Halladay Takes on Reds

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Cincinnati Reds (49-39) at Philadelphia Phillies (45-40).
Travis Wood (0-0, 3.86 ERA) vs. Roy Halladay (10-7, 2.33 ERA).

How can last night's comeback be topped? How about with a Halladay?

With Roy Halladay on the hill, there is a very good chance that the Phillies can win the series, since they already took the first two games of the four game set. The only setback could be the weather. It's been raining all day, and the forecast isn't too promising. Let's hope they can get this one in without a delay. A rain delay in the middle of the game could take Halladay out of the game, putting it into the hands of the bullpen.

Everybody knows what to expect from Halladay. He could easily have 13 or 14 wins, if not for a struggling offense. On the other hand, it's unsure what to expect from Travis Wood, who is making his third Major League start. The Reds have several top pitching prospects, and Wood is one of them. Wood has pitched well in his 11.2 innings in the big leagues, but still seeks his first win. Against Roy Halladay, odds are against him.

The Reds may have some concern if Wood struggles, or has to be lifted due to a rain delay. The Reds bullpen has struggled two nights in a row, and has been worked for quite a few innings. Getting to the Reds' bullpen could be a key for the Phillies.

The Phillies are in a pretty good position to take the series tonight, but as shown last night, anything can happen.

Mets Sign K-Rod; Other Updates

The Winter Meatings have begun and teams have already made significant moves.

The New York Mets are close to finalizing a deal with the single season all time saves leader, Francisco Rodriguez. The deal is reportedly worth $37 million over 3 seasons, much less than what K-Rod was expected to get.


K-Rod completed 62 saves in 2008, passing Bobby Thigpen's record set in 1988 at 59 saves. In his career, K-Rod has a 2.35 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 587 SO in 451.2 IP (an average of 11.70 K/9). Opponents have hit just .186 off the 26 year old.

So, what does this mean for Phillies fans? Obviously, K-Rod is a great closer, but can be overrated due to his saves. Don't fall into the saves stat too much as its more team dependent than originally thought. K-Rod will only help the Met's bullpen, but the Mets still have to get to K-Rod, as they still need to improve their bullpen. As long as the Mets opponent is winning, Franky Rodriguez won't get into the game.

Another Major League closer is close to a deal. Kerry Wood. Wood, former Cub, Rookie of the Year, and starter who once threw 20 strikeouts in one game, is close to a deal with the Cleveland Indians. Wood has been bothered his entire career with injuries, but the Indians are taking a chance with him.

Former Indian, Casey Blake signed a 3 year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 35 year old third basemen is a career .264 hitter.

The Cincinatti Reds traded Ryan Freel, minor leaguers Justin Turner and Brandon Waring for Ramon Hernandez. In 2008, Hernandez batted .257 with15 HR and 65 RBI. Freel missed a lot of time do to injury.

The Red Sox appear to be making a big push toward free agent Mark Teixeira. As for CC Sabathia, the Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants are interested. Count So Taguchi off the Astors list.. They aren't interested.

In Phillies news, the Phillies picked up Charlie Manuel's 2010 option. Manuel will manage the Phillies through 2010. The Phillies, along with the Yankees, appear to be the big suitors for Derek Lowe. Another rumor involves the Phillies getting Mark Derosa in a 3 way trade in which the Cubs would get Jake Peavy. J.A. Happ or Chris Coste would be traded for DeRosa.

That is the latest from the hot stove as it keeps heating up.