December 19, 2003
Mill a Phill
Kevin Millwood has accepted the Phillies offer of arbitration. That gives the Phillies a very solid pitching staff going into the 2004 season.
It was a surprise when the Phillies made the arbitration offer Dec. 7, but general manager Ed Wade said the team was willing to take on Millwood's salary for one year, even though it would put them "significantly over budget."
There also a significant chance the Phillies can win this year, especially with the Braves offensively weakened by their departing free agents. Making the playoffs their first year in a new stadium is going to mean big crowds, and that extra revenue might make up for Millwood's salary.
Two words: Larry. Bowa.
I just think he'll botch it somehow. Remember, this is the guy who drove Rolen out of town. Stupid Phillies.
Hey the Phillies have Billy Wagner to close now. I can't believe the Stros let him go. I am glad to have Andy but if only we could have Billy too
Hey Millwood, where is that $15M/yr for 4 years that your agent promised you? I think he should voluntarily reduce his cut (20%? 25%?) since he promised you something he couldn't deliver.
Dotel should be closing games and he'll do just fine. Maybe not as great as Wagner, but something darn close and for a fraction of the cost.
The Phillies had a below average rotation last year. All they've done in the offseason is add Milton. How is their rotation "solid" all of a sudden?
below average rotation? how many other teams had 4 guys with 14 wins? they were in the top 5 in team ERA in the NL until late August. that's not "below average".
"until late August"? So, divisions are won in April and May?
Stupid Phillies for "driving Rolen out of town"? What was THAT comment? If anything was stupid, it was the amount of money they offered him to stay. You do realize that if Rolen had accepted the contract that they offered him, it is very unlikely that Jim Thome would be on the team right now, don't you?
Plus, unless Rolen was lying, the main reason he left was because he was so sure that the Phillies were not committed to putting a winning team on the field. Turns out Rolen is the one looking like a fool, as the Phillies were not lying when they told him they fully intended to start spending.
Stupid Phillies for "driving Rolen out of town"? What was THAT comment? If anything was stupid, it was the amount of money they offered him to stay. You do realize that if Rolen had accepted the contract that they offered him, it is very unlikely that Jim Thome would be on the team right now, don't you?
Plus, unless Rolen was lying, the main reason he left was because he was so sure that the Phillies were not committed to putting a winning team on the field. Turns out Rolen is the one looking like a fool, as the Phillies were not lying when they told him they fully intended to start spending.
john: i never said anything about winning a division. i just said they weren't "below average". two different issues.
