We're glad Victorino is locked up and blase about Contreras, but don't like the future implications for other Phillies. Contreras' deal diminishes what little chance that SoxandPhils favorite Mike Zagurski has of making the team:
The Phillies now have six relievers under contract, with prospect Antonio Bastardo the frontrunner to fill the remaining void. With veteran lefty J.C. Romero expected to miss up to a month, and with closer Brad Lidge questionable for Opening Day, young lefty Sergio Escalona and righthander Scott Mathieson will also have a chance to contend for a roster spot in spring training.
Other options include lefthander Mike Zagurski. Righthander B.J. Rosenberg, who showed promise at Class A last season, will also be in spring training.
And the beat writers honed in on a conclusion that Christine and I have had for a while: Jayson Werth is a goner after this season. Amaro pretty much acknowledged that Victorino's deal means Werth won't be re-signed after the season:
"Jayson is under contract through this year. We've had very, very preliminary discussions about what his future might be like here. There will be some difficult decisions down the road. We'll have to weigh where we want to fit in all the dollars and how we want to fit the puzzle together. We can not operate with nothing but $15- to $20-million players. And if there's any indication how much the [Matt] Holliday and Bay signings have on direct impact on where Werth may be at the end of this year, we're going to have to sift through it and figure out what's best for the organization, not just for the next couple years but also long-term."
Sounds like J-Dub will be patrolling right field for the Yankees in 2011. They might be looking for a catcher too, so Ruben better stop dawdling and lock up Carlos Ruiz.
Christine would like to know whether she will be able to wear her Chooch shirt beyond this season.
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