When the rain came, the Marlins trailed the Phillies 6 – 4. Then, the Marlins brought the rain, with Jorge Cantu and Brett Carroll knocking in runs to beat Brad Lidge and the Phillies. For Lidge, he’s blown 11 saves (and the Cubs complain about Kevin Gregg and his seven blown saves, though most of them came in about a two week period in August). Ryan Madson was given a shot – and failed. Brett Myers may not be healthy enough. So, unless there’s a new call for Tyler Walker to be a closer, the Phillies have no choice but to let their starters go nine every night. Can Jamie Moyer close? [ESPN]
The Phillies got a small dose of good news… Catcher Carlos Ruiz has just a sprain, and will return to the lineup soon. Ruiz made a tag of Matt Diaz at the plate Friday night against the Braves and tweaked his wrist on the play. [ESPN]
Atlanta manager Bobby Cox says 2010 will be his last year on the bench – nearly 2500 wins after starting his managerial career with the Braves back when Dale Murphy was still occasionally catching (1978). [FoxSports]
ESPN reports that Milton Bradley will not challenge his suspension and awaits news of his Cubs career. Bradley even apologized for the situation… [ESPN/FoxSports]
Let’s Talk Yankees…
Jorge Posada fouled a ball off his toes, but x-rays revealed no breaks. He’s probably out until the weekend. Meanwhile, GM Brian Cashman said that the struggling Joba Chamberlain has to step up, else not make the Yankees playoff roster. Finally, FanNation is allowing commentary on a New York Daily News comment that manager Joe Girardi has to win the World Series to keep his job for 2010. [ESPN/SI/FanNation]
Moving on…
The Miami Herald is reporting that the Marlins might make a four-year, $50 million offer to pitcher Josh Johnson. If that happens, Dan Uggla will complain any time Josh has to leave a start before the sixth inning and question his toughness. [FanNation]
Chicago White Sox GM Ken Williams – Disappointed in 2009, Optimistic for 2010. You decide if he’s a glass half full or empty type of guy. [ESPN/MLB]
FanNation reports that Arizona pitcher Brandon Webb, who has spent most of 2009 on the DL, wants his full option and no pay cut to come back to the Diamondbacks for 2010. I know a lot of teams that would invest in Webb if he were healthy next year… [FanNation]
Nolan Reimold had successful surgery to repair a frayed Achilles tendon. Here’s to a complete recovery for the Orioles rookie slugger. [FoxSports]
Hurry Back! The Royals placed pitcher Bruce Chen on the DL with a strained oblique. (Of course, he’ll be back in 2010, and not in 2009.)
Welcome Back! With Chen leaving, the Royals activated pitcher Juan Cruz, and the Indians brought back pitcher Joe Smith from the DL.
Afterthoughts… Tough day for umpire Marty Foster, who took three foul balls – one off the face mask – in last night’s Giants-D’Backs game…