Late Innings

There was a piece up from Ken Rosenthal today, speaking about the Phillies and Adam Eaton:

The Phillies released right-hander Adam Eaton with $9.15 million on his contract earlier this spring, but they’re apparently unwilling to make the same move with outfielder Geoff Jenkins, who has $8 million left on his deal.

Ruben Amaro Jr., the Phillies’ first-year GM, is in the perfect spot to lobby for Jenkins’ release, one rival executive said — the club is coming off a World Series title, and Jenkins, like Eaton, was signed by Pat Gillick, the team’s previous GM.

Phillies president and CEO David Montgomery, however, is unwilling to “eat” a combined $17.15 million, another source said. Evidently, Montgomery drew the line with Eaton.

Apparently Montgomery is still hungry, since he’s ready to now eat the money due to Jenkins:

Just got word that the Phillies have released outfielder Geoff Jenkins.

Does this mean Gary Sheffield is on his way?

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said he would talk later.

To update everyone’s score cards, Sheffield, Jenkins and Eaton are out. Gary Matthews Jr.? My guess is that he’s the next to go. 34MM is a lot of coin to swallow here, however he’s currently the Angels fifth outfielder. The same theory could also be applied to the Dodgers and Juan Pierre, also in year three of his massive deal.