Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Phillies Drop Helms

The Wes Helms Era is over in Philadelphia. With the recent signing of Rudy Seanez, the Phillies had to get rid of one player from their roster to make room, and Helms was the victim. Helms was designated for assignment, meaning the team has 10 days to trade or release him. Helms is owed just over 2 million for the rest of the season, which the Phillies will have to pay if they end up releasing him.

Since the signing of third baseman Pedro Feliz, Helms' days have been numbered. Helms has been a man without a position, and would have been relegated to pinch hitting duty if he remained with the team. Helms could end up being picked up by the Dodgers or Giants, two teams that have been rumored to have interest, but neither of them would trade for Helms when they can just wait for him to be released.

Helms was nothing short of a disappointment in his one year with the Phillies. Coming off a career year with the Marlins in 2006, where he posted a career-high .329 batting average, the Phillies took a chance on Helms being their everyday third baseman and signed him. The move backfired, as Helms' average dipped to .247 and he had a meager .297 on base percentage in 2007. Helms could have had some value as a pinch hitter, but there was no room for him on the roster.

The Phillies will still have to make one more move when Brad Lidge comes off the disabled list, which may happen on Saturday. The next likely player to go will be recently acquired Tim Lahey, who would have to be offered back to the Minnesota Twins.

It's the end of Wes Helms' career in Philly. Is anyone sad to see him go?

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