December 8, 2008
First Week in Office for Hurka Leads to Big Changes for Phils
Phillies fans couldn't believe what they had heard.
In just his first week as general manager, David Hurka had already started what most believed would be at least a two year project in making the Phillies a contender. Lyle Overbay and his horribly overpaid salary? Gone, shipped off to Tampa in a move that surprised many at how quick it happened and what the Phillies were able to get back. Those problems in the bullpen? Not gone yet, but two of the biggest headaches, Frank Castillo and Jay Witasick were put on waivers, essentially ending their time as Phils.
"I'd like to think that we're taking steps forward to improve the team," Hurka said at the press conference where the trade was announced. "Lyle Overbay helped us out last year, but feel that we're headed in a different direction. We wish him nothing but the best in Tampa, and are thrilled to welcome Josh Johnson and Jared Burton to the Phillies."
While the trade was the only deal that got done for the Phillies this past week, there are also rumors circling around Citizens Bank Park that Hurka might be angling for one of the big free agent second basemen that are on the market. Two names that have been thrown out there so far are Chase Utley and Kelly Johnson. Hurka had no comment on the situation when he was asked, but Philadelphia fans can only hope that this new GM can bring in a big bat and possibly a playoff birth, this season.
Great, this is just what I wanted. I get a week into my time here, and now I can walk on water? I can't wait to see what happens when we hit our first losing streak!
I took a deep breath and relaxed as I leaned back in my nice new office chair. It certainly had been an interesting first week, and it started with Lyle Overbay. I made it very clear to anyone that would listen that I wanted him out of Philly, and I then made it clear to him after talking with him privately on my first night here. He wasn't exactly thrilled, but when I told him the best bet was probably the 102 win Tampa Bay Rays, his mood improved. Of course, to make the deal happen, I had to throw in Wilkin Ruan and almost a million bucks, but I got a fourth pitcher and a good reliever out of it.
Josh Johnson went 10-5 last year in Tampa, and he's another junk ball pitcher. I wasn't worried about him striking guys out, but at least he's better than Redman or Henlsey. Of course, the real piece in the deal was getting Jared Burton from the Rays. I personally think he's got a hell of a lot of skill, and his 4.24 ERA and .262 opposing batting average last season seem to lean in my direction. There's room for improvement, sure, but compared to what I had out there, this guy's a stud.
That's not even the best news of the week. I put Frank Castillo and Jay Witasick on waivers, and they both got claimed by more than one team! I don't care which team takes them, but now I don't have to pay to release them, and they're both out of my hair. It gives me a little more money to play around with in free agency. I don't know who told the papers we were going after Utley, but damn if they weren't right. I've always loved the way Chase played, and if I could see him in a Phillies uniform next season, I'd be very, very happy. I've got a few other deals out there, too, but I guess they're not as important as potentially signing a four time all star.
Now, I've just got to get that deal done. Nothing worse than leading Philadelphia fans on. Oh boy, I don't want to go down that road...