The Ross Gload deal is technically pending until Gload passes a physical.
Brandon Lyon agreed to terms on a 3 yr/$15 million deal with Ed Wade's Astros. Phillies GM Ruben Amaro stated that the Phillies were involved deeply in negotiations with Lyon but that Wade stole him away.
Rumors surfaced that the Phillies were in the mix again for a trade with Toronto involving ace pitcher Roy Halladay. Talks mainly had names like Domonic Brown and Michael Taylor attached, but GM Ruben Amaro stated Thursday morning that a big trade like that getting done is not likely. On Wednesday, Brown was named to the 22 player Arizona Fall League top prospect team. PhoulBallz interviewed both big OF prospects during their '09 minor league campaigns...here are links in case you missed those- Brown. Taylor.
While in Indianapolis, the Phillies met with Cliff Lee's agent to discuss a contract extension. No updates on that, as of yet.
In Thursday's Rule 5 draft, the Phillies lost pitcher Carlos Monasterios, who was Lakewood's opening day starter in 2007, to the Metropolitans. Monasterios spent 2008 & 2009 with Clearwater, and earned a late season promotion to Reading this year.
The Phillies selected RHP David Herndon from the Angels in the Rule 5 draft. Herndon, seen in video footage here, is a 6'-5" tall 24 year old hurler, who appeared in 50 games in relief this year at AA level Arkansas. He had 11 saves and a 3.03 ERA. His control is one of his best strengths. His career WHIP in 4 minor league seasons is 1.27. Following a DL stint in June with the Arkansas Travelers, Herndon went 5-2, after starting his AA season 0-4. In this year's Dominican Winter League, Herndon had 2-1 record with a 3.86 ERA and no saves in 16 games for the Gigantes.
Another name popping back up in the rumor mill is John Smoltz. Phillies phans heard that name plenty last week, and according to Jayson Stark of ESPN, the Phillies are taking a hard look at him once again.
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