Phillies News: Blasts from the Pasts

Larry Bowa has been contacted by the Yankees, mostly likely concerning their vacant bench coach position or 3rd base coach.  I bet Larry and the Boss would get along famously – just like with Billy Martin!

In other more relevant news, Mike Lieberthal had his right knee scoped on Wednesday but thankfully should be fully healed in time for Spring Training (which is only 5 months away!).  There has been talk about the Phillies shopping the 33 year old around, but a trade is unlikely for two gigantic reasons.  First, Liebs has a no trade clause since he’s been with the team for so long and second it is unlikely that anyone will want an aging catcher with rusty bionic legs.  It’s not like we have Mike Piazza on our hands who can easily transition to a designated hitter. 

Still, as much as speculating where Lieberthal could end up is an exercise in futility, that never stops us Phillies fans.  My immediate thoughts were towards sunny SoCal, where Liebs grew up.  The Dodgers would seem logical but they have a solid core of catchers in Dioneer Navarro, Russell Martin, and potentially Paul Bako

; not to mention their own “Lieberthal” in the under-performing Jason Phillips.  So moving further south to San Diego, this could be a possible stop, and if not, we’ll keep peddling our wares in Tijuana where there’s sure to be some takers.  The Padres are, in fact, devoid of a veteran catcher, but also – like the Phils – are searching for GM.  So while they should be on the top of the new GM’s list for places to shop Lieberthal, I could only imagine the reaction in San Diego if their new GM announced his first move was to pick up Mike Lieberthal.  Therefore, unless the new GM lists hypnosis under the skills section of his resume, is it looks like Mike will finish his career in Philadelphia.