Phillies recall star pinch-hitter Domonic Brown from minors

The Phillies placed center fielder Shane Victorino on the disabled list and recalled top prospect Domonic Brown, who manager Charlie Manuel has touted as the organization’s “pinch-hitter of the future.”

“This kid has shown the ability to hit at every level in the minors and hopefully he’ll have the same success up here when and if I decide to use him,” Manuel said of Brown, who primarily played outfield in the minors, but is currently listed as a left-handed pinch-hitting decoy on the Phillies roster. “He might be the only five-tool bench player in the majors right now, and that’s saying something.”

Manuel went on to say that he will start Brown in right field against the Rangers on Saturday and ease him back into his role on the bench.

 

 

Report: Ryan Howard healthy

While the Phillies continue to deal with injuries to Chase Utley, Brad Lidge, Roy Oswalt, Shane Victorino, Placido Polanco and Domonic Brown, a report released on Friday claims that first baseman Ryan Howard remains in good health.

General manager Ruben Amaro responded to the report on Friday, but could not confirm if Howard was in fact healthy.

“I spoke with Ryan a few minutes ago and he said he felt great, but as of right now, I can’t confirm if he still feels great,” Amaro said. “But as soon as Ryan or any other players tell us they’re healthy, we’ll let you know.”

As of press time, as many as two more Phillies players were reported to be healthy and ready to start the season.

Domonic Brown fixes swing after hitting critics with bat

Phillies rookie outfielder Domonic Brown was finally able to find his swing again after bludgeoning each of his critics with a baseball bat on Friday.

“It’s great to finally get it back,” Brown said of his swing after taking a few hacks at a baseball analyst for suggesting the rookie lower his hands at the plate. “Not only do I get my swing back, but it’s a lot quieter around here without people in my ear all day. Now, I can just relax and play some baseball.”

At least 27 players and coaches will not make the trip to Bradenton, FL to face the Pirates on Friday after being hospitalized for trying to mess with Brown’s swing.

Phillies offense continues to struggle against pitching

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hiroki Kuroda carried a no-hitter into the 8th inning against Philadelphia as the Phillies offense continued its lengthy struggle against pitching Monday night.

“We’ll be fine,” Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins said of the team’s offensive drought. “We just need to improve in situations against pitchers that throw pitches. We’re not concerned though.”

Manager Charlie Manuel said Tuesday that while he does not plan on benching any players if the drought continues, he will continue to pinch hit for rookie Domonic Brown “in any future situations against pitching.”

Domonic Brown descends on Citizens Bank Park

According to published reports, the heavens opened up above Citizens Bank Ballpark at approximately 1:14 pm ET, allowing Phillies’ top prospect Domonic Brown to descend onto the playing field.

“Behold! The prophecy of Jayson Stark hath become reality! The time of Brown is upon us,” GM Ruben Amaro announced at a  Wednesday afternoon press conference. “Rejoice, for Lehigh Valley hath given us its only prospect. Blessed are we to see His bat of maple upon our field. Hallelujah, Amen.”

As of press time, there is no word on whether Brown’s appearance had anything to do with the prayer by scores of fans for Shane Victorino to be placed on the disabled list.

More Halladay madness at the Winter Meetings

I think everyone is pretty numb to the prospect of the Phillies somehow trading for Roy Halladay by now — especially since we get to trot Clifton Phifer Christ out there every fifth day — but SI’s Jon Heyman is saying the team is jumping into the mix again.

These things rarely actually turn out the way we all think they will, but it’s looking like the Angels are in the best position to land Halladay with the Phils just sticking around to see how far the price may drop before they consider getting heavily involved.

Right now, the Angels are reportedly offering Joe Saunders, Erick Aybar and minor league OF Peter Bourjos for Halladay, which is a less than the summer asking price of Kyle Drabek, J.A. Happ and either Domonic Brown or Michael Taylor, but still pretty steep. I’d say a similar deal with the Phillies would involve Happ, Taylor and either Shane Victorino or a lower-level prospect, which is doable but still a bit much.

Not only is there the issue of the trade, but with Lee and Halladay’s contracts expiring after 2010, the Phils would essentially have to choose between one or the other, so this is looking like a one-year fling even if it gets done. Stranger things have happened, though. I think with the right combination of a World Series win next season and if Dave Montgomery knocks off a couple banks, we could work something out and keep both pitchers for the next 10 years and completely forget what it was ever like to watch losing baseball in this town.