The Dipsy
Chairman of the Derek Lowe in Pinstripes Foundation

1) Scott Eyre signs a one-year, $2 million contract.

Eyre signed a one-year contract for $2 million less than he made last year? I don’t know about you guys, but something tells me that he didn’t volunteer for that; he was only one of the keys to our bullpen’s resurgence. Something tells me that the Phils purposefully tried to lowball their free agents, and in Eyre’s case, they may simply have gotten lucky that the man has a good head on his shoulders and realized that $2 million is a lot of money to throw a baseball for one inning a night, if, of course, that was the reason he signed for less money. Maybe this was Ruben’s idea, but then again, maybe not – he may’ve learned from Fast Eddie Wade, but Eddie spent in the upper $90 million range during his last years here – the thing is, he just spent it dumbly. Most likely it is the Phillies brain-freeze trust writing the paychecks who made this decision and told Amaro how much payroll we need to shed.

2) Phillies trade minor league OF Greg Golson to Texas for minor league OF Andrew Mayberry.

Andrew Mayberry? That was one of Amaro’s first moves. They made this move almost two weeks ago, long before the salary arbitration period was over. The fact that they trade for a guy with slightly more power than Golson indicates that they had no intention of even offering Burrell arbitration.

You just had to sense that the Ring Wraiths who comprise our ownership were uncomfortable with the payroll being in the hundred millions for two years running. And with the economy the way it is, they’ve even less a choice – even the Yankees withheld arbitration for Bobby Abreu. Look at what Buster Olney wrote on his insider blog: “a month ago, the notion of Abreu as a $16 million player didn’t seem so outrageous. In the current climate, however, executives with other teams believe Abreu might be fortunate to make $8 million. It appears that no other team will offer Abreu anything close to what he would make in arbitration with the Yankees.” And it’s not like he had a bad season – he’s 34, and according to Olney, Abreu hit “.296 with 20 homers and 100 RBIs, and an on-base percentage of .371.” And he didn’t get arbitration. And that’s the YANKEES. If the Yankees don’t offer arbitration, you know that it’s going to be a slow winter. That’s just the market, folks – and besides, who in baseball doesn’t deserve a pay cut? I’m sorry, but so many players are egregiously overpaid, it’s ridiculous.

I don’t trust Amaro because I’ve always thought of him as Fast Eddie Wade’s boy, but he at least showed he’s not completely dumb in not wanting to sign Garrett Anderson, whose probably more brittle to breakdown than was David Bell’s back. (Not that Fast Eddie would’ve hesitated to sign him, by the way). Yeah, I regret the loss of draft picks, but let’s see a) where either Moyer or Burrell end up, b) how they fare if they depart for greener dollar pastures, c) who any replacements will be, and d) how those potential replacements fare. We already got Eyre to sign for less, let’s hold out hope that our local hero (Jamie) and our one-time wunderkind (Burrell) sign for less.

You know what the worst part is, though? We might have either of them signed, or either of their replacements signed, if need be, were it not for Adam Eaton’s $8 million dollar salary next year. If he got suspended for steroid usage, would he forfeit his salary?

http://www.reclinergm.com/why-the-phils-didnt-offer-arbitration-to-burrell-or-moyer/

had they offered burrell and moyer arbitration, they would have likely both accepted because there is NO market for either. That’s about $16 mill and $8 tacked on to our $100 mill payroll which pushes us to $124 million. At that point, we have no flexability to add anyone else, essentially ending our offseason.

by not offering arbitration, it enables them to either sign the players for less money, leaving money left for a reliever or starter, OR explore options at the winter meetings.

It is no way a slap in the face. Less teams would have interest in Moyer and Burrell if it costs them a first round pick.

Here’s a goofy thought…
After the trade is made, the new freed-up payroll goes toward the long-term contract offered Matt Holliday.

‘Tis the season to create unfounded rumors….heh, heh.

If not, then go ahead and sign Howard and Hamels to a long term deal like Utley, then you can at least predict what the payroll is from year to year. Plus you get them a little cheaper than waiting until FA. If they dont lock up Howard this off-season, then he’s as good as gone.

Also I just read to save some extra money and ink the phillies are going to start spelling their name “Fillies” The “Ph” is to $$$$$$