Taschner An All Star?

Okay, not really. But in the commercial for the 2009 All Star game, (at 0:03), I almost positive that it is Jack Taschner on the mound. Here is a screen shot.

However, Taschner has been optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after being designated for assignment.

Taschner DFA'd, Ibanez Delayed

Jack Taschner was voted off the island. The reality show, "The Pen" will no longer feature Tascher. He was designated for assignment to make room for Rodrigo Lopez, who had his contract purchased today. Also, Brett Myers was moved from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list.

Taschner called the Phillies a "class act organization" because they could of optioned him. Instead other teams can give him a chance.

Raul Ibanez's rehab assignment was delayed for the third day in a row. Ibanez was eligible to come off the disabled list today, however it is uncertain when he will return.

Ibanez says he feels "way better," but there is still a little discomfort. A rehab appearance is possible this Sunday, but he is scheduled to see team doctor Michael Ciccotti first.

The Phillies remain interested in Chien Ming Wang, but also have looked at Juan Cruz of the Royals. They also haven't quit on Erik Bedard, Roy Oswalt and Cliff Lee. They've also discussed Pedro Martinez.

In news around MLB, Scott Boras has hinted that first overall draft pick Stephen Strasburg could play in Japan if the Washington Nationals do not offer him enough money.

Taschner Used In Wrong Situations

Seen on Phillies Nation.

The three earned runs Jack Taschner allowed on Friday were just a small sampling of his season long struggles. The Phillies need as much bullpen help as they can get with the absence of Brad Lidge and Scott Eyre, however so far Taschner has not been the answer.

Taschner is 1-1 with a 5.26 ERA and 1.87 WHIP in 25.2 innings pitched. In games that he has pitched, the Phillies are only 6-13.

Taschner hasn't served as a situational left-hander, especially since left handed batters are batting .296 against him.

Most of his troubles have come when he pitches more than one inning. There are 12 games that Taschner has pitched less one inning or less. In 8 of those 12 games, he has not allowed an earned run. The problem is that in most situations Taschner pitches, he is brought in with inherited runners on base, which he allows to score.

Taschner is not going to get the tough left hander out or eat up innings for a weary bullpen. In addition, if the Phillies are going to keep him in the bullpen, he should not be coming in with runners on base or in a key situation in the seventh inning or later.

Everybody Wants a Ring

Because relief pitcher Jack Taschner was not on the Phillies 2008 team, he felt left out as the rest of the Phillies recieved their World Series rings. So, he brought his own ring.

Photo Courtesy: The Fightins

Here is what the REAL rings look like:

Each ring is 14 karats and has 103 diamonds, one representing each win, including the postseason. On the side features the players name atop the Liberty Bell, and on the other side its the World Series trophy on Citizen's Bank Park representing fan support.

Phillies Acquire Taschner

The Phillies acquired left handed relief pitcher Jack Taschner from the San Francisco Giants for catcher Ronnie Paulino, who the Phillies acquired in December.

With the deal, the Phillies add a much needed left handed pitcher with the absence of J.C. Romero. Chris Coste will start as Carlos Ruiz’ backup, and J.A Happ could win the 5th spot in the rotation with Chan Ho Park moving to the bullpen.

Taschner, 30, has a career 5.01 ERA in 4 seasons. Lefties batted .279 against Taschner last season.