December 30, 2018
The Philadelphia sports world will be focused on one thing and one thing only on Sunday — the Eagles' season finale in Washington. Well, technically two things, if you count the Vikings-Bears game.
Over the last couple of weeks, the Birds' resurgence, coupled with the Phillies' less-than-stellar start to their offseason, there's been a lot more attention paid to the town's football team. However, that can change rapidly with a loss by the Eagles on Sunday — or by a sudden free agent signing or blockbuster trade.
For now, however, it seems as though the next domino to fall for the Phils won't be a giant, like Manny Machado or Bryce Harper. And Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe has the Phillies linked to three pitchers, one of whom might not even be available. First, a look at the two right-handed pitchers he mentions.
2. David Robertson, RHP, free agent — Robertson, who represents himself, isn’t tipping his hand on what he’s looking for, but he’s likely seeking at least in the Andrew Miller range of two years at $25 million total. Robertson, who lives in Rhode Island, has been linked to the Red Sox, Yankees, and Phillies, but there are several other teams who have inquired and made offers. The Red Sox are trying to get a veteran reliever on a one-year deal. They feel there will be enough top-shelf veterans they can sign under those terms.
6. Marcus Stroman, RHP, Blue Jays — The Jays are listening to offers for Stroman, but does it make sense for them to deal him? Stroman is only 27 and likely hasn’t reached his peak. An injury reduced his number of starts to 19 last season, when he went 4-9 with a 5.54 ERA. He can become a free agent after the 2020 season. Teams that could potentially deal for him include the Padres, Athletics, Braves, Rangers, and Phillies. But again, we’re not convinced Stroman is going anywhere. [bostonglobe.com]
Then there's Robbie Ray from the Diamondbacks. And while Cafardo reports that he could be on his way out of Arizona, it was reported earlier this month that he may not be available.
4. Robbie Ray, LHP, Diamondbacks — Ray may be the next Diamondback to be traded. There is word that teams are calling about his availability. The Phillies and Astros are very interested. Ray, 27, went 6-2 in 24 starts last season. He earned $3.95 million and is arbitration eligible for the second time. [bostonglobe.com]Those names might not be as enticing as, say, Craig Kimbrel or Dallas Keuchel, but at least it's something, right?
As we do every day — and Eagles Sundays are no different — let's take a look at the latest news and rumors surrounding the Phillies and the rest of the baseball world.
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