Odds and Ends: Cuts, Lidge, Franzke, Castillo
Stutes wowed some people with a strong showing in Clearwater. (PHOTO: AP)
Michael Stutes, who impressed the Phillies so much that they kept him around through the first round of cuts, was sent down to the minor league camp this morning along with Vance Worley, INF Jeff Larish, SS Freddy Galvis, OF Brandon Moss, LHP Dan Meyer and LHP Juan Perez.
Stutes was always a long shot to make the club when camp breaks later this month, but he did open some eyes with a very consistent showing. He may now be the first call up from the minors should an injury occur this season.
Worley is likely to be a starter with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, and I know for a fact the Phillies brass really likes this kid. He has to the potential to be a part of any rotation in the big leagues, although he’s currently blocked in Philly.
Galvis has had a so-so spring thus far. He only hit .240 with the big club while committing two errors in 12 appearances at shortstop. For Galvis, it all comes down to being able to hit for average, something he’s been unable to do at the lower levels.
LIDGE FEELS FINE
Brad Lidge threw a bullpen session this morning and felt no discomfort in his pitching shoulder and bicep. Soreness kept him from throwing at full capacity for several days, although Lidge continually downplayed the situation saying it was just normal soreness. No one was buying it though after the term “general soreness” took on a life of its own. Lidge told the media he hopes to be pitching in a game in 3-4 days.
For now, everything looks to be fine with the Phillies closer. He’ll need to find that fastball and get it back to 90 mph at the very least before he’s truly 100 percent.
SCOTT FRANZKE STAYING PUT
This is welcomed news at a time when much of it has been negative pertaining to the Phillies. Radio voice Scott Franzke is sticking around with the Phillies until 2016.
Franzke inked a contract extension with the team today to call their games on the radio, according to Paul Hagen of the Philadelphia Daily News. Franzke has fast become a fan favorite, not an easy task when considering who he took over for.
Here are some tweets on Franzke from today:
@emopause: “So glad that Franzke is sticking around. He’s turned into an amazing broadcaster and a worthy successor to HK.”
@Alex_Chap: “Great news about Franzke! Now, how do we get him and LA on TV??”
At the end of last season, with the Texas Rangers TV gig up for grabs (Franzke is from Texas), I put him on the spot during a radio show on 97.3 ESPN FM and he responded by saying this was the only place he wanted to be. It appears he meant it and will be here for several more years. Congrats, Scott.
CASTILLO CUT BY METS
Luis Castillo was let go by the New York Mets after a sub-par 2010 season. Now, the rumors are starting to bubble that Castillo could be a fit for the Phillies as they continue to await the progress of Chase Utley.
Corey Seidman is working on a piece pertaining to Castillo, it should be up later today.
