The Other Side of the Trade

Many are calling the cops on Ruben Amaro Jr. for stealing. As you know by now, the Indians traded Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco to the Phillies in exchange for Jason Knapp, Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, and Lou Marson.

The edge appears to be for the Phillies who got a Cy Young winner, a right handed bat, and saved their best prosepcts in J.A Happ, Kyle Drabek, Dominic Brown and Michael Taylor. While they aren't the highest ranked prospects, the Indians got four decent prospects in return, two who are very close to being Major League ready.

The Indians are set in the catching department with Victor Martinez and Kelly Shoppach, but Marson is very close to being MLB ready. The 23 year old doesn't have much power, but hits for a high average. His catching abilities are impressive; he blocks the ball well and has a strong arm.

Donald, like Marson, is returning from an injury this year. Donald can also hit for average, but has a little more pop than Marson. Donald is very versatile. Primarily a plays shortstop, he can also play second and third. In the long haul, I think second will be a better option for him because he doesn't have the greatest arm strength. Asdrubal Cabrera is doing okay for the Tribe this year, but Donald could make an impact in 2010.

Jason Knapp has the most potential of the bunch, and he was the centerpiece of this deal. He is a strikeout machine, and he is only 18. He has 111 strikeouts in 85.1 innings, that's 11.7 K/9.

Carlos Carrasco has fallen off the radar, but he once touted as the Phillies best prospect. He has a very good curveball, and people forget how young he is (22). He'll probably be a middle of the rotation starter in the future, but he has always been a top prospect despite a shaky year this season. A change of scenery might help him too. He can turn around his struggles, he is a talented pitcher.

Even though the Indians didn't get the Phillies best prospects, the Indians still received a good amount of talent in return.

Phillies a Favorite in Hallady Sweepstakes

Originally featured on Phillies Nation.

The Phillies have been looking for a pitching upgrade for quite some time, and now they could be an early favorite to land Roy Halladay. Halladay would be a perfect option for the Phillies; a ground ball pitcher in a hitter-friendly park. Toronto's general manager, J.P. Ricciardi, is in no rush to trade Halladay, but made it known that Halladay is on the market.

The Phillies' deep farm system makes them a popular favorite. They have a stronger farm system than in recent years, and the Phillies are not afraid to part with their prospects. The Blue Jays addressed they would like a shortstop. The Phillies could package Jason Donald in a deal. The Blue Jays had interest in Donald last year.

Also, the Blue Jays are unlikely to trade Halladay to a team within their division. That eliminates the Red Sox and Yankees, opening a door for the Phillies. The Blue Jays would be happy if he was out of the American League all together.

The only problem is that Halladay has a long list of teams he does not want to not play for. Ricciardi did not mention the teams, but there is always a possibility the Phillies are on that list.

Injury Updates

Scott Eyre has been placed on the 15 day disabled list with a strained right calf. Kyle Kendrick was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Eyre could be out for "quite a while."

Jason Donald will need surgery on his right knee and will miss 3-4 weeks. Lou Marson was also placed on the disabled list. Donald and Marson were both hitting under .235 in Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Pharm Phriday: 5/15

This edition of Pharm Phriday is a bit more laid back. It was featured on Phillies Nation earlier in the week, but I updated the stats.


The Phillies Triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, are 14-19, 5th place in International North League.

Standout Star

Mike Cervenak: .328 AVG/ 3 HR/ 22 RBI/ .832 OPS

Jason Donald and Carlos Carrasco are two minor leaguers that everybody has their eye on. Donald has been up and down so far this season, but is tearing up lefties. He is hitting .421 against them. Overall he is batting .254 with one home run and 13 runs batted in. His on-base plus slugging percentage is .679. He has played the majority of the time at shortstop, but has played a few games at third base.

Carrasco was off to a terrific start, but has struggled in his last four starts. In his first three starts he lacked run support from the IronPigs so he had no wins to show for it. In 35.1 innings, he has 37 strikeouts, but is 0-4 with a 6.62 earned run average and allowed 1.75 walks per innings pitched.

Kyle Kendrick is 2-2 with a 3.75 ERA in seven starts. He has allowed a lot of hits (39 in 36 innings), but has been able to escape jams.

The Double-A Reading Phillies are 18-13, and in 3rd place in the Northern Eastern League.

Standout Stars

Michael Taylor: .310 AVG/ 6 HR/ 23 RBI/ 5 SB/ 9.65 OPS

Vance Worley: 3-0/ 2.11 ERA/ 0.86 WHIP/ 34 SO/ 38.1 IP

Class A Advanced team, the Clearwater Threshers, are 18-15. They are in 2nd place in the Florida State League North.

Standout Star-

Dominic Brown: .317 AVG/ 6 HR/ 26 RBI/ .974 OPS

Dominic Brown has been the standout star by far, but Kyle Drabek is a player to watch. So far he has rebounded nicely from Tommy John surgery. He is 3-0 with a 2.21 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. He has struck out an amazing 51 batters in 40.2 innings.

The Class A Lakewood Blue Claws are 18-14. They are in 2nd place in the Northern South Atlantic League.

Jason Knapp is the player to watch for the Blue Claws. Overall he is 2-3 with a 3.82 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, but was practically lights out in his first four starts. He was rocked in two of his outings, but his 53 strike outs in 37.2 innings is unbelievable.

Pharm Phriday: 4/17

Every other week, Swing and a Long Drive will take a look at the progress of the Phillies minor league teams. We'll also look at the progress of top rated prospects in baseball. There will be stats, win-loss records, and expert opinions from other bloggers.

IRONPIGPEN has been kind enough to provide analysis on the IronPigs and Reading Phillies.

Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (AAA): 2-5

Jason Donald: .290 AVG/ .333 OBP/ .484 SLG/ .817 OPS/ 4 2B/ 1 RBI

IRONPIGPEN: Jason Donald has been swinging the bat productively since Opening Night and has given the IronPigs offensive production from the shortstop position unparalleled in team history. On defense, the former University of Arizona star has shown good range as well as an outstanding arm. Heading into Thursday night's game, the IronPigs led the International League in double plays, with Donald, naturally, playing a pivotal role.

Carlos Carrasco: 0-0/ 12 IP/ 1.50 ERA/ 0.92 WHIP/ 10 SO

IRONPIGPEN: Carlos Carrasco has been very strong in both of his starts. The Venezuelan has twice given the IronPigs six solid innings and has been very unfortunate to remain winless. Perhaps most importantly, Carrasco has shown good control, as evidenced by zero walks in his twelve innings pitched.

Rich Thompson: .343 AVG/ .361 OBP/ .457 SLG/ .818 OPS/ 5 RBI/ 1 HR

IRONPIGPEN: Perhaps the Lehigh Valley IronPig to be in the best of form right out of spring training would be leadoff batter and centerfielder Rich Thompson, who would not be considered a prospect. An eastern Pennsylvania boy via James Madison University, Thompson went 0 for 5 on Opening Night but has since put things in gear. Thompson has also continued the steady play on defense he demonstrated last season and nailed a runner at home late in the game to help preserve the IronPigs first victory of the season earlier this week. The veteran has also swiped his first two bases of the season and now boasts an impressive 27 for 29 (93.1%) career record for the IronPigs.

John Mayberry Jr.: .222 AVG/ .841 OPS/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI

Mike Cervenak: .286 AVG/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ .500 SLG

Kyle Kendrick: 1-0/ 11 IP/ 1.64 ERA/ 1.36 WHIP/ 5 SO

Reading Phillies (AA): 3-3

Gus Milner: .333 AVG/ .400 OBP/ .500 SLG/ .900 OPS/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 1 SB

IRONPIGPEN: Six games into the AA Reading Phillies' new Eastern League season, a pleasant surprise would have to be the play of outfielder Gus Milner. Milner, 25 later this April, beat out more experienced players such as Javon Moran and Wilkin Ruan this spring for an R-Phils roster spot. Last year with the A+ Clearwater Threshers, Milner batted .261 (6 HR 53 RBI) in 132 games. Thus far as a rookie at the AA level, the Phillies' 2006 14th round pick from the University of Kansas is off to a fine start. At least for the time being, he has established himself as a regular in the R-Phils outfield.

Michael Taylor: .278 AVG/ 3 RBI/ .714 OPS/ 2 SB

IRONPIGPEN: As for the one player Philadelphia Phillies fans would probably be most concerned with 23 year old outfielder Michael Taylor, the former Philadelphia 2007 5th round pick from Stanford University can be said to be doing just fine.

Joe Savery: 0-1/ 10 IP/ 3.60 ERA/ 1.30 WHIP/ 11 SO

Clearwater Threshers (A+): 5-2

Dominic Brown: .231 AVG/ .641 OPS/ 2 RBI

Kyle Drabek: 2-0/ 12 IP/ 0.75 WHIP/ 16 SO

Lakewood Blue Claws (A) : 4-4

Zachary Collier: .222 AVG/ .767 OPS/ 2 RBI

Jason Knapp: 0-2/ 11.1 IP/ 3.18 ERA/ 1.06 WHIP/ 16 SO

Donald Picking It Up

If you are a big fan of Jason Donald like me, please join this Facebook group!

Jason Donald entered camp with the Philadelphia Phillies as a non-roster invitee. Everybody figured he'd earn the starting job at short for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, but Donald is making a case to win a spot on the Major League roster.

"I'd rather be in the big leagues," Donald said. "That's the ultimate goal for
anybody who signs a contract. If they feel like I'm ready to do that and take on
that role, I'll gladly accept that. If they feel like I need to play more in
Triple-A and get more at-bats, then I'll do that, too.

Because of injuries to Chase Utley, Pedro Feliz, and Jimmy Rollins' absence due to the World Baseball Classic, Donald is getting a lot of playing time, appearing in 10 games this spring. He also has played in 2 exhibition games against Canada and the United States.

After a slow start, Donald has picked up the pace. In 29 at bats, Donald has 11 hits, a .379 average. Donald is 8 for his last 11 at-bats. Donald also has 2 RBI, 6 walks, 6 runs, and just 4 strikeouts. In the game against the United States, Donald homered off Matt Thorton.

"The more you're around it, the more you watch, the more you learn," Donald
said. "Really, that's what I'm trying to do right now: learn as much as I
possibly can about how the game is played up here, how certain guys approach
certain at-bats."

QUOTE SOURCE: Phillies.com

Phirst Win of Spring

The Philadelphia Phillies won their first game of the spring against the Tampa Bay Rays, 12-5.

The Phillies put on a power display in the first inning. Ryan Howard, John Mayberry Jr. and Miguel Cairo each hit home runs off Mitch Talbot. Ronnie Paulino later hit a home run in the 6th inning off J.P. Howell.

Kyle Kendrick pitched 2.2 innings, allowing just one earned run, a solo home run by Ray Sadler. Kendrick worked on the changeup he is trying to improve, overall having a solid performance.

Pat Burrell was 1-2 with a double down the left field line against his former team. Burrell received a nice ovation by the Clearwater crowd and tipped his cap.

Jason Werth was a late scratch because he tweaked his shoulder during batting practice yesterday, but hopes to be ready to play on Monday.

The Phillies have also been giving prospect Jason Donald every opportunity. Donald has played in every game this spring. Although he has just one hit to show, he has hit the ball hard. Today he played third and made a spectacular catch in foul territory, falling into the stands.

Donald Should Fill In

You can't replace the best second baseman in baseball. With hip surgery this off season, Chase Utley could not return until June, at the worst case scenario. If Utley were to miss time, who would fill in?

The Phillies thought about adding Mark DeRosa through a trade, but the deal didn't fall through. The Phillies signed infielder Marcus "the other brother" Giles to a minor league contract, and the older, injury prone Nomar Garaciaparra has been linked to the Phillies. The Phillies have Eric Bruntlett, who filled in for Jimmy Rollins at shortstop while he was injured in 2008. The Phillies have plenty options, but I think their best bet is somebody in their own farm system: Jason Donald.

A natural shortstop, Donald can also play second base. Donald has become the target of many trade rumors for the Phillies because he is blocked by Rollins and Utley. There is also talk Donald would have to move to third base for the future.

While it will most likely come down to his performance in Spring Training, the 24 year old has shown signs he is ready for the Major League level.

Donald was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Angels, but decided to attend the University of Arizona. In 3 seasons at the University of Arizona, Donald hit .315 with 20 HR, 18 SB and 127 RBI.

The Phillies selected Donald in third round of the 2006 draft. In 3 Minor League season in the Phillies organization, Donald has batted .297 with 27 HR, 27 SB and 149 RBI. His career OPS is .842.

If college and the minor leagues doesn't prepare enough for the Major Leagues, Donald participated against some of the world's best in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Donald led the team with a .381 AVG. He had 5 RBI, and an OPS of 1.107. His HR in the bronze medal game helped Team USA bring home a bronze.

Donald's numbers haven't decreased. He participated in the Arizona Fall League. He finished 2nd among leaders in batting average hitting .407. He hit 5 HR, 17 RBI, and had an OPS of 1.223.

The downside to Donald is the strikeouts. In 3 seasons, he struck out 162 times in college, 237 times in the minors. He struck out 25 times in 25 games in the AFL. However, many Phillies hitters have showed that strikeouts are just like any other out. Ryan Howard approaches 200 strikeouts almost every year, but is still productive.

If Donald produces at the Major League level, the Phillies have another weapon. When Utley returns, the Phillies have a reliable, much needed right handed bat off the bench. In addition, his trade value rises.

If the Phillies are without Utley, Donald is one of their best options, without having to make a move or going to far. Try him out a month, and if it doesn't work out, they can always send him down to straighten him out until he is ready. A few weeks can't hurt, and who knows, his success could continue at a higher level.

For the counter point of this article, please visit IRONPIGPEN: The Pork Stops Here!

Winter League Update

Many of baseball's top prospects are taking part in Winter Leagues, including several Philadelphia Phillies prospects. Players are taking part in the Arizona Fall League, Hawaii Winter League, and Caribbean Leagues.

Here are some player updates (statistics as of November 14, 2008):

Arizona Fall League:

SS, Jason Donald: 22 G, .405 AVG, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 1.162 OPS

C, Lou Marson: 7 G, .286 AVG, 6 RBI, .899 OPS

P, Andrew Carpenter: 21 IP, 0-2, 6.86 ERA, 1.67 WHIP

CF, Quentin Berry: 19 G, .325 AVG, 1 HR, 7 RBI, .785 OPS

Caribbean Leagues:

P, Carlos Carrasco: 19 IP, 1-0, 19 SO, 2.84 ERA, 1.16 WHIP

P, Antonio Bastardo: 12 IP, 8 SO, 3.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP

Hawaii Winter League:

P, Kyle Drabek: 16.1 IP, 1-1, 14 SO, 2.76 ERA, .067 ERA

OF, Dominic Brown: 20 G, .344 AVG, 1 HR, 8 RBI, .959 OPS

"Wake Me Up When September Ends"

September. Pennant Races. Back to school. Callups. Fighting for a spot in the one and only October.

Currently down 1.5 games in the National League East, the Phillies are fighting to make another September to remember. Last year they were out 7 games with 17 to play. The rest was history.

We all want to win in October, but right now the key for Phillies is getting there. It is just a matter at getting hot at the right time. Look at the Colorado Rockies last year. The funny thing is they have a chance to do it something similar again this year.

The Phillies could skip Kyle Kendrick in the rotation with an off day on Thursday. His next scheduled start is Sunday, but the Phillies could go with Cole Hamels to face the Mets.

Kendrick has struggled as of late. In his last 10 games, he pitched 51.0 IP and has a very high ERA of 6.35. Kyle Kendrick is normally a contact pitcher, and as of late its almost as if he is afraid to hit the strike zone and let hitters make contact.

The Phillies have made several callups this September. Greg Golson, Andy Tracy, Mike Cervanak, Lou Marson, Les Walrond, J.A. Happ, and Adam Eaton have all been called up.

The Phillies promised Eaton when he was sent down that he would be recalled in September. In my opinion, that was a big no-no. Eaton's ERA was over 7 in the minor leagues. He may of figured that he was gonna get the call anyway, so he might not of worked on the things he should have while in the minor leagues. But, he brings back his 5.80 ERA in the Major Leagues this season.

I'm also surprised Greg Golson was called up. I am not sure if he is quite ready for the big leagues. He is a talented prospect, but I don't know if he is big league ready yet. Golson has great speed and defense. He has some pop as well. However, during Spring Training it was said that he had a lot of work to do in the minor leagues offensively. I don't think he could of fixed everything in 6 months. His on-base-percentage is also very low, and he strikes out quite a bit. Golson will probably come in as a pinch runner or a defensive replacement for Pat Burrell.

J.A Happ has been shuttled between the Majors and Minors all year. He made a few spot starts and a few relief appearances with the big club. He pitched well in the rotation, but struggled out of the bullpen.

Les Walrond was also in the bigs earlier and struggled. He has done well in the minors, but struggled with the big club. Cervanak, and Tracy also were with the Phillies this season.

I'm surprised Jason Donald has not been called up. He is having a very good year in AA. He also was arguably Team USA's MVP during the Olympics.

Donald was teammates with Marson during the Olympics. Marson got the callup. Marson will be an extra catcher so every now and then Manuel can use Carlos Ruiz or Chris Coste as a pinch hitter and not have to worry about who to catch. Marson has also had a good year in the minor leagues. If Marson is up, why isn't Donald?

Some may think why isn't Carlos Carrasco up? Why not him over Eaton? I thought the same thing. But after I thought about it, bringing him up could effect him in a negative way. His future is as a starter. Currently, the Phillies are full in the rotation. Also, if somebody were to miss a start, Happ would likely fill in. Moving Carrasco from the rotation to the bullpen, then back again wouldn't be the best thing to do. Also, his WHIP is around 1.30 in the minor leagues. That isn't bad at all, but I bet he can get it a bit lower. Let him keep developing in the minors, and maybe next year he will fight for a rotation spot in Spring Training.

The Phillies will hope to get the offense going and get the bullpen back to their form. If they work it out, they could once again overtake the New York Mets. Either way, it will be a good race until the end.

Put Out the Torch

This is the last and final Olympic update. The Olympics are officially over. The Summer Olympics won't be back until 2012 in London.

USA finished with 110 medals, 36 gold. Hosting team China finished with 100 medals, but 51 were gold.

Phillies prospect Jason Donald helped USA win the bronze medal in baseball. Donald went 2-2 including a 2 run homerun in USA's 8-4 victory.

During the Olympics, Donald led Team USA with a .381 AVG. He hit 1 HR and had 5 RBI. His OPS was 1.107.

Lou Marson hit .308 in 13 AB during the Olympics. His OBP was .438.

Korea won the gold in baseball, over Cuba.

If USA wants baseball back in the Olympics, they are going to need to use Major League players. The downside of that is that baseball players are competing in playoff races during the summer. So baseball back in the Olympics could be done.

There was some controvery in gymnastics as some of the Chinese gymnast may of been under the age of 16. You must be 16 to compete.

16 year old gymnast Shawn Johnson of the United States won a gold medal on the balance beam.

Japan shocked the world when the beat USA in softball for the gold medal. USA won the last 3 gold medals, but this year they fell 3-1.

The redeem team, USA basketball beat Spain for the gold in a 118-107 victory. Dwayne Wade led the way for USA with 27 points.

Kobe Bryant scored 20 points including a huge 3 pointer to help seal the deal.

Seanez, Olympics

Rudy Seanez was activated from the Disabled List today. Seanez was on the DL due to an inflamed right shoulder. To make room for Seanez on the roster, infielder Mike Cervenak was optioned to Leigh High Valley.

The Phillies have an extra pitcher on the roster. I think the Phillies should of sent Wes Walrond down. Walrond has struggled with the Phillies so far. His ERA is 6.23 in 4.1 IP. His WHIP is a very high 2.77.

The Phillies pitching has been strong, and it is the offense that as been weak. Altough some arms need some more rest during this time, the Phillies need more offensive producers. Cervanek is only 1/7 this season, but the Phillies need offense badly.

In Olympic news, Phillies prospects Jason Donald and Lou Marson each went 1-3 against Canada. Both drew walks, and Marson scored a run. Jason Donald did make an error, however. USA beat Canada 5-4 yesterday.

Also, Michael Phelps won another gold medal. This time he won by .01 seconds to beat Serbia's Milord Cavic. Tonight, Phelps will go for his 8th gold medal. He will need help by his teammates, in the Men's 4 x 100m Butterfly.

Donald/Marson Olympic Update

The Phillies have to prospects in Beijing, China for the 2008 Summer Olympics: Catcher Lou Marson and Shortstop Jason Donald. Team USA is 1-2 during the Beijing Olympics so far.

Jason Donald is 3/6 with a walk, an RBI, and a run scored.

Lou Marson is 1/3 with a walk.

Marson and Donald were both in the starting lineups of USA's only win in game two. Donald played in 2 games. Marson made an apperance at catcher in the 9th inning of game one.

Oh and by the way, Phelps won another medal, and still has a chance for a couple more.

USA has 46 total medals, 14 which are gold. China has 41 medals, but 26 are gold.