I saw this pic and I said this stings. That's before I even read that you said that very thing. I think it was probably smart trading him, but feels kinda weird too.
I'm late to the party on commenting on this thread, but excited we got some pretty decent prospects for Pence. Also happy that Wade and management weren't foolish enough to not pull the trigger and get this done. We'll see, we'll see... our present and near future sucks a lot right now, but here's to hoping all of these deals pan out in 3-5 years.
There is still a player to be named later. Usually, they have a list of guys they are willing to trade and they will give the other team a chance to scout them and choose which one they want. I know the Astros scouted Biddle last week. I am still holding out hope that he could be the final player inclued, but not holding my breath (surely the Astros wouldn't need to see anyone else if he was on the list). Anyone know of any other players in the Phillies organization the Astros have scouted recently?
I don't know who they have scouted at the Phillies' A ball, but Domingo Santana and Lisaalberto Bonilla would be my top guys that we could realistically get. Santana is kind of similar in tools and quality to Ariel Ovando. Bonilla has a low-90s sinker, great command, and a plus (swing and miss) changeup--stuff similar to Lyles', not to mention Lyles-like numbers at A ball this year.
Domingo Santana and Lisaalberto Bonilla sound like players that the Phillies would exclude from the PTBN list (like Jesse Biddle). If the Astros can really added another Ariel Ovando (aka Domingo Santana) or Jordan Lyles (aka Lisaalberto Bonilla), the Pence trade would become lopsided in favor the Astros.
One of the benefits of having a good farm system, neither is close to a top Phillies prospect. The reality of the matter is Lyles barely makes the Philiies top 10, if at all, and Ovando would be somewhere in the late teens. They MIGHT protect Santana but doubtful they protect Bonilla. Either one would make fine additions and in Santana's case, probably makes our top 10.
A funny quote from Pence is turning into a meme in Philly. http://www.crossingbroad.com/2011/0...ffee-and-cliff-lee-gave-him-cowboy-boots.html Apparently, the quote was a hit on Twitter, and Pence has been playing along. Fans are talking about getting it put on T-Shirts, and it's become a sort of team motto.
