Phillies

Your Lukewarm Stove News: Thome Removes Gum, Boras Campaigns for Madson, Rollins Now Referring to Phillies in Third Person

By Kyle Scott

Published: Nov 6th, 2011 · 1:37 PM EST

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That there is Jim Thome handing his wife his – chewed – gum as he walked into yesterday’s, "you know", press conference.

Scott Boras said that he and the Phillies have had "good dialogue" thus far on Madson. He also verbally stroked Ruben Amaro by way of Jim Salisbury: [CSN Philly]

“I really don’t want to talk specifics of negotiations,” he said. “But I think clubs understand they have to compete, so a policy like that surrounds the value of the player. They gave Cliff Lee a five-year contract at age 32 last year and that turned out to be a good decision. I think Ruben Amaro has had a good run in decision-making. [Hunter] Pence and Cliff Lee were very solid moves on his part.”

 

Boras is a master of message. He could make Jayson Werth look like a $126 million player…

Oh. Never mind.

The Phillies continue to have an extreme hard-on for Michael Cuddyer, whom Thome called one of his "top five teammates ever": [MLB Trade Rumors]

One official told Olney that the Phillies' interest in  Michael Cuddyer is so ardent that if wants to play with the Phillies, the deal is inevitable as the club will make it happen.  The expectation within the industry is that the veteran will get at least a three-year deal.

 

Also of note: Jimmy Rollins refused to refer to the Phillies as “us” on Twitter. Semantics to the nth degree, but telling nonetheless.

Carry on.