All Things Bubba

Andy Phillips at the "Miracle on Madison" charity event, Dec. 3, 2007

The weather that was in Green Bay yesterday is in upstate New York today. Brrrrrr!

Today's Reds Mailbag mentions Andy Phillips. Mark Sheldon seems to think he has a good chance of making the roster:

With Scott Hatteberg and Joey Votto both being solid first basemen, what do you think will happen with Andy Phillips? Will he start the year in Triple-A, or does he have a legitimate chance of making the team out of Spring Training?
-- Danielle K., New Jersey

Outside of utility player Jeff Keppinger, the Reds really lack a right-handed-hitting first baseman at the big league level. Phillips, who will be in camp as a non-roster invitee on a Minor League contract, fits that bill, and therefore would have a decent shot, I'd think. Of his 67 games played for the Yankees last season, 57 were at first base in a platoon situation. The Reds seem to covet versatile guys (like Keppinger and Freel). Phillips can also play second and third base and the outfield.

As I suspected - the replacement for Jeff Conine/Jorge Cantu.

Newsday reports that Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens were never as close as the media made out, and this steroids thing has driven them even farther apart. The Rocket is not happy that Andy corroborated McNamee's story, and Andy's not happy Clemens played the McNamee tape.

The article also notes that there are a lot more free agents still available than usual for this time of year. A new emphasis on youth? Veterans asking too much? Or just everyone waiting to see what happens with Santana?

And holy jeez, it's a stock market bloodbath today. US markets are closed due to the MLK holiday, but in futures trading, the Dow is down over 500 points, and it appears trading has been suspended. (It would likely be much worse if markets were open.) Dow Jones Europe is down almost 10%. This is insane.

Labels: Andy Phillips