When the Phillies dealt Cliff Lee to Seattle in 2009, it didn't make much sense because it seemed like some of the teams' best days were right ahead of them. They had the best record in 2011 and won the NL East in 2010. In an attempt to replenish some of the farm system, the Phillies traded Lee for Tyson Gillies, JC Ramirez and Phillippe Aumont. Today, the last member of that trade, Phillippe Aumont, elected free agency after being designated for assignment last week.
Aumont has elected free agency after getting DFA'd. #Phillies
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) June 24, 2015
Aumont was ranked as the Mariners third best prospect in 2009 according to Baseball America. After struggling as a starter in his first season with the Phils organization, he was converted into a relief role in 2011, where he posted a combined 2-5 record and a 2.68 ERA between Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Aumont got his first taste of the big lagues in 2012, which proved to be his most successful time in red pinstripes. In 14 2/3 innings of relief, he posted a 3.68 ERA. In 2013, he appeared in 22 games for the Phils but struggled with command en route to a 4.19 ERA. Aumont began the 2014 season with the Phils, but after allowing 12 earned runs in 5 2/3 innings, the remainder of his season was spent in Triple-A, where he continued to have control issues, walking 39 batters in 57 innings.
The Phillies designated Aumont for assignment in Spring Training and the towering right-hander went back to Triple-A. After appearing as a reliever in four games, Aumont converted to starting and it suited him well. In 14 games, 10 starts, for the Ironpigs this season, Aumont posted a 2.35 ERA. His command continued to be an issue though, walking 41 and striking out 58.
Aumont was called upon to fill in for Cole Hamels last week for a spot start and in his last chance to impress, he struggled mightily. In four innings, he allowed six runs on five hits. His seven walks were obviously the big stand out stat of the night. Shortly after his outing, the Phillies designated him for assignment one last time.
In 43 2/3 innings with the Phillies, Aumont went 1-6 with a 6.80 ERA. In his minor league career, he's 20-36 with an ERA of 3.92.
Tyson Gillies was ranked as the fastest prospect in Seattle's minor league system back in 2009, but issues with drugs and the law caused the Phillies to cut ties with him. Currently, he's playing for the Padres Double-A affiliate in San Antonio, hitting .268. J.C. Ramirez is on the Diamondbacks Triple-A team in Nevada. In 9 1/3 innings this season, he has a 1.46 ERA. He's pitched in 12 games for Arizona this season out of the bullpen, allowing seven earned runs in 15 1/3 innings.
Brandon Apter, Publishing Editor for Philliedelphia.com
