MLB BM

Phillies Update: The Phils lowered their list of arbitration players down to 5 by signing Chris Snelling to a 1 year 450,000 deal. Now, Ryan Howard, Brad Lidge, Ryan Madsen, Jason Werth, and Eric Bruntlett. Snelling was injured last year only playing 30 games. He could be a solid outfielder bench bat that could see time if the Phillies don't add any more depth. BUT...

Geoff Jenkins: The Phillies and the Padres are in a two team race to sign Jenkins. Apparently both teams have offered similar deals but the Phillies offered an extra year. Jenkins will likely decide on what team he has a better chance to play more with. The Padres just got Jim Edmonds from the Cards, and now have Him in center with Brian Giles in right. Both teams show about the same opportunity for him to play. Pat Burrell has given up time year in year out with slumps, and also only plays about 5 games a week. Jason Werth has not been a regular for a whole season and he is scheduled to play right. Jenkins should decide this week.

Other Phillies News from the Daily News: A team source said yesterday that the Phillies could be interested in righthander Akinori Otsuka, who was not offered a contract by the Rangers before Wednesday night's deadline. Otsuka opened the 2007 season as the Rangers' closer after tallying 32 saves with a 2.11 ERA in '06. But he wound up on the disabled list in mid-July and missed the second half of the season with right forearm inflammation. Rangers officials reported that he's had good rehab reports this winter.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Scary, is one word to describe the new Arizona Diamondbacks. They are downright frightening. They acquired Dan Haren for six prospects. Six prospects that will one day make the Athletics actually have some batting too. But let's stick to this year. Arizona brought in Haren, Conner Robertson, Chris Burke, Chad Qualls, and Juan Gutierrez. They lost the six prospects and Jose Valerde who will close in Houston.
Now the Diamondbacks have Brandon Webb and Dan Haren at the top of the pitching rotation. Arizona should also get Randy Johnson back by May. They will have to figure out who will close unless they are able to acquire one. But Qualls, Brandon Lyon and Tony Pena. None are that strong, but hopefully for them, they won't need a stud closer.

Whether Eric Gagne is suspended or not, the Brewers are committed. My feelings on this Mitchell Report is that no matter what happens to you suspension or fine wise, you have a target on your back the size of Texas. Gagne will probably have some trouble this year in the NL to start. Let's see if the Brew Crew have enough patience. They should be able to walk him in.

Mark Prior: The Savior for the Chicago Cubs was let go this week and is now searching for a place to play. He may not be ready to play until May, and that may hurt his stock money wise, but his stock is already in the toilet. He wants to play and contribute, so let's see if he can. Sand Diego is a possibility, but Philly might be too. It all depends on if they can find someone to compete in April and if his price drops off enough.

Erik Bedard Next: He will probably be the next big trade. The Dodgers, Reds, Mets, and Blue Jays are all waiting to see what Baltimore wants. LA is ready to send 4 players to Baltimore for Bedard. Baltimore is officially rebuilding, and they want to move Mora too. They may include him in the deal. No courses confirm that though. The Dodgers have a great deal that would send young outfielder Matt Kemp or Andre Either and their best pitching prospect Clayton Kershaw. I see LA doing this trade to keep up with Arizona. They have too now.

The NL: Last Year the Wild Card was supposed to come out of the NL East. Phillies, Mets, or Braves all should have won it. But come to the season's end, the NL West was best bet and did pull it off. This year the Padres, D-backs, Dodgers, and Rockies could all take the Division or wildcard. This years playoffs may look alot like last year.