Domonic Brown: Razzle Me, Dazzle Me!

First of all—to those of you who, like me, spell his name Dominic, we are wrong!  I stand corrected and wish his parents took spelling lessons, seriously!

Now to the new Phillies superstar, hopefully!  A shot in the arm was needed and Victorino provided us one by getting injured. 

Enter Domonic Brown! 

The anticipation this season has been unreal.  We were clinging to hope that this kid was the answer to losing Cliff Lee, Drabek and assorted other problems.

Well, he sure Razzle Dazzled me last night.  What a first inning!  Willie Mays took about 22 innings to get his mojo going.  This kid was rough and ready.  He caught a fly ball, hit in a run with a double, and then scored.  Not exactly shabby.   He earned the standing O he got when he came on the field.

The other star (no razzle dazzle here, just great pitching) is the consistently fantastic Roy Halladay, who had the bats to back him up last night.  He broke Tommy Greene’s record for most consecutive innings without a run at home and almost kept it going til a score in the ninth by the Rockies.  He managed to hit a nice single, but was left stranded. 

Ryan Howard cold again—nothing, zip, zilch.  Here I am staring at an autographed Jersey, ball, bat, and two framed photos waiting for the long hot street to make him marketable.  Come on, do something!

Talk shows are all about the trade with the Astros.  Having been attending their games in Houston regularly, it will feel like old home week.  We seem to trade players back and forth. 

Oswalt will involve a three-way or four way deal—almost sounds like a bad Saturday night at the bar.  He certainly deserves a shot in a major market and Phillies need pitching (Cliff Lee, hello?).  Besides, they have Brett Myers who is doing well, so payback time!

I have to say the I felt like last night’s game was the beginning of something magical.  The spark was back, ignited by Domonic (spelling people, please) Brown.  I was immersed in the game for the first time in quite a while.  I decided that listening was enough and America’s Got Talent was far more interesting.

Last night the show was Philadelphia’s Got Talent.  We had the wow factor, the IT factor, the razzle dazzle, and the entire team (with the exception of Howard) found their mojo.  A star was born last night and the Phillies officially can begin a quest for the NL league title again.  No turning back now!

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

The Worst Ballparks, Mascots, Logos, Uniforms and Team Names in Baseball

A “real fan” will tell you that when he watches a baseball game, all he notices is the ball. He doesn’t notice the architecture of the surrounding stadium, or the design on the players’ uniforms, or the guy in the colorful costume dancing on the dugout and throwing T-shirts to kids in the stands.

But, while these ultra-serious spectators might not have time to acknowledge an artful logo or a big scoreboard, you can bet they notice when something like that isn’t to their liking.

Yesterday, I released the first half of this week’s Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Poll results—the best stadiums, mascots, logos, uniforms, and team names in baseball.

But today is the fun part—our picks for the worst of these ballpark distractions.

In addition to the full vote totals, each slide includes three quick sound bites from the writers explaining the reasons behind their picks.

Thanks to everyone who participated!

Note: I sent this survey only to the Featured Columnists who have been active in previous polls. If you are a new FC or you have changed your mind about wanting to participate, send me a message and I’ll be sure to keep you in the loop for next time!

Begin Slideshow

MLB Trade Rumors Live Blog: Jorge Cantu Dealt to the Texas Rangers?

4:55pm CDT – The Padres have sent minor league right-hander Wynn Pelzer and cashto the Orioles for Tejada.

4:45pm CDT – Also got word that Marlins infielder Jorge Cantu has been pulled out of the game in the eighth inning with the Marlins up 5-0. No word that a deal has been made but Cantu could be on his way to the Rangers.

4:42pm CDT – Deal has been confirmed by both sides. The Padres have acquired Miguel Tejada from the Baltimore Orioles. No indication on who the Padres are sending to the Orioles.

4:34pm CDT – Dan Hayes from the San Diego North County Times talked to both Adrian Gonzalez and Matt Stairs about Miguel Tejada and both are very high on him.

4:23pm CDT – According to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun, Miguel Tejada has been scratched from the Orioles lineup tonight. Dan believes that Tejada might have been traded to the San Diego Padres.

2:50pm CDT – Amy Nelson of ESPN spoke to Roy Oswalt who is flying to Washington DC tonight to join the team for the opening of a series against the Nationals. He is expected to start the first game of the series tomorrow night.

2:37pm CDT – Apparently the San Diego Padres tried to make a late run at Roy Oswalt as well but the two sides just couldn’t match up.

2:35pm CDT – According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, the St. Louis Cardinals tried to re-start conversations with the Astros but it was too little too late.

2:30pm CDT – Astros’ outfielder Hunter Pence, via Twitter, weighed in on his former teammate being traded today.

“Good for Roy, He got what he wanted. Time for the stros to continue to move forward and get this program going in the right direction.”

2:27pm CDT – Now that Roy Oswalt is officially off the board, Ted Lilly, Jake Westbrook, and a few other available pitchers will start to get a lot more interest from teams still needing pitching.

One pitcher you most likely won’t see traded is right-hander Brett Myers who Houston said they would hang on to if Oswalt accepted the deal to the Phillies. Now that he has, Myers is probably off the table.

2:13pm CDT – Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia says Roy Oswalt has made a few phone calls to Houston teammates to let them know he’s headed to Philadelphia.

2:09pm CDT – MLB.com’s Jennifer Langosch reports that the Pirates have released reliever Brendan Donnelly.

2:08pm CDT – MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart and ESPN’s Jayson Stark both confim that the deal is done. Stark confirms that Anthony Gose is part of the package headed to Houston.

2:04pm CDT – Ken Rosenthal has an update on the Yankees. He says they are no longer in the running for Adam Dunn and are now looking into other options.

1:59pm CDT – Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal both have reported that the deal is official. Gelb has a funny tidbit about J.A. Happ running the warning track as if no one has told him he’s been traded.

1:45pm CDT – The players headed to the Astros in the Roy Oswalt deal are pitcher J.A. Happ, outfielder Anthony Gose, and shortstop Jonathan Villan.

1:41pm CDT – Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that Oswalt’s 2012 option is actually a mutual option. With him being traded, his buyout will increase another $1 – $2 million more than what it originally was.

He adds that if Oswalt opts out on his own, the buyout will remain at $2 million.

1:40pm CDT – Ken Davidoff said that the Rangers and Brewers never got far at all in trade talks surrounding Prince Fielder.

1:34pm CDT – Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Enquirer reports that Roy Oswalt has accepted the trade to the Phillies. The Astros are waiting to hear back from the Phillies to finalize the details.

1:30pm CDT – Ken Davidoff says the Brewers are not opposed to trading first baseman Prince Fielder but have not received the right offer to pull the trigger.

1:07pm CDT – Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning New is holding a chat with fans this afternoon. He was asked about the trade talks between the Rangers and Marlins. Grant says that while money seemed to be the big hangup before, the fact that the Marlins are now willing to pay all of Cantu’s contract could make the deal move. The remaining question, according to Grant, is do the Rangers go with someone that has experience at both second base and first. He mentions Ty Wigginton as someone that might work better than Cantu.

1:05pm CDT – Ken Rosenthal says the Brewers are unlikely to move Trevor Hoffman

1:00pm CDT – Former San Diego Padres’ closer Trevor Hoffman is getting some interest from the Boston Red Sox but they are one of Hoffman’s five teams on his no-trade list.

12:58pm CDT – Danny Knobler of CBS Sports is reporting that the Orioles have a new manager as they have come to terms with Buck Showalter

12:56pm CDT – Salisbury also reports that J.A. Happ and Anthony Gose are definitely involved in the deal. Still nothing official from Oswalt or either team as of yet.

12:54pm CDT – Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia has been reporting that Oswalt has been getting text messages from former teammate, soon to be current teammate, Brad Lidge about the “lay of the land.”

12:47pm CDT – Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Florida Marlins are willing to pay most, if not all, of Jorge Cantu’s remaining contract in order to get a deal done.

12:43pm CDT – MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart contact Roy Oswalt’s agent and was told “no news yet.”

12:14pm CDT – The Kansas City Royals have been getting interest from teams in outfielder Willie Bloomquist. According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, the Yankees, Phillies, Angels, and Padres have “kicked the tires” on him.

12:10pm CDT – Ken Rosenthal chimes in on the news, reporting that Oswalt’s 2012 option will NOT be picked up by the Phillies. Jayson Stark has an update that the Astros will be sending $11 million to the Phillies to cover a part of Oswalt’s remaining contract.

12:09pm CDT – The Roy Oswalt deal is not official yet though Jayson Stark reports that he expects Oswalt to waive his no-trade clause. When, or if, that deal becomes official, you’ll see a lot of teams turn their attention to Ted Lilly, Jake Westbrook, and a few other pitchers that may become available.

12:05pm CDT – According to Jayson Stark of ESPN, Roy Oswalt is expected to waive his no-trade clause and head to the Philadelphia Phillies. Nothing official as of yet.

12:00pm CDT – The Chicago Cubs are getting a lot of calls about left-hander Ted Lilly but have opted to wait until Roy Oswalt makes his decision before they get serious about a deal.

11:57am CDT – SI.com’s Jon Heyman reports that the Mets and Blue Jays had talks surrounding Jays’ reliever Scott Downs but the Mets are unwilling to give up outfield prospect Kirk Neuwenhuis and another prospect to get the deal done.

11:52am CDT – A note on Tom Krasovic’s article on Joba Chamberlain. The Yankees were receptive to trading him to Arizona for Dan Haren before the Angels landed him.

11:48am CDT – Nothing yet from the Roy Oswalt camp. I would imagine we should hear something from him in the next two to three hours. Give him time to board a plane for Philadelphia to get his physical done and get ready to pitch tomorrow night.

11:44am CDT – Tom Krasovic of AOL Fanhouse says the Yankees were receptive to trading Joba Chamberlain.

11:26am CDT – Danny Knobler of CBS Sports says the Rockies would like to trade Aaron Cook but aren’t finding any takers.

11:14am CDT – Quick note from yesterday that I didn’t get a chance to talk about. The Angels and Cubs apparently had a deal, or close to a deal, in place that would have sent first baseman Derrek Lee to Anaheim. But, Lee didn’t want to leave Chicago and used his no-trade clause to kill the deal.

Honestly I was a tad bit surprised seeing as he could have gone to a contender instead of staying with the Cubs. But, I guess when you’ve been in one city on one team for that long, it’s familiarity that takes precidence.

10:57am CDT – There’s been a lot of talk around North Texas about the Rangers possibly chasing down Brewers’ first baseman Prince Fielder. While I agree that he’s definitely a better offensive option than what the Rangers currently have in Chris Davis, I’m not in agreement with Gavin Dawson of 105.3 FM The Fan in Dallas who’s willing to give up whatever prospects it takes to land Fielder.

The Phillies did that to acquire Cliff Lee, then Roy Halladay, and are about to do it again to land Roy Oswalt. While Lee helped them get to the World Series last year, with Halladay they still sit at three and a half games back of the NL East leading Atlanta Braves.

The Rangers made the right deal to get Cliff Lee but I don’t know that they wouldn’t have to give up players they’ll need in the future to land Fielder.

10:47am CDT – Roy Oswalt just called ESPN and wants his own one hour special to announce his “decision.”

10:44am CDT – Ken Rosenthal reports that Jonathan Singleton is NOT in the deal and that the money coming back to the Phillies is less than $12 million.

10:42pm CDT – The ball is still in Oswalt’s court. The Astros are on the schedule today but he is expected on the hill tomorrow.

10:26am CDT – ESPN’s Jayson Stark has an update on the pending Roy Oswalt trade. The Astros would receive Triple-A pitcher J.A. Happ and two prospects in the deal and would send Roy Oswalt and $12 million to the Phillies.

10:21am CDT – There’s still interest in Cleveland Indians’ right-hander Fausto Carmona but Ken Rosenthal says the chances of the Indians trading him is “one in a million.”

10:19am CDT – ESPN’s Jayson Stark reports that if Jonathan Singleton isn’t in the deal from the Phillies, another player that has been discussed is first baseman prospect Matthew Rizzotti who’s hitting .364 in Double-A.

10:16am CDT – A quick note on the New York Yankees from Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal. Even though catcher Jorge Posada is dealing with injuries, Rosenthal says the Yankees are unlikely to trade for a catcher before the deadline. They are also not confident about landing first baseman Adam Dunn from the Nationals.

10:08am CDT – ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick checks in on the pending Roy Oswalt trade. Crasnick says that another name Houston has talked about is Jonathan Singleton.

10:04am CDT – Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports notes that Corey Hart hasn’t started in over a week and that the odds of him being traded at this point are slim.

9:49am CDT – ESPN’s Jayson Stark reports that while there isn’t a former deadline set for Roy Oswalt to make his decision on the trade, both him and Triple-A pitcher J.A. Happ are scheduled to pitch tomorrow so both teams would like to have a decision today.

9:41am CDT – A lot of San Diego Padre fans are waiting to see what general manager Jed Hoyer is going to do. There are those around San Diego who are under the impression there aren’t going to be any moves prior to Saturday, that all of the moves the team makes will come in August.

The Dodgers made a move yesterday, picking up Scott Podsednik from the Kansas City Royals. Now we’ll see how the Giants, as well as the Padres, respond to that.

9:32AM CDT – Danny Knobler of CBS Sports weighs in on the pending Roy Oswalt trade. He said that though Astros’ general manager Drayton McClane has killed an Oswalt deal before (2007 to the Mets) it doesn’t look like that will happen this time around.

9:15am CDT – Amy Nelson of ESPN has an interested note on the pending Oswalt trade.

“Phils would need 2 compensate Oswalt 4 waiving no trade, & also 4 no income tax in TX. imagine that’d be part of $ discussions.”

9:05am CDT – Ken Rosenthal reports that the Roy Oswalt to the Phillies deal is a three-for-one deal and that Triple-A pitcher J.A. Happ is part of the deal. Rosenthal also says that the Astros are going to pay a “significant amount” of Oswalt’s remaining contract which is more than $23 million.

8:53am CDT – Funny little tidbit from Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan, funny enough for me to pass it along.

“Oswalt’s checklist: 1) Approve deal to Philadelphia. 2) Prepare for Cliff Lee comparisons the rest of the season. 3) Weep accordingly.”

8:51am CDT – Ken Rosenthal tweets what we’ve already known but just to confirm that a deal is in place pending Roy Oswalt’s approval.

8:47am CDT – SI.com’s Jon Heyman says he’s hearing that the Astros are sending a lot of money to Philadelphia to help cover what’s left of Oswalt’s contract. That will definitely help the Phillies as far as payroll over the next year or two.

8:45am CDT – Quick note on the Prince Fielder to the Rangers rumor that surfaced yesterday. Looks like that fell apart quicker than the rumor started. Not sure the Ranger will be willing to give up what Milwaukee is asking.

Speaking of the Brewers, with all the rumors that surrounded Corey Hart going to the Giants, it seems now that Hart will end up staying put unless the Brewers lower the price tag. I don’t see the Giants trading Jonathan Sanchez and that’s what Milwaukee wants.

8:40am CDT – Seems the only way the Astros trade Brett Myers is if Roy Oswalt nixes the trade to Philadelphia, according to Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal. Rosenthal also says that Cubs’ left-hander Ted Lilly is the best left-handed pitcher on the market and that infielder Ryan Theriot could be traded as well.

8:34am CDT – Speaking of Ted Lilly, the Mets are unlikely to land the Cubs’ left-hander because they are unwilling to pick up Lilly’s remaining $4.37 million plus give up prospects as well.

8:10 a.m. CDT— SI.com’s Jon Heyman says the Astros apparently told the Mets they are wanting to hang on to right-hander Brett Myers especially with Roy Oswalt likely on his way out. The Mets apparently preferred Myers to Cubs’ left-hander Ted Lilly.

8:03 a.m. CDT— While the day is still young and there’s a lot more rumors to come today, I’m curious to get your take on which has been the bigger deal so far. Was it Cliff Lee to Texas? Dan Haren to the Angels? Or will it be Roy Oswalt to Philadelphia, IF he approves it? Which of the three pitchers will have the most success with their new teams?

7:49 a.m. CDT— Joel Sherman of the New York Post has the framework for the Oswalt deal. Seems the two teams looked at the Jake Peavy deal when he was traded from San Diego to Chicago last year. A pitcher still under contract and money left for four pitching prospects.

7:47 a.m. CDT— While Roy Oswalt is the hot topic this morning, there is other trade news going on today. ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick thinks the Mets will be able to trade outfielder Jeff Francoeur sometime in August as he’s expected to clear waivers.

7:45 a.m. CDT— While we wait for Roy Oswalt to make his decision sometime today, SI.com’s Jon Heyman reports that the Phillies had been discussing J.A. Happ, Vance Worley, and two younger pitchers. Could be the players heading to Houston in return for Oswalt.

Also, Ken Davidoff reports that Oswalt had told friends he would not require a team to pick up his 2012 option. Seems we’ll see if he holds true to that statement.

Good morning baseball fans. Another day of trade rumors is upon us as we’re just two days away from baseball’s non-waiver trade deadline which comes up this coming Saturday.

We’ll get this started quickly as there’s one report that broke late last night on the Roy Oswalt front.

According to several sources, the Phillies and Astros intensified trade talks and eventually came to an agreement on the players, money, etc. The only thing that everyone is waiting for is the decision from Roy Oswalt as to whether he’ll waive his no-trade or whether he’ll opt to stay in Houston and hope they find another suitor.

That’s where we’re starting today. We’ll post updates on this and much more as the day wears on.

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MLB Trade Rumors: Phillies-Astros Deal Waiting on Roy Oswalt’s Approval

For the Philadelphia Phillies, are two Roys better than one?

Multiple sources are reporting Thursday morning that the Phillies and Houston Astros have agreed to terms on a deal that will send Roy Oswalt to Philadelphia.  The teams are said to have the players and the money in place, and are simply awaiting Oswalt’s okay.

According to Mark Berman of FOX 26 Sports in Houston, the Astros have approached Oswalt, he is aware that a deal is on the table, and the teams are simply waiting for his response.

Oswalt has a No Trade Clause, which he must waive in order for the Astros to deal him. Oswalt has said to be insistent that his $16 million 2012 team option be picked up by any team seeking to acquire him.

The deal, which comes one day after the smashing debut of Phillies rookie Domonic Brown, looks to reinvent a team that has struggled this season under the weight of expectations and injuries.  The Phils are currently without their starters Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Shane Victorino, as well as veteran starting pitcher Jamie Moyer.

While the official trade deadline is this Saturday at 4:00 pm, there is an informal deadline of sorts attached to this deal.  Oswalt, who is one win away from Joe Niekro’s Astros career record of 144, is scheduled to start against Milwaukee on Friday night.

 

Sources say that if Oswalt is still an Astro by then, he will not be dealt.

The deal would bring a mixture of excitement and consternation for the Phillies and their fans.  Oswalt, who is owed $16 million for each of the next two seasons, would appear to be quite a bit more expensive, and a little more removed from his prime, than Cliff Lee, whom the Phillies had and chose to trade citing salary concerns.

Lee is making $9 million this season.

And if the Oswalt deal involves dealing Phillies second year man J.A. Happ, then the Phils will have gone from a potential front four of Roy Halladay, Lee, Cole Hamels, and Happ, to a rotation of Halladay, Hamels, Oswalt, and Joe Blanton.

While the latter would seem to be quite good, the former would have been unstoppable.

 

Asher B. Chancey lives in Philadelphia and is a co-founder of BaseballEvolution.com .

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Domonic Brown Arrives: The Rules for Phillies Fans

The announced attendance for Wednesday night’s 7-1 Philly flogging of the last place Diamondbacks was 45,048 paid customers. For fans accustomed to hearing sellout numbers in the forty-four thousand range at Citizen’s Bank Park, it is worth noting that the stadium was actually 103.2 percent full.

Let’s be honest, none of us are surprised by another full house at One Citizen’s Bank Way. There have been 90 consecutive, including all 51 home games this season.

But there are games that feel different. Different than the usual, “Wow, this place is beautiful,” or “Wow, I can actually eat crab fries with a Tony Luke’s cheesesteak while I watch the game”.

The arrival of Domonic Brown in Philadelphia was one of those nights.

His evening began with two standing ovations. One for taking the field, and the other for stepping to the plate. The others were reserved for actual achievements.

Like the tracer he fired off the right center field wall for an RBI double in his much-anticipated first MLB at-bat. Or the letters-high fastball that was promptly returned as a frozen rope single. Or the vapor trail sprint from first to home on a double to left field. The Comcast SportsNet producers were editing mid-game musical montages for between innings just to show the five tools from as many HD angles as possible. It is clear that Summer of Love 2010 began on July 28th .

With the Phils on a roll, the fever of the fan base, and the scintillating debut of the youngster, it will be easy to get carried away with expectations for the next 20 years of Domonic Brown’s career. After all, who wouldn’t be swept up by the excitement that accompanies the arrival of the number one prospect in minor league baseball? Heck, even Charlie Manuel quipped, “I think he got a bobblehead coming out tomorrow”.

But before Phillies fans begin carving out their body paint templates in the shape of the number nine, here is a simple set of rules that must be observed during Domonic Brown’s rookie season.

1. Any references to Domonic Brown must be preceded or immediately followed by the descriptor “22-year old”.

Why? Only six out of the 750 players on MLB rosters are younger than the Phillies much anticipated call-up.

He is in very rare territory, not only as a player who can just barely celebrate his first big hit with a cold beer, but as a young man who is being asked to get big hits in the midst of a pennant race with a team that has been to back-to-back World Series.

2. Phillies fans may not proclaim the beginning of “The Domonic Brown era”.

I kid you not when I say that in the five hours between the Shane Victorino disabled list announcement and last night’s first pitch, I read three separate articles that made reference to the beginning of the Domonic Brown era.

Take a minute to consider how many players you can think of whose names are used to designate eras. Seriously, have you ever heard of the “Willie Mays era”? Do you think the current time period will ever be known as the “Albert Pujols era”? To further drive home this point, think of how many eras in Phillies history you commonly describe by using the name of a single player. For instance, do we refer to the “Mike Schmidt era” or the “Jim Bunning era?”

The point here is that even the franchise’s all-time greats and Hall-of-Famers do not have their names in front of the word “era”. If a Phillie with 548 home runs does not have an era named for him, perhaps it is premature to assign this tag (and the expectations that it carries) to a player with one career extra-base hit.

And by the way, included in the rule against “era” references is an edict prohibiting anyone from designating Dom Brown as a savior. In addition to the numerous baseball reasons for this ban is the logic that referring to any baseball player as a savior shows a complete lack of perspective.

3. Fans absolutely may not boo, grumble, or otherwise voice displeasure toward Domonic Brown at any time this season.

Brown is the first to admit that his base running is a work in progress and there are sure to be some neck-high fastballs that make the youngster look foolish. However, when these inevitabilities occur, Phillies fans should first refer to rule number one from this list. They should then use whatever accumulated energy they have to cheer for the next Phillie batter introduced by public address announcer Dan Baker. Whether this is a two-week stay or a potential post-season call-up, the absolute longest that you would have to exercise restraint will be approximately three months. You can do it, Philly fans!

4.  Do not create, or even consider any Domonic Brown Fan Groups.

Fan groups have become a bit passe lately (I’m pretty sure Gload’s Toads was the only option left for current members of this roster) and that is definitely a positive trend at Citizens Bank Park. With that being said, there are to be no Dom’s Bombs, Brown’s Clowns, or any other groups based on first grade rhyming patterns.

This will serve two purposes. One, it will save much needed Wal-Mart white bed sheets for those who truly need them. And two, it will help to keep the hysteria and pressure surrounding our athletic young right fielder to a minimum.

There you have it. As the next two months progress, there are sure to be moments where we see things from Domonic Brown that simply could not be possible from the Ben Francisco’s of the Phillies world.

But remember that the speed and power that creates those moments can amplify a mistake here or there.

The Phillies season will mostly play out on the bats and arms of those on the roster before Domonic Brown’s July 28th debut, so let’s avoid the Ted Williams comparisons (he requested Domonic Brown’s number, you know?) and be thankful that we will not soon be regretting a trade deadline deal that led to the Domonic Brown epoch in some other city.

Sorry, just following the rules.

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Domonic Brown: With Shane Victorino on the DL, the Rookie Shines

After suffering an injury that most thought would keep him out a few days put Shane Victorino on the DL, the Phillies’ top prospect, Domonic Brown, made his presence felt immediately.

In his first major league at-bat, Brown nearly went deep with a man on base. Instead, he knocked one off the right center field wall, legging out a double and plating Jayson Werth. Later in the inning, a Wilson Valdez groundout allowed Brown to cross home plate for his first career run.

Brown later showed that he can also run the bases and isn’t just a power bat as he scored from first on a Carlos Ruiz double in the sixth inning.

Overall, Brown went two for three, with two runs and two RBIs. Brown batted sixth in the lineup and played right field, while Werth was kicked over to center in Victorino’s absence.

But as exciting as it was for everyone to finally see what Brown could do in the majors, the news on Victorino has to take some of the wind of the sail.

“I’ll say about two weeks, but it may be at least three weeks (before Victorino returns to the lineup),” manager Charlie Manuel said.

Victorino was placed on the 15-day DL, so it’s possible he returns once his stint is up, but no one sounds too optimistic — including Victorino.

“I’m hoping (to be out only) 15 (days),” Victorino said. “It’s sore today.”

With Victorino gone, and Jimmy Rollins currently riding the bench with a foot bruise, the Phillies are short on contact-hitting base-runners. So unless Rollins is able to return soon, Brown’s play could be overshadowed by the fact the lineup is now dominated by power-hitting lefties.

But, for now, the Phils are riding a seven-game win streak and look as good as they have all season long. Whether or not they can overcome the constant stream of injuries to their All-Star players and overtake the Braves has yet to be seen, but it’s now safe to say they’re out of their slump.

However, as we’ve seen with this team, they can fall back in at any time.

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MLB Trade Rumors: Roy Oswalt and His Bad Back

As the trade deadline looms and pitchers have moved from team to team, the last guy standing is Roy Oswalt. Where will he end up?

Here’s a shocker: He ain’t goin’ nowhere. Why? Oswalt is hurt. Most likely his perpetually bad back.

Reds’ fans saw it in his last outing, July 24, where he lasted only 70 pitches.  Pirates’ fans saw it in Oswalt’s outing before he lost to the Reds, July 18, when he stuck around for a whopping 65 pitches.

Keep those dates in mind.

In those last two games his line looks like this: 9 IP, 16 H, 8 ER.

How and when did he get hurt?

First off, Oswalt has a long history of back issues. In fact, his last reported Cortisone shot was on July 7—”reported.”

The next night, July 8, he took the hill and voodoo-dolled himself.

Oswalt tossed a one-hit, complete game shutout.

He threw 117 pitches, equalling his May 9 season high.

A conspiracy theorist might say Oswalt was feeling pretty good after the shot and was trying his damnedest to get out of Houston, took the mound, and threw a whale of a game.

Hurting his fragile back in the process.

Would you spend around $20 million over the next two years on a guy needed for two months, with the possibility of having to ink a deal requiring your team to take on an additional year—knowing that his back is acting up?

Okay, so what made the dates July 18 and July 24 so important? Think for a second.

Answer: His previous start was July 8, why the 10-day rest? The July 13, 2010 All-Star Game?

Nope. July 8 was a Thursday. The All-Star break began on a Monday. The Astros resumed play on Friday, July 16, vs. Pittsburgh.

Why didn’t Oswalt pitch that game?

Why did he wait until Sunday, July 18?

And why did he only last 65 pitches, going only four innings?

It’s not like he took the mound in the fifth and couldn’t get anybody out.  Chris Sampson relieved Roy Oswalt before the fifth started.

Oswalt had only given up two earned runs.

So, again, why was he done after only 65 pitches?

His next outing vs. the Reds was horrible—10 base runners in five innings, six earned runs on 70 pitches.

Oswalt is scheduled to pitch Friday, July 30, against Milwaukee.

From now until game time on Friday, Houston is on the phone trying wheel a deal for Oswalt before everyone realizes that, for the remainder of the season, he is a toast.

The reported Cortisone shot and the next night’s one-hitter serve as a classic example of the old cliché, “be careful what you wish for.” 

That or maybe a little Karma biting Oswalt for being such a prig to the team that paid him ungodly amounts of money throughout his entire career.

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MLB Rumor: Roy Oswalt To Philadelphia Phillies Awaits His Signature

According to Mark Berman of Fox 26 in Houston , the Astros and Phillies have agreed in principle to a trade that would send Roy Oswalt to Philadelphia. 

Berman’s sources report that all players and money that would be exchanged have been agreed on, but both teams await Oswalt to waive his no-trade clause.

Oswalt is scheduled to take the mound for the Astros this Friday. 

Trade details and fantasy baseball spin to follow.

Follow us on Twitter for more updates @TheFantasyFix.

 

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MLB Rumors: Phillies Have Deal in Place for Roy Oswalt, Oswalt OK’s Deal

It looks like, for better or for worse, Roy Oswalt’s days appear to be over with the only club he’s called home, if he wants it that way.

It’s been reported by FOX 26 in Houston that a deal has been agreed upon between the Phillies and Astros that will see Roy Oswalt head to the “City of Brotherly Love.” The only thing standing in the way of this deal is Oswalt’s no-trade clause. It all depends whether he chooses to veto the trade.

“Sources have told the TV station the teams have agreed on the amount of money Houston would take back in the deal and the teams have reached an accord on which players the Phillies would send the Astros.”

So with all the fine details in place, the ball is now in Oswalt’s court. Have a chance to pitch in a rotation that features Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, J.A. Happ, and Jamie Moyer, or stay in the only place he’s called home. 

Oswalt’s remaining contract sees him make $5 million for the remainder of the season, while making $16 million the following season (2011), and in 2012, there’s a club option for $16 million and a $2 million buy-out.

Oswalt, 32, is 6-12 with a 3.42 ERA this season with the Astros. Oswalt’s record isn’t indicative of how well he’s performing this year, though. Due to a lack of run support, Oswalt has seen his win total dwindle.

With 143 career wins, Oswalt remains one win shy of tying legendary Astros pitcher Phil Niekro for all-time wins in franchise history.

If Oswalt decides on Philadelphia, he will be heading to a team only 3.5 games out of the playoffs, and now with another strong anchor on their already impressive pitching staff. I, for one, would like to see Oswalt get the attention he deserves, and a move to Philadelphia might be good for his career.

EDIT: According to ESPN’s Jayson Spark, Oswalt plans to OK the deal between the two teams, meaning Oswalt will become a member of the Phiiladelphia Phillies

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Brotherly Love for Philly Phenom Domonic Brown?

The time has come again as yet another phenom is set to introduce himself to the baseball world. Outfield super-prospect Domonic Brown will finally get his long awaited opportunity to shine in the City of Brotherly Love.

His promotion to the big club does not yet signal a changing of the guard, but rather a move necessitated by injury. Starting center fielder Shane Victorino landed on the 15-day DL earlier today with an abdominal strain.

Despite getting the call, the injury to Victorino could easily be viewed as detrimental for Brown. The trading of outfielder Jayson Werth is now a near impossibility, which in turn means Brown’s major league stint is likely to be short-lived. When Victorino returns, the same trio of experienced outfielders will be blocking his path to regular at bats. Raul Ibanez has picked up the slack in July hitting .325 with 12 RBI, and despite hitting only .241 since June 1st, Shane Victorino and bench will never be synonymous.

But let’s not overlook one all-important possibility: Domonic Brown blowing away the Phillies brass with his exceptional talent and dynamic play on the field. If he hits .400 with a couple of bombs, steals some bags and re-energizes the club, sending him back to Lehigh Valley sure won’t be easy. GM Ruben Amaro would be put in an unenviable spot with that decision on his hands, and it’s not implausible to think he’ll have to face that decision head on.  

Brown, the number one rated prospect according to Baseball America, was originally the 607th selection in the 20th round of the 2006 amateur draft. The Phillies took a flyer on Brown’s raw potential, and are about to be rewarded beyond their wildest dreams back in ’06. You reap what you sow, and the Phils earned it with great scouting work.  

The definition of a tools player, Brown can impact the game and fantasy lineups, in a multitude of ways. He can hit for average, batting at least .291 in his last four minor league seasons. He’s taken it up a notch in AAA, batting .346 in 28 games. He gets on base, having drawing 37 BB in 2010 for a .391 OBP. He can run, stealing 22 bases in ’08, 23 in ’09 and 17 thus far in ’10. At 6’5″, he continues to grow into his frame and develop his power stroke. Prior to this year his previous season high for HR was 14. Through 93 games in ’10, he’s hit 20. His previous season high for RBI was 64. He’s already knocked in 68 runs in ‘10.

Dynasty league owners know that the “Total Package” has long since been stashed away. But Brown is still available in a decent number of straight keeper leagues, and owned in less than 50 percent of re-draft leagues. While his major league timetable in 2010 is a relative unknown, the risk is certainly worth the reward. Worst case scenario: two weeks of an ultra-talented player in a loaded lineup. Best case scenario: he tears the cover off the ball and forces the Phillies hand. While the latter is an unlikely outcome, when talking about a skilled athlete like Brown, nothing is out of the question.

Update: Brown went 2-3, with 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs in his debut.

Written by Adam Ganeles exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com.  Adam writes like most people breathe… effortlessly. The Fantasy Fix salutes him!

Think Domonic Brown will force the Phils hand?
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