Phillies are still shopping a little bit, albeit at the dollar store instead of Nordstrom's or even Target. So, it seems fitting that the Phillies would kick the tires or any options that might still exist. As I've said before, any minor league contracts like last year's Juan Pierre signing could be a good way to find value for cheap. One such option is pitcher Javier Vazquez.
According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, the Phillies checked out Vazquez's workouts in Puerto Rico:
#Phillies have scouted Javy Vazquez in Puerto Rico, but Ruben Amaro Jr. says they haven't really gotten involved. . . . (continued)
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) January 10, 2013
More Amaro on Vazquez: "We're flying at about 5,000 feet, just to see what's going on." Won't get involved "until we know what his plan is."
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) January 10, 2013
His plan? If he's cheap and willing to do a minor league deal with Spring Training invitation, yeah, they may bite. There may be some of that in coming weeks as unsigned players need to go. Here some such players that the team could sign to a minor league deal with Spring Training invite with a major league team before the season. Some are familiar names:
- Nyjer Morgan
- Ben Francisco
- Scott Podsednik
- Miguel Cairo
- Brandon Inge
- Austin Kearns
- Juan Rivera
- Rod Barajas
- Miguel Olivo
- Jesus Flores
- Jeff Baker
- Bill Hall
- Orlando Hudson
- Dallas Braden
- Randy Wolf
- Erik Bedard
I would think the Phillies add one to a few of these before pitchers and catchers report on February 12. Even if they don't make the big league team, if they can be stashed away in AAA if there is an injury; there is great value in extra inventory at AAA.
As for Vazquez, the Nationals and Red Sox are other teams tied to his services. His reputation is one where people think he is generally suited for smaller markets.
