Gillick is aquiring every pitcher he can...who's next, Wayne Gomes?

I apologize to anyone who will have nightmares about my Wayne Gomes comment. But Gillicks seems to be attempting to set the record for spring training invitees.

Speaking of Gomes, he was a former first round pick by the Phils (#4 overall!?!) in 1993. He pitched for the Phils for five years before bouncing around and finally quitting after being cut by several teams. In his career, he made just under 2 million dollars.

His career line: W-L 30-23, 29 Saves, 4.60 ERA, 1.53 WHIP

Oddly enough, those stats would be good for what, 3 or 4 million per for 3 years in this market?

Following the Freddy Garcia trade, the Phillies have been active with minor transactions. Here's a recap of the past few days:

• The Phillies netted three players in the Major League portion of the Rule 5 draft, two pitchers and a catcher. They also took one player, Victor Hall, OF from the Yankees, in the AAA portion.
  
• The Phillies announced 19 players invited to spring training. The list includes nine pitchers, five catchers, three infielders and two outfielders.
• Just today, the Phillies announced the acquisition of left hander Bobby Livingston from the Devil Rays for cash.
  

The two pitchers from the Rule 5 draft are Jim Ed Warden, a 6' 7" side arm throwing righty out of Cleveland's AA and Alfredo Simon, a former Phillies prospect, acquired from San Franscisco via a trade with the Orioles during the draft. Simon pitched in A and AAA for SF last year, and the Phillies took him on reports that he has been hitting 98 mph on the gun in winter ball, though there have always been questions about his control. The other player taken was catcher, Ryan Budde, who, if he made the roster, would allow flexibility in playing Ruiz and especially Coste, who can also play first and third.

There weren't many surprises in the spring training invitations. Jason Jaramillo, AA catching prospect will be there, along with 31 year old Randall Simon who was a left-handed bat on the Phils' bench last year. Young lefty J.A. Happ, who spent time in A, AA, and AAA last year was invited. Happ will probably be ready for his first big league taste by the All-Star break, and will likely be one of the first pitchers called up if a starter (see Adam Eaton) is injured. Last year's first rounder, Kyle Drabeck gets an invitation because of his contract, he is very far from the big leagues. Young outfielder Greg Golson will also be there.

One more name to keep an eye on is Alexis Gomez, lefthanded batting left fielder who was released by the Tigers today to make room for recently acquired, former Phillie, Jose Mesa. The Phillies are still looking for a left handed bat off the bench to replace Dellucci, and that's exactly what Gomez was for the Tigers last year. Despite being taken off the roster twice during the season, Gomez was added to the playoff roster. He responded by going 4-for-9 in the ALCSs, including a 2-for-4 HR, 4 Ribbie performance in Game 2.

For the season, Gomez hit .272 with five doubles, two triples, a home run and six RBIs in 62 big league games. In AAA, he hit .288 with 11 homers, 18 doubles, three triples and 36 RBIs in 58 games.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Gillick pick him up and give him a chance to make the team out of spring training. And yes, the name Gomez did spark my memory of the long forgotten, Wayne Gomes. If nothing else, the Phillies will have a lot of compeition in spring training. Hopefully, there are some pleasant surprises in this bunch.