Bowker Gone

[magnumo]

Although it is not reported yet on the official Pirates' site at MLB.com, I've seen several reports elsewhere that the Phillies have acquired John Bowker from the Pirates, and immediately placed him on their 25-man roster..... making him eligible for their playoff roster.

On one hand, it seems strange that the Phillies think Bowker is worthy of a roster spot, while the Pirates don't. (But perhaps the Pirates are justified, given the number of young outfielders ahead of Bowker on the depth chart, PLUS Diaz and Ludwick..... )

On the other hand, Bowker may be nothing more than an "emergency replacement" for Ross Gload, who has been hurting and hasn't been hitting. As such, Bowker's role will be lefty PH. (At any rate, I hope the Pirates got SOMETHING for Bowker..... at this point, I've seen speculation that it will be cash or the ubiquitous PTBNL.)

 

[Darkstone42]

Diaz has been dealt to the Braves for a PTBNL. Looks like Huntington is trying to trim the fat so he can see what this team has in terms of youth.

 

[stillmatic32]

Good moves, keep shipping out guys like this. Maybe the Pirates get lucky on something they get back. Maybe not. Either way, Bowker and Diaz had no place here.

 

[steelparrot]

Unless Jones is our 1st baseman next season, we have our 2 backup outfielders with him and Paul, plus Marte will be in AAA.

 

[thedddd]

Here is an official story: Phillies Notes: Phillies add Bowker for pop off bench | Philadelphia Inquirer | 09/01/2011


As for next year if Jones is back at 1B (and they don't bring in a FA), does this mean we might see Hernandez as the 4th or 5th OF? Think if you have Presley, Hernandez and Paul along with Tabata that seems a little light on the power hitting department (not just talking HR's but gap power)? That would be a complete small ball defense first OF.

 

[element1286]

I really have no idea why the Phils wanted him so much, they have Dominic Brown sitting in AAA. Yet they chose to play Raul Ibanez and acquire John Bowker.

 

[thedddd]

Forgot about Brown in AAA for them. Honestly I never took him more than Minor league filler here in Pittsburgh so not sure what value they see in him that the Pirates/Giants didn't.