5
2012
Rival Executives “Smell A Rat” In Philly
An article by Hojo's Mojo
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports spoke with two rival executives who say “they smell a rat” in the Phillies’ pursuit of free-agent center fielder B.J. Upton.
The executives believe that to gain some leverage in going after Upton this offseason, Ruben Amaro Jr. fired their hitting coach and replaced him with Steve Henderson, the Rays’ hitting coach from 2006 to ’09, to fill the same role for the Phillies. Henderson has a very close relationship with B.J. Upton.
Also, Bart Braun, previously a special assignment scout with the Rays, joined the Phillies last month as a special assistant to general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. Braun also has a cordial relationship with the talented centerfielder.
Both those moves did not go unnoticed by the Upton camp, and in the words of one player agent, “there are no coincidences in baseball.”
Amaro Jr. denies that it was part of some plot and said that “nothing unusual is afoot”. But did acknowledge his primary need this offseason will include a center fielder, a corner outfielder, a third baseman and bullpen help.
In the same article, Rosenthal points out that at least one GM believes that Upton will get more attention on the market than Michael Bourn, pointing out that Upton, 28, is nearly two years younger and hits for more power.
Bourn is perceived as the superior on-base threat, but his career .339 OBP is not much higher than Upton’s .336.
While the Mets could certainly use either of these two talents, it’s well documented that they have about $10 million to fill ten roster spots this offseason.
About the Author: Rob Johnson
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NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | 42 | 28 | .600 | - |
| Nationals | 34 | 35 | .493 | 7.5 |
| Phillies | 34 | 37 | .479 | 8.5 |
| Mets | 25 | 40 | .385 | 14.5 |
| Marlins | 22 | 47 | .319 | 19.5 |
Last updated: 06/18/2013
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If that is who their target is, it certainly makes sense the moves they have made. It also helps to have the dollars to be able to throw his way. If the rumored 5-6 year deal is going to be out there for Upton, that would certainly have me take pause in deciding if I were to pursue him. In the end, money out of the equation, I probably would still offer him a 4-5 year deal.
Amaro never sits still and he’s always thinking ahead. He’s one of the more progressive and aggressive GMs in the game.
He’s also probably the worst. Aggressive doesn’t equal good.
It helps Gillick set it up so well for him. He really isn’t that good.
While our GM, Nero Alderson, continues to fiddle around while the Mets burn.
Meanwhile in mets land….. (crickets sound)…………………….
Where I live it’s more like a great, huge, sucking sound.
If Upton lands in Philly he will be a monster in that park and everything from his AVG, OBP, SLG will all have huge increases. It puts Philly back in the game.
What’s funny is all the people that for five years have been saying Philly wont or dont have the money, and that they dont have minor leaguers to trade. One injury filled year in which they last their top two producers for a huge chunk of the season and the no-nothings had them dead and buried. Philly has got it all, pitching, defense, hitting and power. Upton would take that team to another level. Meanwhile in the battle for last place, the Mets and Marlins will continue to flounder. I hear they have a new secret weapon; building from within and focusing on the draft. It’s unheard of and no other teams do that.
Dominic Brown…Mayberry…Howard….Jimmy Rollins…
if these guys were starting on the mets, met fans would be complaining we have too much “brotherly love” going on…
I’d rather have Bourn. Not that it matters.
Meanwhile Sandy is rummaging through the bargain bin looking for dented cans and meat products with expired expiration dates. Zzzzzzzz…….
I dont even think he’s rummaging yet. Doesn’t he usually wait until January when anything of even remote value have been taken and he’s assured of no competition for the dregs that are left?
Actually, for the Mets, they are probably disappointed that Hendu himself wasn’t available for them to play in LF for really cheap. Despite his being 59, the Wilpons strong tone of the fan skills would lead them to believe the irony that he is a bridge to the good old days despite the fact that he was one of the bags of balls acquired for Tom Seaver.
“smell a rat” ?
WTF?
did anyone stop to consider that maybe Phi is closer to BJ’s hometown of VA than any other team…in the free-agent market
Phi also is a hitter’s ball-park…
Phi also has some stud hitters in their lineup…
o yeah…and they love to compensate their players…
but yeah, according to a journalist that needs attention…Philadelphia fired their hitting coach and recruited Steve Henderson because they knew 3 years ago, BJ Upton would neither get injured, get traded to another team and sign an extension or just plain suck when his time for free-agency came up…
sweet jesus these gossip girls are awful