It started with a radio interview caught by chance with Cole Hamels, again saying the kinds of things that make a fan feel merry and bright. The Phillies really do seem to have a character clubhouse.
Also this morning: Chan Ho Park is reported to have reached a tentative one-year $2.5 million deal with the Phillies, worth $7.5 million with incentives. According to the Korea Times, Park was leery of pitching in Citizens Bank Park but decided on the Phillies when offered a chance to compete for the 5th starter's role. This sounds like a good bullpen signing, not so much for the rotation. Park did pretty well last year coming out of the 'pen for the Dodgers, the only team that has provided him a comfort zone during his MLB career.
At a press conference this afternoon, Chase Utley showed that he was up and about---and talking about being ready by the middle of spring training. Good news just so long as he's all recovered.
Ruben Amaro, Jr., then took over to announce that Jamie Moyer had been signed to a two-year contract. OK, the Phillies are not getting younger but Moyer is an invaluable asset. This morning Hamels even called him the biggest influence on his career and spoke in specifics about why that was so.
Only one question, Mr. Amaro, about that "younger and more athletic" thing.... Were you referring to yourself?
