The Mets suffered several injuries in the raid

Ruben and the Phillies finally went and did something that I thought they had forgotten they could do, they used the waiver wire. What with Ross Gload, Juan Castro, and Drew Carpenter polluting the roster (among others), a roster move of this sort has been long overdue. I’m thrilled it happened.

I’m not so thrilled with the bounty though. Nelson Figueroa is a 35 year old, mediocre pitcher. Better options have been seemingly available like Chad Gaudin. Figueroa is likely to take the equally mediocre Drew Carpenter’s spot on the team, providing garbage innings and an arm to throw at opposing teams should more of the ‘quality’ starters get hurt. His presence on the team is likely to be brief. As Blanton, Romero, and Lidge return to the team, three of Figueroa, Bastardo, Kendrick, and Herndon have to go elsewhere. All three alternatives are better than Figgy.

In the short run, this is a fine move, it gives the Phils more depth at SP while Blanton is out. It’s a nifty little use of the 25th spot on the roster. Now Ruben has to keep his eyes open for something tastier.

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