Phils Minor Move: Holdzkom a Free Agent

Things were quiet from Phillies camp yesterday as they relaxed on an off day. They did make one minor move, taking Rule 5 draftee Lincoln Holdzkom off their 40 man roster, making him a free agent. Since he was taken in the Rule 5 draft, the Phillies had to offer him back to his original team, the Red Sox, who refused Holdzkom, making him free to sign with any team.

Holdzkom had a decent Spring, pitching 3.1 innings with an ERA of 2.70. He had some control issues, so even though he struck out three batters, he walked four. There was very little chance he was going to make the Opening Day roster anyway, but the Phillies could easily sign him to a minor league deal. They did the same thing with Shane Victorino a few years ago, and he eventually re-signed with the team.

Holdzkom throws hard but doesn't project to be much of a major leaguer. He's only 25, but has already worked his way through several organizations, having been drafted by the Marlins and been passed through the Astros, Cubs and Red Sox.

The Phillies still have one other Rule 5 draftee, Travis Blackley. With his poor showing this spring, Blackley doesn't seem likely to make the team, either, so he may go through the same process.