Four fans were selected to help raise the 2008 championship pennant at Friday's ceremony.I was startled to hear the other day that the Phillies 2008 roster had had 10 new players. Thinking about it, though, Brad Lidge, Eric Bruntlett, Pedro Feliz, Chad Durbin, Geoff Jenkins, Matt Stairs, Rudy Seanez, So Taguchi, J.A. Happ, and Joe Blanton came to mind. Changes have already started in the offseason. The club has declined the options on reliever Tom Gordon and utility guy So Taguchi. So, we hardly knew you. But I am sorry to see Tom Gordon go. He was an invaluable contributor last September and always seemed to be a thoughtful, stand-up kind of guy.
The Pat Gillick era is now officially over---and are we sad to see him go. Ruben Amaro, Jr., long groomed for the job, is to be named the new GM tomorrow. With that announcement, Mike Arbuckle, who has done an excellent job with drafting and player development for 16 years, will also be leaving. Passed over for GM, Arbuckle has decided to pursue other options. Hate, too, to see him go. Big changes already. And maybe more front office dominoes to fall.
