A Joe Blanton Blue Light Special?

Joe Blanton up on the auction block? Not surprising. An interested trade partner? Somewhat intriguing. The Blue Jays GM Alex Anthroupolos reportedly spent a few innings in Clearwater while Blanton was on the mound over the weekend. But we all know GMs and scouts flip flop around different Spring Training complexes all month long.  Why is this a deal worth noting?

• The Phillies are up against the luxury tax and selling off Blanton frees up space for any in season moves that might be necessary. With sources reporting that the Phillies are willing to eat up to $2M in salary, the savings could be in the $6.5M neighborhood. In recent years, Ruben's been able to stretch that kind of money pretty far. With the prospect farm running pretty low, any mid season wheeling and dealing done by Amaro will likely involve picking up a few more dollars worth of salary than the Phillies have had to do in years past. While like to hope that the puzzle pieces needed for a championship are the kind of guys the Phils picked up in the offseason, $6.5M is a nice luxury to have when your first baseman is in a walking boot, your second baseman hasn't played a game yet this Spring, and your third baseman is a faberge egg.

• This indicates that the Phillies have confidence in moving Kyle Kendrick back into the rotation. Initial reports (and by that I mean the stuff I read on Twitter) indicate a pretty effective cutter out of Kendrick so far this spring. Also, by picking up a whole host of veteran arms in the offseason, they even have a few experienced backups to KK. Joel Piniero (who can opt out of his contract at the end of the month if not on the big league roster), Dave Bush, Scott Elarton, Pat Misch, etc. represent a questionable, but experienced group of "Plan C's." Two weeks into Spring Training, a stockpile of well traveled arms isn't a bad problem to have. Kendrick to Blanton is still a risky swap with KK's success last year largely attributable to being the benefactor of a ridiculously low BABIP. But relying on a guy with elbow problems has inherent risks of its own. Worse case scenario, that Oswalt guy is still unemployed and quite frankly $6.5M might come close to getting it done.

• In my speculative mind, though, the biggest key here is the guy I mentioned above sitting in the stands.  Having Toronto as a somewhat interested trade partner is beneficial because they have a commodity the Phillies have already shown some interest in with Travis D'Arnaud. Now there's no reason to believe that a deal like this is remotely possible, and it would absolutely take more than Joe Blanton, but damn if the idea of having a catcher of the future once again doesn't sound appealing to me. I like cheering on Chooch as much as the next guy, but we have a33 year old starter (and that's a Panamanian 33!) and a 35 year old backup with next to nothing in the immediate pipeline. D'Arnaud is considered to be major league ready but blocked by an equally young catcher in JP Arencibia. One of the two is a luxury the Blue Jays can afford to part with and in the right system, either of them could be successful. Even is the Blue Jays decided that Arencibia was the one they'd prefer to flip, his 20 HR 80RBI power could look pretty nice in pinstripes and his caught stealing rates are very similar. His .219 BA last year... well, let me remind you that the Phillies won a World Series in 2008 with a catcher that hit .219. Not to say Ruiz is done, but a backup plan behind the plate would be nice!

Quick Thoughts on Roy Oswalt's $16M 2012 Option

It seems to be a foregone conclusion amongst fans that Roy Oswalt's days in Philadelphia are numbered. His status for 2012 hinges on a mutual team option where the Phillies can pay him $2M to cut ties, or he can opt out and take $1M to leave... Or there's the third option where for $16M, the Phillies once again have the best 4 man rotation in baseball. And it may not be as farfetched as you think.

First, from Oswalt's perspective: He's an intense competitor who has started 30+ games every season since 2003. Health has not typically been an issue for him. Sure, he's 33 years old and has hinted at retirement, but could his Mississippi recliner really be all that more cushy than collecting huge sacks of money while facing off against guys like Dillon Gee, Mike Minor, Ross Detwiler, and Clay Hensley (other NL East #4s.) Where else can he make $16M and hold down the limited expectations of a 4th starter? Houston, Texas, Atlanta, St. Louis, etc would all expect him to be a top of the rotation guy in 2012. And based on his performance this year, his contract offers aren't likely to approach $16M anyway. He's made $75M in his career already, sure, but retiring on a sour note at the age of 33 when he can still hit 95 on the gun? I don't think Oswalt is ready to go out on that note.

But more importantly, from a Phillies perspective: In 2012, $16M really isn't an outrageous salary for a starting pitcher with the talent of a Roy Oswalt. Pending a Cole Hamels extension, chances are, by spring training 2012 he'd be the 4th highest paid starter on his own team. Around the rest of the league, here's a look at who else is set to make approximately $16M+ next season:

• Tim Lincecum - Arbitration Eligible, but made $14M in 2011
• Chris Carpenter - was set to make $15M, but just took extension that reduces 2012 salary
• Derek Lowe - $15M
• Matt Cain, SF - $15.33M
• John Lackey - $15.95M
• Roy Oswalt - $16M
• AJ Burnett - $16.5M
• Josh Beckett - $17M
• Jake Peavy - $17M
• Barry Zito - $19M
• Carlos Zambrano - $19M
• Felix Hernandez - $19.2M
• Justin Verlander - $20M
• Roy Halladay - $20M
• Cliff Lee - $21.5M
• Johan Santana - $24M
• CC Sabathia - $24M

I'd argue Oswalt a better pitcher than anyone 4 spots higher or lower than him on this list (which may be incomplete, I got tired of looking up names one at a time). Guys who average 30 starts with an ERA that hovers in the low 3s and K/9 7 batters are worth that much money. As a team built around pitching, your 4th starter can really make a difference.

Consider the other options:

• Joe Blanton is under contract for $8M for 2012. Whether they keep Oswalt or not, Blanton is likely to get a shot at the rotation next season. 
• Vance Worley - will get his shot in the rotation as well, but could just as quickly be the next JA Happ.
• Kyle Kendrick - is showing that his best value is as a super utility pitcher capable of making a spot start or long relief in the pen.
• Prospects - Trevor May won the Paul Owens award for best pitcher in the Phils system this year, but he's still at least another year out in development. Justin DeFratus moved quickly up to AAA, but proceeded to struggle thereafter.
• Jamie Moyer - the guy has 8 mouths to feed! You know he's going to be looking for a paycheck!

My point is that if Oswalt is amenable to the idea of coming back for a nice stack of bills next year, let's make it happen. The Phillies end up with the best 4th starter in baseball, Oswalt gets to bounce back with a healthy redemption season, and I get to wear my #44 jersey for one more year. And let's be honest, I only wrote this piece because I want to wear the jersey...

Phils Spicing Up the On-Deck Series

First, that's a pretty sweet SI cover. Hard to believe that up until about 3 years ago, the Phillies had only graced the cover of SI about a half dozen times. I'm struggling to find the info to back that up so you'll just have to take my word on it... 2nd year in a row for Doc.

Anyway, I'm surprisingly excited about tonight's game. A co-worker handed me some pretty nice seats for free. If you don't have a set of your own, a cool 89 cents should get you in the gate. What makes this on-deck series so special?

"The Phillies On-Deck Series features a spring-training like atmosphere filled with plenty of prizes and surprises! Both games include a mini-fan appreciation day, unique player and alumni interactions with fans, merchandise specials, entertainment, and more!"

I don't really know what that means, though it's been suggested that certain active and former players may be meandering around the concourse doing a little meet and greet with the fans. I wouldn't mind rubbing elbows with a few Phils while standing in line for crab fries.

Other things to look forward to:

• Roy Oswalt throws today. I'd expect to see him stretched out for about 5 innings.
• Luis Castillo will almost certainly see significant playing time.
• New video board and 800+ new TVs.
• New food stands.
• Complete remodel to the Majestic Store.

44 Degrees an Sunny for the first pitch. Not exactly the shorts and t-shirt weather we had for Opening Day in DC last year, but I've had a blast at games with far worse weather (see: Game 3, 2008 World Series). I realize I'm psyching myself up for a meaningless game, but unless one of you wants to send your favorite blogger to Friday's game on your dime, I'm going to have to settle for meaningless baseball this week!