Polanco is Back Thanks, in Part, to Ibanez

I was happy to be wrong in doubting the Placido Polanco rumors, as they sprung up Wednesday night. Not so much because I am in love with that signing, but because I am relieved that the only vacant position on the starting defense is filled, an the team can now focus on filling the remaining holes in the pitching staff.

The acquisition of Polanco is a solid one. Based on the expected impact on the actual lineup (Shane Victorino moves from the 2 hole, down to the 7th spot and Polanco brings his discipline to the 2 slot), this addition should be an improvement. Declarations that the Phillies dropped the ball by signing "a declining hitter" are considerably premature. Yes, at the time, it seemed that the Phillies may have overpaid last offseason when they gave Raul Ibanez a 3 yr/$30 million contract, but that was proved to be a good move as Ibanez began the season in scorching fashion and became an all star for the first time in his career. Could the same be in the cards for Polanco? Time will tell.

The best detail of this signing may have been that Raul Ibanez acted as a recruiter on behalf of the Phils. Ibanez and Polanco are neighbors in Florida and work out together during the offseason. According to Scott Lauber, "About two weeks ago (Phillies GM) Ruben Amaro Jr. paid a visit to Polanco, letting him know the Phillies were interested in reacquiring him to play third base. From there, Ibanez became the club’s chief recruiter, encouraging Polanco to rejoin the Phillies." Very cool, Raul. Oh, excuse me...I meant, RAUUUUULL!!

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Details on the Lakewood BlueClaws' holiday toy & food drive with mascot Buster and Santa Claus on Saturday, the 19th....click here.

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Jersey Shore clinches playoff berth on final day of regular season

Ottto Kemp, image- Jay Floyd With an extra-inning victory over first-half division champions Hudson Valley on Sunday, the Class A Advanced Jersey Shore BlueClaws clinched the team's first playoff appearance since 2018, winning the second-half division title. Key performers in the BlueClaws' clincher were righty hurler Jason Ruffcorn, who threw three innings of relief to earn the victory and third baseman Otto Kemp, notched three hits, a walk, two stolen bases and plated the game winning run in the 11th inning on a sacrifice fly. On top of that, Kemp, who turned 24-years-old on Saturday, made an absolute game-saving defensive play to help the club hold their lead in the bottom of the 11th frame. One of Jersey Shore's most consistent performers all season long has been right-handed reliever Cam Wynne. The Phillies' 20th round draft pick in 2021 out of Nebraska. In 34 appearances, one start, the 24-year-old tallied a 1-1 record with one save, a 2.44 ERA and a .190 batti

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RHP Pipkin headed to AFL after hot August

After completing what was easily the best month of his career, righty hurler Dominic Pipkin is ready to face the tough competition of the prominent Arizona Fall Leage. Pipkin, who was the Phillies' 9th round draft selection in 2018, has had moderate success in his five years as a pro, posting a 4.93 ERA, a 7.6 K/9 mark and a .260 batting average against mostly at the lower levels on the minors. After missing time this year with an unspecified ailment, the six-foot-four 170-pounder proved to be healthy as he dominated AA competition in nine appearances with the Reading Fightin Phils during August. Pipkin's impressive production resulted in a 1-0 record with a save and a 0.96 ERA while striking out eight and walking three in 9 1/3 innings. The California native says his efforts to improve have helped him touch 100 MPH on the radar gun, while his fastball velocity is mostly around 96 MPH. Pipkin's arsenal includes that improved fastball as well as a slider while his curve

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