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The Phillies acquired starter Joe Blanton at the trade deadline in 2008. While many fans at the time wanted the Phillies to acquire Rich Harden instead, Blanton proved to be just what the Phillies needed to help put them over the hump and win a World Championship. According to a report, Blanton has called it a career.
Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register says that Blanton will give up his comeback attempt:
Joe Blanton has retired. Had been pitching for A's AAA team. Yes, #Angels still owe him all of his contract. Since they released him first.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) April 14, 2014
After being released by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim after Spring Training, Blanton signed with the Oakland Athletics, the team who drafted him. The Athletics were also whom the Phillies dealt Josh Outman, Adrian Cardenas, and Matt Spencer for Blanton in 2008.
The Angels signed Blanton to a two-year, $15 million deal prior to 2013. Blanton went 2-14 with a 6.04 ERA in 2013. Blanton came to camp with the Angels this season, but pitched to a 1-2 record and 7.08 ERA before being released. In AAA with the Athletics, Blanton went 1-0 with a 5.06 ERA.
Blanton retires at just 33 years old with a lifetime 4.81 ERA and 85-89 record.
Of the 2008 Phillies, only Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jayson Werth, Shane Victorino, J.A. Happ, Kyle Kendrick, Carlos Ruiz, and Greg Dobbs are still active in the major leagues. Catcher Lou Marson appeared for the Phillies in 2008, but has not signed with a team since the Phillies released him this Spring Training.
