Philadelphia Phillies acquire Jose Bautista

The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired our old friend Jose Bautista from the New York Mets, it has been announced today, in exchange for a player to be named later or cash. The Phillies had claimed Bautista on revocable waivers from the Mets, and while the Mets had reportedly taken the position that they valued Bautista and weren’t going to let him go unless they got something of value back, one has to think that that was just posturing on the part of the New Yorkers.

Bautista signed with the Atlanta Braves earlier this year, slashing .143/.250/.343 in 40 plate appearances, and was released. He then joined the Mets, and after a fast start, is now slashing .204/.351/.367.

The Phillies get a veteran righthanded bench bat, and who knows, maybe he will have a key pinch hit or two down the stretch. The Phillies are currently 3.5 games back of the Braves in the National League East, and tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers at 2.5 games back of the second Wild Card spot. Its a move that probably doesn’t matter, but all it is costing them is a little cash and relief pitcher Mark Leiter (who has been designated for assignment to make room for Bautista).

As Ranger fans, you can decide of Bautista’s presence outweighs the presence of former Ranger prospects Nick Williams and Jorge Alfaro as you decide whether to root for Philly the rest of the way.

And of course, this news gives me an opportunity to put the above picture up.