Phils Get Their Bling, I Mean Ring

Led by a motorcade, the rings arrived in a white van that circled around the warning track. Former general manager Pat Gillick, who retired after last season, was the first to receive his ring during a lengthy pregame ceremony.

An emotional Gillick cried after team president David Montgomery handed him his ring. Manager Charlie Manuel came next, and he was greeted by chants of “Charlie! Charlie!” by the sellout crowd.

Former Phillies Pat Burrell, Geoff Jenkins and Adam Eaton took part in the ceremony. Burrell got a rousing ovation before heading off to Boston to play a night game for Tampa Bay. Eaton, who was left off the postseason roster, was booed.

Comcast Launches MLB HD Network

I had an email passed on to me today by a fellow reader (probably Comcast worker) about Comcasts new MLB HD Network that will be airing on channel 191 and provide HD Phils games.  Here is the press release below:

This week, Comcast launched MLB Network HD on channel 191 throughout the Philadelphia market.

I’ve also included info on the Phillies HD schedule, at bottom.  We’re providing more games than any other provider this season – more than satellite and Verizon.  Note that Sixers and Flyers playoffs games would likely bring additional Phillies games to The Comcast Network (only available to Comcast customers).

COMCAST LAUNCHES MLB NETWORK HD IN PHILADELPHIA

In-Depth Baseball Coverage, Including Games and Analysis – All in Crystal-Clear High-Def

PHILADELPHIA – (April 1, 2009) – Comcast today announced that it has added MLB Network HD to its lineup in the greater Philadelphia market on channel 191, enabling baseball fans to follow America’s national pastime year-round, from the so-called “hot stove” of off-season trading action through the post-season every year.

MLB Network, which debuted on January 1 to more than 50 million homes nationwide, offers baseball fans a full menu of year-round baseball news and entertainment, from pre-season deal-making to spring training to live game coverage to daily analysis of the league and its teams.  In its inaugural year, the channel will offer more than 1,400 hours of live programming, including at least 26 of baseball’s best match-ups.

MLB Network has announced its Thursday Night Baseball schedule for April and May, featuring 16 different MLB clubs in eight live regular season games:

MLB NETWORK THURSDAY NIGHT BASEBALL SCHEDULE

April 9 – 7:00 p.m. Brewers @ Giants – Matt Vasgersian and Joe Magrane
April 16 – 1:00 p.m. Indians @ Yankees – Bob Costas, Harold Reynolds and Jim Kaat
April 16 – 8:00 p.m. Blue Jays @ Twins – Victor Rojas & Dan Plesac
April 23 – 8:00 p.m. Dodgers @ Astros – Matt Vasgersian and Joe Magrane
April 30 – 7:00 p.m. Red Sox @ Rays – Victor Rojas and Joe Magrane
May 7 – 7:00 p.m. Phillies @ Mets – Bob Costas and Al Leiter
May 14 – 8:00 p.m. Orioles @ Royals – TBD
May 21 – 8:00 p.m. Cubs @ Cardinals – TBD

Ryan Howard Wants to Get Paid

The Phillies first baseman asked for $18 million in arbitration Tuesday, the third-highest figure submitted since the process began in 1974.

Philadelphia brass offered $14 million to the 2006 NL MVP. Howard had a major league-leading 48 homers and 146 RBIs last year, helping the Phillies win their first World Series title since 1980. Before the season, he was awarded $10 million in arbitration rather than Philadelphia’s $7 million offer.

With the Yankees just shelling out $20 million per year to Mark Teixeira, I definitely think Howard gets his $18 million.

A good read over at MoreHardball, about what they would do with $18 million.

Phils and Werth Come to Terms

The World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies (god I love saying that) came to terms with outfielder Jayson Werth by agreeing to a two-year contract.  Werth will be paid $10 million over the length of the contract — $3 million in 2009 and $7 million in 2010.

The Phils also signed reliever Chad Durbin to a one-year, $1.635 million contract.

Phillies ink Madson to 3 Year Deal

One day after locking up their ace Cole Hamels for the next three years, the Phils did the same with their top set-up man, Ryan ‘MadDog’ Madson.

The team and Madson have agreed to a three-year, $12 million extension, pending a physical. The deal calls for Madson to receive a $1 million signing bonus, $2 million this season, $4.5 million in 2010 and $4.5 million in 2011.  He can earn $1.5 million annually in performance bonuses if he becomes a closer: $150,000 each for 30, 35, 40 and 45 games finished; $200,000 each for 50 and 55, and $250,000 each for 60 and 65.

Burrell Heading to Tampa

 

Pat Burrell is leaving the World Series champion Phils for the runner-up Tampa Bay Rays.

Burrell has agreed in principle to a two-year, $16 million contract with the Rays. Burrell who was the Phils regular left fielder would DH in Tampa.

Phillies re-sign Moyer, add RHP Park

The Phils re-signed left-hander Jamie Moyer to a two-year deal Monday.

The Phillies have also added right-hander Chan Ho Park, who signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract.

Moyer allowed three runs or fewer in 14 straight starts, from June 6-August 21, becoming the first Phillies pitcher to accomplish the feat since 1967. Leading the team in wins, he surpassed 30 starts for the eighth straight season.  Terms of Moyer’s deal were not disclosed.

Ibanez is Phils New LF

The Phillies have agreed to a three-year contract with former Mariners outfielder Raul Ibanez. The deal is believed to be worth $30 million over three years.

Ibanez will become the Phillies’ new everyday leftfielder, and his signing means the Phillies no longer will pursue their longtime leftfielder, Pat “The Bat” Burrell.  Adios Patrick, you will be missed.

Ibanez hit .293 this season, with 23 homers, 110 RBIs, a .358 on-base percentage and a .472 slugging percentage. He is one of just five outfielders who have driven in at least 100 runs in each of the past three seasons.

Not too sure how I feel about this deal.  Ibanez is a great hitter, but he turns 37 next June and we signed him until he’s 40.  Not to mention another left handed bat.  Hmm..

Charlie Extrended through 2011

A World Series ring was enough for the Phillies front office to want manager Charlie Manuel around a few more years.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro rewarded Manuel on Tuesday and picked up the option for 2010 on his contract and added a guaranteed year for 2011.   Manuel has won two straight NL East titles with the Phillies and led them this year to their first championship since 1980.

Mets Near Deal with K Rod

The New York Mets are reportedly closing in on a three-year deal for free-agent reliever Francisco Rodriguez.

Sports Illustrated reported that the team has offered K-Rod a three-year deal. That’s a one-year increase over the two years and $24 million the team is said to have initially offered Rodriguez, who broke the Major League single-season saves record last season with 62.