Eaton Heartbreak Rumors

I'm not going to even bother posting a recap of the game. If you missed the game, consider yourself lucky. It was that bad.

Here is a perfect recap of the game from Phillies Nation. We all feel the same way. Two heartbreaks in a row.

In other news, Adam Eaton signed a minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies. Eaton, who was released by the Phillies in spring training and the Orioles in May, has a 8.56 ERA in 41.1 innings with Baltimore this season.

There has been rumors that the Phillies have been looking at Brad Penny, but the Red Sox would want Jason Donald in return. It doesn't seem to be that Vincente Padilla and Tom Glavine are targets for the Phillies, although at one point they might of been.

Orioles Release Adam Eaton

Adam Eaton has been released for the second time in three months. The Baltimore Orioles released Eaton on Friday.

Eaton was 2-5 with an 8.56 ERA in eight games. In his last start on Thursday, he allowed 7 earned runs in 4.2 innings against the New York Yankees.

"Obviously, numbers don't lie, but I feel like I've got better stuff than an
8.00 ERA," Eaton said after Thursday's loss. "One thing you can count on is I'm
going to keep trying and keep working to get the numbers turned around and start
getting some wins for this team."

The Orioles will likely call up Matt Albers to be a long relief pitcher. It is unsure who will take Eaton's spot in the rotation.

QUOTE SOURCE: Baltimore Sun

Call of the day: Harry's last home run call came off the bat of Matt Stairs against the Colorado Rockies.

"Long Drive into deep right center field.. this ball is OUTTA HERE!
Matt Stairs with a two run pinch hit home run. And the Phillies have taken
a seven to five lead here in the ninth inning and battled all the way
back."

PASA: Eaton

This series, Pitchers and Stomach Aches, is based on my new feature on Philliesnation.com, Decade's Worst Individual Pitching Performaces, otherwise know as DWIPP.

Adam Eaton: “I threw a couple of pitches down the middle that he normally would’ve hit out.” -Adam Thomas Eaton.

Well, you all guessed it. Number one on the Decade’s Worst Individual Pitching Performances is the one and only Adam Eaton.

Forever remembered around the baseball world as the player who cut himself opening a DVD, Eaton was originally drafted by the Phillies in the first round of the 1996 draft and later traded for Andy Ashby. In the 2006-2007 off season, Pat Gillick signed the free agent to 3 year $24.5 million deal.

In 2007, Eaton was 10-10 with a 6.29 ERA and 1.63 WHIP in 161.2 innings. He gave up 192 hits, including 30 home runs. Batters hit .302 against him.

At Citizen’s Bank Park his ERA approached 7. In the month of July, his ERA was 11.93.

He didn’t have much of any other pitch to accompany his fastball, which he failed to locate many times. Eaton had a 6.10 ERA and 1.64 WHIP during his two year tenure with the Phillies.

Ruben Amaro Jr. declared Eaton had no shot at making the rotation and was eventually released. The Baltimore Orioles picked him up. Due to the Orioles lack of pitching depth, Eaton is their number three.

Call of the day: The Phillies clinch the NL East as the Mets fall apart.

"Myers...has the sign from Chris Coste. Curveball. Struck him out!
The Phillies are National League East champions! Look at the scene on the field!
Look at the scene on the stands! This is incredible! The Phillies are the
National League East champions and will go to the postseason for the first time
since 1993! Wow!"

Bring Back Eaton!

Adam Eaton brought joy to Baltimore, making his first start of the year.

Eaton's line: 4 IP/ 4 ER/ 8 H/ 2 BB/ 6 SO

As sad as it might seem, his line was better than most Phillies in their season debuts, including ace Cole Hamels. If Eaton were still a Phillie, his line wouldn't seem so out of wack. In fact, Eaton did not allow a home run, while every single Phillies starter did.

The Orioles lost the game to the Tampa Bay Rays, 11-3. Pat Burrell was 2-4 in the game, but 0-2 against Eaton, including a strike out.

That's Our Adam

Adam Eaton made his last spring appearance on Thursday in vintage Adam Eaton form. Even if he didn't help his chances, Orioles manager Dave Trembly said it wouldn't be considered a tryout.

Adam Eaton faced the New York Mets, one of the few teams he had success against in the past, and allowed five runs on nine hits and two walks. He pitched five innings and threw 94 pitches. His teammates helped him out when the right fielder made an outstanding catch, leaping the wall and robbing Brian Schnieder of a two-run home run.

In 21 innings, he allowed 17 earned runs on 33 hits and eight walks. His spring ERA is now 7.29.

The Orioles haven't set their rotation so the number five starter is still up in the air. No one else has enough Major League experience as the other contenders are Brian Bass and Danys Baez. Another option could be to send Matt Albers to Triple-A. Either way, the Orioles lack pitching depth. When asked about if Eaton had a definite spot, Trembley replied:

“Let me go in and get a diet soda and … think about it. I’m not going to tell
you that right now.”

Unlike Trembly, Eaton remains confident.

"They haven't told me for sure, but all signs obviously point for making
the rotation," Eaton said. "I wish I would have made the decision a little bit
easier for them, but I know that if the decision is made that I'm on the staff,
they're going to be pleased with [it]."

QUOTE SOURCE: Baltimore Sun

Orioles Sign Eaton

The Baltimore Orioles signed Adam Eaton to a minor league contract. He was also invited to spring training.

If Eaton makes the team, it will only cost the Orioles $400,000 since he cleared waivers. The Phillies will pay the remaining $8.5 million on his contract, plus his $500,000 buyout for next season.

Eaton has a chance at making the team because the Orioles do not have much depth in their starting rotation.

Poor Orioles. My condolences.

Phillies Release Eaton; Other Updates

Finally! The Phillies release Adam Eaton. The Phillies will owe Eaton $9 million. Eaton was scheduled to pitch tomorrow.

"Based on where we are with our pitching staff and the fact that we feel
comfortable with our depth, we wanted to give Adam every opportunity to pitch
with another club, rather than wait until later in the spring when it gets more
difficult," Ruben Amaro Jr. said.

The Phillies lost their third consecutive spring training game today, 10-3. Victorino, who went 2-3 with two doubles, will join Team USA because Grady Sizemore is suffering soreness in his left groin.

In other news, Jayson Werth has yet to play in a game. Werth claims he isn't hurt.

“He’s just not ready to go. He’s just not ready to go yet. Swinging, running,
everything. That happens a lot. It’s no big deal. He’s not a whole lot out of
shape, just the way he’s been going through it.” Charlie Manuel said.

QUOTE SOURCE: Philly.com, Phillies.com

Eaton Doesn't Fit Here

Ruben Amaro Jr. already counted out Adam Eaton for the final spot of the rotation. Eaton was not shocked.

"I knew already, obviously. If I establish myself, it might not be here. That's
just the way it is. There's a lot of pitchers vying for the fifth spot. Stuff
happens. Who knows what's going to happen? Hopefully, nothing does happen, and
it makes it a very difficult decision for them. But I just have to get ready for
a season. I'm not going to shortchange myself or my teammates now or in the
future. If it's a season here in Philly, so be it. If it's a season somewhere
else, that's the way it is."

The best option for the Phillies is to release him, or better yet trade him if anybody is willing to take him.

Eaton said that he will not accept an option to the minor leagues:

"If we get to that point, I'll be released. And I don't think that's the
end of the world by any means. It would be kind of prudent not to trade for me.
I'm not going to accept another assignment. It doesn't take a rocket scientist
for another GM to maybe wait and take your shot at getting me for less than a
trade would be."

If the Phillies trade him, they must eat $8.5 million of Eaton's salary.

"I think odds on favorite I'll probably going somewhere else, but that's a good
thing too," Eaton said. "This isn't the only place I fit."

Eaton doesn't feel like he fits in with the team. He wasn't in sight for the Phillies World Championship celebration and didn't attend the parade. He claimed he would of liked to be there, however he was "not invited."

"Obviously, it hasn't been the best fit here," Eaton
said. "I haven't had two good years. For me to establish myself again, it might
not be here, it might be somewhere else. It's nobody's fault, it's just the way
it is. There are a lot of pitchers vying for the fifth spot, but like I said a
couple years ago with myself and Lieber, stuff happens. Hopefully nothing
happens and it makes it a very difficult decision for them, but I'll just get
ready for a season. If it's a season to be a Phillies, so be it, I'm happy with
that, and if it's a season to be somewhere else, that's the way it is."

It's almost obvious Eaton doesn't want to be in Philadelphia, and is looking for a new start with another team. In 2 years, Eaton had a 6.10 ERA with the Phillies. He was sent down to the minor leagues last year and even struggled there. Chances are Eaton will be moved by the end of spring.

Phillies Looking Ahead

Many of the World Champions were in town to attend Comcast Sportsnet's special, Meet the Phillies, and last nights 76ers victory.

Shane Victorino, Brad Lidge, and Ryan Madson took part in the 3 point shooting contest during halftime. Victorino won the contest, drilling the threes. Lidge was lucky to make one, and Madson.. well let's should say he should stick to pitching.

Chase Utley updated his progress on his surgery:

"It's not trying to find a way -- it's listening to my body," Utley said. "Right
now, we are listening, and it's responding well. If that continues to happen,
then I don't see why I won't be ready for Opening Day. But if there are some
setbacks -- which could be a possibility -- I'm not going to be dumb about it.
I'm not going to move through that. I'm going to listen to my body, and when
it's ready, it will be ready. Hopefully, that will be Opening Day."

Knowing they are World Series Champions has finally hit them, especially Victorino and Lidge. They are excited to start the 2009 season, and try to repeat.

“But ’08 is done. It’s ’09 now. We want to try to defend,” Victorino said.

Ruben Amaro Jr. looked ahead at the rotation for 2009, stating Adam Eaton isn't in the plans.

"[Eaton] isn't involved in it. We just feel the other four [Carlos Carrasco,
J.A. Happ, Chan Ho Park, and Kyle Kendrick] would have a better opportunity to
help us."

Finally some one understands a 6+ ERA isn't good enough! Ruben's picking it up. 6 of 7 arbitration eligible players signed, and counting Eaton out. Way to go Rube!

Notes: Carlos Ruiz will not partcipate in the World Baseball Classic with Team Panama. The Phillies have shown interest in Moises Alou and Ty Wigginton.

QUOTE SOURCE: Phillies.com, Comcast Sportnet, Philly.com

Year In Review: All Star Break- July 31

The All Star Break was over, returning to regular season play. Pat Gillick wasted no time making a move following the All Star Break.

The Phillies traded Josh Outman, Adrian Cardenas, and Matthew Spencer to the Oakland A's in exchanged for pitcher Joe Blanton. Blanton was rumored to be traded many times in the past, but this trade finally went down.

Another Phillies pitcher was sent down to the Minor Leagues. Adam Eaton struggled all year, and his entire career with the Phillies. Eaton had an ERA of 5.80 in 107 innings.

With Eaton in the minors, Brett Myers was recalled. Myers found his swagger and starter's mentality while in the Minor Leagues. He never looked back to the first half of the year. Myers had a 2.25 ERA in July, and 3.06 ERA during the second half of the season.

Pedro Feliz was placed on the Disabled List at the end of July. He sat a few games due to back pain before being placed on the DL.

As a team, the Phillies batted .270 with 42 HR in July. The Phillies had a team ERA of 4.24 during the month.

The big games:

July 22: Johan Santana shut down the Phillies for 8 innings, allowing just 2 earned runs. The Mets had a comfortable 5-2 lead heading into the 9th inning... or so they thought. The Mets bullpen struck again. The Phillies put up a 6 spot on the scoreboard in the 9th. With the bases loaded and no outs, Carlos Ruiz hit a chopper up the middle that Jose Reyes fielded. Instead of flipping to the second baseman for the double play, Reyes decided to take it himself. However, he missed the bag as Shane Victorino slided in safely, a run scored, and no outs were recorded. So Taguchi, who hadn't had a pinch hit all year up to that point, smoked a double over the head of the right fielder to tie the game. Jimmy Rollins doubled to drive in the go ahead run, and Ryan Howard also drove in a run. Charlie Manuel had been ejected earlier in the game arguing balls and strikes after a Carlos Delgado check swing. The Phillies won 8-6.

Other highlights:

On July 26 and 27, the Phillies beat the Braves, 10-9 and 12-10. In the 10-9 game, the Braves put up 9 runs off Hamels, only 4 earned. The Phillies 7 run 5th inning helped the Phillies win. A day later, Pat Burrell's go ahead home run in the 6th inning helped give the Phillies a win. In the game, Victorino was involved in a collision at home plate with Brian McCann. McCann had to leave the game.

Charlie Manuel had two rules: hustle, and show up on time. Earlier in the season, Rollins failed to hustle, therefore was benched. At the end of July in New York, Rollinsf ailed to show up on time missing the team bus. Rollins was benched.

The Phillies finished July with a 5 game winning streak, and a 59-49 record with a 1 game lead over the Mets for the division. With August on its way, the playoff race was just beginning to heat up.

Where Are They Now?

Players come and go. With the Phillies, some may do horrible, then move to another team and have a great year. Here is some information and stats of a few former Phillies.

Phillie Favorites:

Aaron Rowand- San Francisco Giants
.280 AVG, 12 HR, 67 RBI
.343 OBP, .434 SLG, .782 OPS

Jim Thome- Chicago White Sox
.253 AVG, 28 HR, 76 RBI
.376 OBP, .525 SLG, .901 OPS

Placido Polanco- Detroit Tigers

.312 AVG, 7 HR, 50 RBI

.356 OBP, .426 SLG, .782 OPS

Bobby Abreu- New York Yankees

.289 AVG, 15 HR, 82 RBI

.371 OBP, .467 SLG, .838 OPS

The Animals and the Fan Clubs:

Randy Wolf- Currently with Houston Astros. Also played with San Diego Padres this year.
8-11, 4.86 ERA, 133 SO, 152 IP

Brandon Duckworth- Kanas City Royals
1-0, 5 IP, 5.40 ERA, 2.20 WHIP

Paul Byrd- Currently with Boston Red Sox. Also played with Cleveland Indians.

8-11, 144.1 IP, 4.61 ERA, 60 SO

Sal Fasano- Cleveland Indians

13 G, .300 AVG, 6 RBI

The Ex-Prospects:

Gavin Floyd- Chicago White Sox
14-6, 3.70 ERA, 114 SO, 1.23 WHIP

Michael Bourn- Houston Astros
.224 AVG, 5 HR, 22 RBI, 34 SB
.283 OBP, .302 SLG, .582 OPS

Gio Gonzalez- Oakland A's
1-2, 19.1 IP, 6.52 ERA, 18 SO, 1.76 WHIP

Taylor Buchholz- Colorado Rockies
6-3, 1.61 ERA, 61.1 IP, 53 SO, 0.88 WHIP

The Booed:

Rod Barajas- Toronto Blue Jays
.256 AVG, 11 HR, 44 RBI
.307 OBP, .431 SLG, .738 OPS

Geoff Geary- Houston Astros
58.0 IP, 2-3, 2.48 ERA, 44 SO, 1.16 WHIP

Nick Punto- Minnesota Twins

69 G, .287 AVG, 2 HR, 24 RBI

.340 OBP, .409 SLG, .749 OPS

Scott Rolen- Toronto Blue Jays

88 G, .252 AVG, 7 HR, 38 RBI

.349 OBP, .501 SLG, .805 OPS

Also, not yet an Ex-Phillie, but in the Minor Leagues Adam Eaton is 0-4 with a 7.41 ERA. Ouch!

Oh, Adam

Adam Eaton made his first appearance in Double A Reading since he was demoted to the minor leagues. He pitched against the Portland Sea Dogs. The Phillies were hoping Eaton would improve in the minors much like Brett Myers did.

However, his first outing wasn't too good.

Eaton's line:

3.1 IP, 4 Hits, 7 runs, 6 earned runs, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts, 2 Homeruns.

He's 0-1 with a 16.20 ERA in AA. Same old Adam Eaton. Didn't pitch well in the bigs, and now the minors too.

What's HAPPening?

It's official now. Adam Eaton was sent down to the minor leagues. Like Brett Myers, Eaton accepted his assignment.

A replacement for Eaton has not been announced, but J.A Happ will likely get the call as he left yesterdays start after 2.2 scoreless innings. He also received high fives and congratulations from his teammates, so a promotion is likely.

On a side note, I got Brad Lidge's autograph today! My sister is attending a Phillies camp. She answered a question right, and as a prize she got a signed photo of him. It was really kind of her to give it to me! Thanks Laura!