Skip to main content

Diekman Among Three Sent Down

Today the Phillies announced that a trio of players, who have been in big league camp, were sent down to the minors. Right-handed hurler Scott Elarton and Brian Sanches were trimmed from the roster along with impressive lefty reliever Jake Diekman.

Elarton, who has pitched previously in the Majors with the Astros, Rockies, Indians and Royals, did not perform very well this spring, as he posted a 0-1 record with a 5.02 ERA in 5 outings (2 starts). Expect the 36-year-old veteran to hold down a spot in the starting rotation for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs as the 2012 regular season begins.

Sanches, who had a previous stint with Philadelphia from 2006 to 2007 and is fresh off three solid seasons with the Marlins, allowed 5 runs in 7 innings pitched in Grapefruit League play this spring. The 33-year-old will add veteran depth to Lehigh Valley’s relief corp.

Diekman, 25, remains a terrific option as a lefty in the bullpen when the need arises this season. Sporting a fastball that reaches 95 MPH, an improving slider and a deceiving change up, the Nebraska native has rocked a 0.55 ERA with 23 strike outs and 7 walks in 16 combined relief outings in the Arizona Fall League and Major League spring training this year.

More cuts are on the way in the coming days as the Phillies roster is whittled down to the necessary requirement of 25 players for opening day next week.
_________________________________________

You can follow PhoulBallz on Twitter by clicking HERE.

Also connect with PhoulBallz on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What the hell else was I going to write about...?

It will be too late for many people's liking, but it's really about time to NEVER USE BRAD LIDGE IN A SAVE SITUATION ON THE ROAD AGAIN. Lidge in 2009 road games- 0-6, 8.10 ERA, 15 saves, 10 blown saves. One of my favorite statistics that I regularly update here on PhoulBallz is the percentage of games that Brad Lidge has allowed earned runs in this season, compared to the 18% he allowed in 2008. This year, Lidge has allowed earned runs in 43% of his outings. And, as a reminder, in 2007 Brett Myers allowed earned runs in just 21% of his relief appearances. Considering Lidge's season-long struggles, what is the solution when Brett Myers is ailing with a back muscle/shoulder injury, when Chan Ho Park has an injured hamstring, when Ryan Madson looks just as inept in the 9th inning as Brad Lidge seems and when JC Romero is still unavailable to pitch due to a forearm injury? Well, on Wednesday night, with Hanley Ramirez batting with two outs and the tying run on 3rd base, your an...

Watch Out For the Bat Boy

Stop ice grillin' the Phillies players, bat boy. I am watching YOU. I don't know what is on your mind, bat boy, but don't even think about doing something slick. You might wear the Phillies' uniform, but it is clear that you are a Yankees fan. It's all over your pale little "I wanna grow up to be like the Robert De Niro character in The Fan " face. The World Champs should be cautious around this kid. He could be dangerous. ------------------------------------------- Follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE !

The 2009 Ballzy Awards

Ladies and gentlemen, I proudly bring to you the inaugural edition of THE BALLZIES...PhoulBallz.com's annual awards given out for the finest achievements in the Phillies organization as well as related things and stuff. Without any additional delay, let's get this thing rollin'. Major League Player of the Year- Ryan Howard Howard is one of the most consistent hitters in baseball today. He's had four straight seasons with 45 or more homers and over 135 RBI. Howard also won the most valuable player award of the NLCS in 2009. He is one of the greatest Phillies hitters of all time. There's not much else to say. Minor League Player of the Year- Domonic Brown The Phils' #1 prospect hit for a .299 batting average in 106 games while smashing 14 homers, 64 RBI and swiping 23 bags. When watching Brown play it is easy to tell he's got the right tools and he is a pure athlete. Speed on the bases, range in the outfield, an excellent arm, a solid bat...it's all t...