Ruben demands change! Kendrick’s a Rockie! Boston’s not cooperating!
1. Ruben Amaro demands offensive change
Let’s be honest, the pressure is on for general manager Ruben Amaro and he needs to see some results on the field. Surely he is responsible for much of the problem, and this goes without need to explore much further. While speaking to Comcast Sportsnet, Amaro says he is expecting to see some changes in the offensive philosophies this season. I expect somebody to drive up to my front door and hand me an envelope full of $100 bills too, but it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Well, unless Amaro is the one at the front door perhaps…
[DING DONG]2. Red Sox refuse to give in to Phillies’ demands for Hamels
The Boston Red Sox remain an option for a possible trade partner involving pitcher Cole Hamels. The Phillies want Red Sox catching prospect Blake Swihart, but Boston is not prepared to give him up.
The #Phillies want prized catching prospect Blake Swihart from #Redsox in deal for Hamels. The Red Sox continue to refuse. #stalemate
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 3, 2015
As many as five to six teams are considered to be interested in acquiring Hamels, so who knows where this goes. I am guessing these talks will continue up toward the trade deadline at this point though.
3. I so want to see Left Shark at Citizens Bank Park this season
I was actually more entertained by the beach balls dancing with Katy Perry in the Super Bowl halftime show, personally, but the fascination with the left shark has been running wild. Now everybody is trying to cash in on the latest meme-worthy figure. This includes the Phillies, who tossed out the idea of having Left Shark make an appearance alongside the Phanatic. When’s Shark Week? Let’s make this happen.
#LeftShark in Philly for #OpeningDay 2015? pic.twitter.com/ovoOPmOPSa
— Phillies (@Phillies) February 3, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js4. There is another third base prospect?
There has been much to discuss at the third base position with Cody Asche getting work in the outfield to prepare for the eventual arrival of Maikel Franco on a permanent basis. But Phillies Nation’s Jay Floyd has a nice feature on another third base prospect, Zach Green.
5. Harrisburg baseball fans now get Nationals game son radio
I meant to throw this in yesterday’s round-up but it slipped my mind. As reported by PennLive the other day, Harrisburg radio listeners will now be getting Washington Nationals coverage instead of the Phillies radio broadcasts. It’s a one-year deal, and it sort of makes sense. Harrisburg is home to the Nationals’ minor-league double-A affiliate (Harrisburg Senators) so keeping the Nationals brand in the listening area is a good move for the Nationals and Senators. But this is largely because the Nationals are considered a playoff contender and the Phillies are not. I’m not sure how many Nationals fans are actually in Harrisburg, but I cannot imagine there is that much more interest there than there would be compared to the option of getting Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen. Note: I’m incredibly biased.
6. No Phillies caps in Mets colors please…
I have to agree with the sentiment shared by Craig Calcaterra over on Hardball Talk yesterday. Baseball hats in team colors of other teams is awful and needs to not be done.
In an alternate universe, the A’s stayed in Philly and the #Phillies moved to Oakland. CC: @craigcalcaterra pic.twitter.com/pRXE8lfIQP — Macho Row (@Macho_Row) February 3, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Yuck.
7. Kendrick heads to Colorado
Kyle Kendrick‘s baseball career will continue with the Colorado Rockies. Kendrick signed a one-year deal at $5.5 million with the Rockies, which is pretty incredible. Best of luck to Kendrick on the next stage of his career. Keep making that money any way you can.
Source: Rockies, Kyle Kendrick agree to one-year, $5.5M deal with another $500K if he reaches 190 innings pitched.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 3, 2015
8. Like Macho Row on Facebook
Do not forget to check out Macho Row on Facebook! Striving for 548 Facebook likes before opening day. It’s not likely to happen, but it’s worth shooting for!
9. Focusing on college football today
Today is National Signing Day in college football, so naturally that will be my emphasis today. I’ll be back tomorrow with another edition of Out of the Batter’s Box, but I will be grinding with updates for College Football Talk and the Penn State Bloguin site, Nittany Lions Den. If this interests you, follow my college football coverage on Twitter @KevinOnCFB (and @NittanyLionsDen for Penn State commentary).
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