David Pinto worked for ten years as the chief researcher for ESPN’s Baseball Tonight. Starting in 2002, David brought his research and insights to a wider audience through his blog, Baseball Musings.

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Showing entries for Category: Phillies

Phillies Acquire Blanton

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July 17, 7:46 PM

by David Pinto, Baseball Examiner

Joe Blanton
Photo: Icon SMI

The Philadelphia Phillies acquire Joe Blanton from the Athletics for three minor leaguers:

The Athletics get second baseman Adrian Cardenas, pitcher Josh Outman and outfielder Matthew Spencer, all minor leaguers.

I'm not a big Blanton fan. He doesn't strike out many batters. The A's lowered his ERA a bit by pitching him mostly at home this season. In 14 starts in Oakland, he posted a 4.63 ERA. In six starts on the road, he posted a 5.73 ERA. In less than half the innings on road, he allowed the same number of home runs. He's going to a park known as a haven for power hitters, so I don't think he'll do that well in Philadelphia.

The other problem with Blanton is that he blows up in the middle innings. One through three, he allows a .245 BA, but in innings four and five that jumps to .369. Given that he's likely to replace Eaton, however, he'll probably be an improvement.

Adrian Cardenas is a 20-year-old middle infielder with a great OBA. Outman is 23, good K and home run numbers, but does walk a bit too many batters. Spencer is 22 with a OPS over .700 in 484 minor league at bats. That's not so great. Two of the three could turn into useful players for Oakland.

For more info: Baseball Musings.

Topics: Baseball , Athletics , Phillies , Joe Blanton

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Pulling Away

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June 10, 8:12 AM

A few weeks ago it looked like there would be five tight division races this season, with most teams a win streak away from a chance at first place. With June almost 1/3 over, four teams have taken control of their divisions:Best Winning Percentage... Read More
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