Could Chris Dickerson help the Phillies?
The Phillies have some gaping holes at the moment: center field and relief pitching. The consensus is that the Phillies should not give up any significant prospects to make the team better. So what is left is dumpster diving. As MLB Trade Rumors reports, there are seven players currently designated for assignment that the teams have to do something with in the next ten days. Some may be helpful to the Phillies.
Chris Dickerson, Baltimore Orioles
Dickerson was designated for assignment a couple days ago. He is a defensive center fielder who has had some success in the major leagues, mostly as an extra player for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers, and Baltimore Orioles. Dickerson is hitting just .245 right now but did hit .278 last season and has a .263 lifetime average in the major leagues. Dickerson can steal some bases and play defensive center field.
If he is exposed to waivers, the Phillies could claim him. The Orioles could trade him, too, so maybe a marginal prospect gets it done.
Carlos Peña, Houston Astros
Phillies fans know the name Carlos Peña from the 2008 World Series. The one-time slugger has mostly hit around .200 two and a half seasons now. But, he does have some power and could play first base for the Phillies. Peña does have a nice glove at first base.
Of course, the Phillies might as well give Darin Ruf a real look. If the Phillies did not have Ruf I might be more inclined to take a flyer on Peña.
J.C. Gutierrez, Kansas City Royals
The Phillies bullpen is walking quite a tightrope right now with new major leaguers Luis Garcia and J.C. Ramirez. As promising young relievers Jake Diekman and Justin De Fratus still adjust to life in the major leagues and Joe Savery continues to find his groove, the Phillies could really use another reliever with some major league experience. Jonathan Papelbon and Antonio Bastardo cannot carry the whole load.
Guiterrez has a 3.38 in 25 games pitched for the Royals so far this season. He has walked eight in 29 1/3 innings pitched and struck out 17. He has given up plenty of hits – 10.8 per nine innings pitched. But looking at the Phillies options, at least Guiterrez has pitched in the major leagues for four seasons and could be an upgrade. If cheap – not a bad option.
