Well the Winter Meetings are more then half over, and the Phillies have been quiet.  It doesn’t mean there’s no chatter.

–  Tad Iguchi is now willing to return to the Phillies as a third baseman.  You would have to assume that the only reason Iguchi is considering this is because he’s been unable to find a starting job at second base from any other team.  I like Iguchi and the role he filled.  Playing for the injured Chase Utley was a big lift down the stretch, and his bat off the bench in the last month of the season gave the bench depth other teams in the division didn’t have.  I prefer him in that role.  Iguchi has never played a game at third base and I question if he was the arm for it.  His bat also isn’t ideal for the position either.  I think there are better options out there.  The only reason Iguchi would be considered for third base is if it’s about money, where Iguchi could be had cheaper then any third baseman via trade.  Didn’t Pat Gillick state earlier in the week, it’s not about money?

–  Julian Tavarez is hoping to be traded to a team where he can start.  I like the fire Tavarez has.  He’s intense, and isn’t afraid to throw inside.  What makes me afraid is Tavarez starting.  Throughout his career he’s always been a better pitcher out of the pen.  His career ERA as a reliever (3.90) is over a run higher as a starter (5.08).  The upside of Tavarez is his salary is less then $4 million dollars.  Even for only less then $4 million a season, he’s not worthy of a rotation spot.

–  The Phillies have spoke with Cardinals GM John Mozeliak about pitcher Anthony Reyes.  This is an interesting rumor coming out of St. Louis.  Reyes was the Cardinals #1 prospect in 2005 and 2006 according to Baseball America.  While he’s had success in the minor leagues (23-10, 3.26 ERA), he’s yet to transform that to the majors.  In 43 career appearances (including 38 starts), Reyes has been a dismal 8-23 with a 5.42 ERA.  He’s still only 25 and is young enough to turn it around.  A change of scenery might be all he needs.  Given his questions, trading for him is a good IF another starter is brought in as insurance should Reyes struggle again.

All is quiet in Nashville.  How long can it last?