to repair his meniscus.  At 47 years of age, one has to wonder if Moyer will be able to recover from such an ordeal and come back to pitch effectively.  Then again, if anyone can defy the laws of aging, it would be Moyer.  I wish him the best of luck and a speedy recovery!

I would also like to take this time to wish everyone out there a very Happy New Year!  Be safe :O)

Photo by Jenn

 

*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin’ Phils Phorum in the My Team Rivals network*

 

6 comments

  1. raysrenegade

    Jenn,
    Baez is a good thing.
    I have been chummy with him for a few years and he was hoping for a team on the East coast of the United States.
    And he is a great insurance polivy if Ledge or Romero do not come back 100 percent.
    I am sure by August people in Philly will wonder why it was not done sooner or for more time.
    At least I know I can go to Clearwater this Spring and see Danys in the Philly Bullpen at BrightHouse Field.

    Rays Renegade

    http://raysrenegade.mlblogs.com

    Reply
  2. phillies_phollowers

    Thank you Renegade! Don’t know much about him beyond stats, so that makes me feel better :O) Look forward to seeing what he brings! Happy New Year!

    Reply
  5. devilabrit

    Not sure yet if Baez is good for us or not, his stats show him as a similar Durbin type pitcher, but who knows he may have his best year yet in the Phillies pinstripes…
    Happy New Year
    ~peter
    Outside the Phillies Looking In
    http://devilabrit.mlblogs.com

    Reply

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