GaryMrMets
06-06-2004, 01:20 AM
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/8832933.htm
Posted on Fri, Jun. 04, 2004
Phillies Notes | Wooten sent down; more moves likely
By Jim Salisbury
Inquirer Staff Writer
ATLANTA - In the first of what could be a flurry of transactions in the coming days, the Phillies yesterday optioned utility man Shawn Wooten to triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
The move cleared space on the roster for righthander Josh Hancock, who pitched poorly against the Atlanta Braves last night in place of injured Vicente Padilla.
To make room for Hancock, the Phils apparently contemplated sending out one of four players - Wooten, outfielder Jason Michaels, and pitchers Elizardo Ramirez or Geoff Geary.
According to manager Larry Bowa, Michaels (5 hits in 28 at-bats) stayed because of his experience and his success last season. Ramirez and Geary stayed because the Phils believe they need extra arms to get through this weekend's series with the Braves.
The Phils' need for an extra pitcher could be alleviated when they begin interleague play in Chicago on Tuesday night. With the designated hitter in place, Bowa will not have to worry about pinch-hitting for the pitcher.
This could mean Ramirez or Geary could go to the minors Tuesday to make room for second baseman Placido Polanco, who, barring a setback, will be activated from the disabled list that day. Then again, it's possible the Phils will think about starting Ramirez in place of Hancock next week.
Chase Utley appears safe. In fact, he could get some time at first base in Chicago, with Jim Thome serving as the designated hitter.
The Phillies hope to make at least one more roster move next week. They have targeted Thursday as the day to bring closer Billy Wagner off the disabled list, provided his recovery from a groin injury continues.
"It feels real good right now," said Wagner, who will throw off a mound today and Sunday, then pitch a simulated game Tuesday.
Wooten has 72 hours to report to Scranton, where he will continue to earn his $575,000 salary.
Wooten hit .179 (7 for 39) in 20 games. He was signed to spell Thome at first and David Bell at third. Bell has been healthy and hasn't required time off. Thome missed six games in May with hand injuries. Wooten started three, going 1 for 11. Lately, the Phils have used Tomas Perez at first when Thome has needed time off.
Wooten was unavailable for comment. Teammates said he was upset about the move.
"I understand," Bowa said. "He's done everything we've asked. He's probably the classiest guy on the team. But with our pitching situation right now, we need an extra arm."
Wolf update. Randy Wolf experienced some post-start "stiffness and discomfort" in his left elbow after Wednesday night's 72/3-inning stint against the Mets.
However, he remains on target to make his next start.
"I can pitch with it," said Wolf, who first experienced discomfort in the elbow late in a start at Colorado on May 17. "It hasn't gotten any worse. That's the big thing. I had this two years ago. I know I have to keep an eye on it, but it's not bad enough to miss a start."
Posted on Fri, Jun. 04, 2004
Phillies Notes | Wooten sent down; more moves likely
By Jim Salisbury
Inquirer Staff Writer
ATLANTA - In the first of what could be a flurry of transactions in the coming days, the Phillies yesterday optioned utility man Shawn Wooten to triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
The move cleared space on the roster for righthander Josh Hancock, who pitched poorly against the Atlanta Braves last night in place of injured Vicente Padilla.
To make room for Hancock, the Phils apparently contemplated sending out one of four players - Wooten, outfielder Jason Michaels, and pitchers Elizardo Ramirez or Geoff Geary.
According to manager Larry Bowa, Michaels (5 hits in 28 at-bats) stayed because of his experience and his success last season. Ramirez and Geary stayed because the Phils believe they need extra arms to get through this weekend's series with the Braves.
The Phils' need for an extra pitcher could be alleviated when they begin interleague play in Chicago on Tuesday night. With the designated hitter in place, Bowa will not have to worry about pinch-hitting for the pitcher.
This could mean Ramirez or Geary could go to the minors Tuesday to make room for second baseman Placido Polanco, who, barring a setback, will be activated from the disabled list that day. Then again, it's possible the Phils will think about starting Ramirez in place of Hancock next week.
Chase Utley appears safe. In fact, he could get some time at first base in Chicago, with Jim Thome serving as the designated hitter.
The Phillies hope to make at least one more roster move next week. They have targeted Thursday as the day to bring closer Billy Wagner off the disabled list, provided his recovery from a groin injury continues.
"It feels real good right now," said Wagner, who will throw off a mound today and Sunday, then pitch a simulated game Tuesday.
Wooten has 72 hours to report to Scranton, where he will continue to earn his $575,000 salary.
Wooten hit .179 (7 for 39) in 20 games. He was signed to spell Thome at first and David Bell at third. Bell has been healthy and hasn't required time off. Thome missed six games in May with hand injuries. Wooten started three, going 1 for 11. Lately, the Phils have used Tomas Perez at first when Thome has needed time off.
Wooten was unavailable for comment. Teammates said he was upset about the move.
"I understand," Bowa said. "He's done everything we've asked. He's probably the classiest guy on the team. But with our pitching situation right now, we need an extra arm."
Wolf update. Randy Wolf experienced some post-start "stiffness and discomfort" in his left elbow after Wednesday night's 72/3-inning stint against the Mets.
However, he remains on target to make his next start.
"I can pitch with it," said Wolf, who first experienced discomfort in the elbow late in a start at Colorado on May 17. "It hasn't gotten any worse. That's the big thing. I had this two years ago. I know I have to keep an eye on it, but it's not bad enough to miss a start."