J. D. Durbin placed on waivers, Blackley clears

A few more minor moves today as the Phillies prepare for Opening Day next week.

*J. D. Durbin waived Looks like the Phillies finally got fed up with J.D. Durbin's 12.33 spring ERA, because they placed him on waivers today. This move was a long time coming given how terrible he has looked this spring. This also means the Phillies roster is down to 10 pitchers who will be available Opening Day, with Brad Lidge being #11 when he is ready about a week into the season. Seems pretty likely that the Phils will try to bring in someone, whether its through a trade or through waivers, to fill that last bullpen spot. They should easily be able to find someone better than Durbin.

There is still a chance we will see Durbin pitch again for the Phillies. Durbin has bounced around between so many teams already, chances are very few are still interested in his "potential". Durbin is only 26, and has already been a part of the Twins, Diamondbacks, Red Sox and Phillies organizations. If Durbin clears waivers, the Phillies will send him down to AAA, which is probably where he belonged all along.

If Durbin is really done as a Phillie, his highlight has to be the shutout he pitched against the San Diego Padres last July. Of course, he will more likely be remembered for his Myspace page and his incredibly ironic nickname, "Real Deal" Durbin.

*Travis Blackley clears waivers On Tuesday, Travis Blackley was placed on waivers, and today we learn that he has cleared and has been outrighted to AAA Lehigh Valley. Blackley was originally selected in the Rule 5 draft from the San Francisco Giants, who chose not to claim him back, allowing him to return to the Phillies. Blackley is a lefty and he is only 25, so he could still have a future as a major leaguer, although probably in the bullpen.

The Sluggish Race for Phillies 5th Starter

Yesterday I wrote a piece about Adam Eaton and his struggles this spring. Eaton is the leading candidate for the 5th starter spot, but with the terrible spring he is having, he is losing his grip on the spot. Too bad there isn't anyone stepping up to take it away from him.

Travis Blackley is one of the four options the Phillies are considering for the final spot in the rotation. He pitched 1 2/3 innings, walked 4 and gave up 5 earned runs in an appearance today against the Indians. He did strike out three batters, but he had trouble with his control all day. Blackley was considered a long shot for the rotation, but with Eaton slipping he could have asserted himself and grabbed the role.

Here are the Spring Training statistics so far for all of the 5th starter candidates:

Travis Blackley: 4.2 IP, 5 K's, 4 BB, 5 ER, 9.64 ERA
Chad Durbin: 5.0 IP, 5 K's, 0 BB, 4 ER, 7.20 ERA
J.D. Durbin: 6.0 IP, 3 K's, 3 BB, 5 ER, 7.50 ERA
Adam Eaton: 4.0 IP, 2 K's, 0 BB, 7 ER, 15.75 ERA

Not exactly the type of competition the Phils were hoping for. Each one of the candidates has had at least one bad outing that has caused their ERA to increase dramatically. Blackley had looked the best out of the group until today's performance. Chad Durbin probably has overtaken him, at least he has shown good control to go with his high strikeout rate. Clearly Eaton is struggling the worst out of this group.

Of course, it's always important to take Spring Training statistics with a grain of salt, especially for pitchers. It's long been said that the hitters are ahead of the pitchers during the spring, and by the time the season starts the pitchers are caught up.

Still, these numbers are concerning. It will be interesting to see what the Phillies decide to do, if all four pitchers continue to struggle. Kris Benson will probably be the next option down the road, and it will be interesting to hear how he did in his simulated pitching experience today. He's got to do better than Adam Eaton, right?