[Phils20]

Interesting deal. I hope they don't have ideas of starting this guy in palce of Burrell.

Finger: Phillies Trade Golson for Mayberry

[njpsufan]

Or maybe Howard?? Don't know much about him except he is a big guy, 6'6", who can play 1B or either corner OF spot. His dad was a good player for the Royals, think I have his baseball card still. Ntg great but a good average player. I think they are looking down the road at the cost of things. Howard most certainly will get $15 this year and he still has 1 maybe 2, years of arbitration left. Then what?? Sure he hits HR. Sure he drives in runs. But he is very streaky. And teams are going to figure him out. 3 years from now at age 31 will he be worth $20-25M a year??? Or do you trade him to an AL team for a boatload of prospects?? Think if this kid has a good spring then he will platoon in LF with Jenkins. He is only 24 so worth a chance.

[Phils20]

I agree. I don't think Golson had anything going for him, so I am upbeat about this trade. It may end up being a trade of nothing for nothing, but at least it stirs things up!

[njpsufan]

Yeah, obvious they had no real plans for Golson.. just like Bourn. Think they brought this kid in because he could (possibly) fill a need. If Burrell re-signs he will only be for a 2 yr deal. Don't see how they offer him more unless it some incentive thing like i suggested. Personally I don't think they will offer him that, nor will he accept a 2 yr deal. He is 32 and he knows this could be last big deal he gets. He wants a 4 yr deal. That's why they got this kid. If he has a good spring then put him in platoon with Jenkins and let him play his way into lineup. If Burrell signs then kid starts in AAA. Plus if kid can hit, he is alternative to Howard in another year. I think you can read into fact that they have not given Howard a long term deal (unlike Rollins or Utley) shows they are not sold on him. Hamels will get a deal and think Werth and Victorino will. They are willing to play the arbitration game with Howard and then trade him before it ends.