Odds and Ends: Cuts, Werth, Divisions
-The Phillies cut 11 minor leaguers today, including Joe Bisenius who had a cup of coffee with the Phils in 2007. He, along with Brad Wilkerson, the former Expo, were let go. Wilkerson was attempting to make a comeback with the Phillies, but it appears he’ll have to latch on somewhere else. He was brought in for no other reason than to give the minors some depth, but they have parted ways today.
Other than that, no real shockers of those who were released. Here is the list: Pitchers Spencer Arroyo, Freddy Ballestas, Ryan Bergh, Sean Grieve, Jordan Meeker, Todd Van Steensel and Rick Guttormson. Infielder Jeremy Hamilton and outfielders Gus Milner and Arlon Quiroz.
-Is Jayson Werth being courted deviously by the Yankees? Werth had lunch with Yankees great Reggie Jackson yesterday, and although it is not considered tampering, it certainly looks suspicious.
Werth called Jackson a long-time friend and said he’s known him since he was seven years old. Whatever the case may be, it looks fishy to those on the outside. It’s going to be talking about all year long, this impending Werth free-agency at the end of the season. So, unfortunately, this is the news of the day.
What are your thoughts on a possible Yankee/Werth marriage down the line? I think it would sting so much more if the Yankees or Mets were involved, strictly from a fans perspective.
–Buster Olney of ESPN.com wrote an interesting piece today about getting rid of divisions in MLB. While he brings up some solid points (namely that the Yankees and Red Sox are jerks…kidding…maybe) I just don’t see Major League Baseball messing with this too much. Now, adding another Wild Card team could be beneficial, but this rabid realignment seems overblown to me.
