Optioned RHP Jason Davis to Buffalo (AAA)
Recalled RHP Jeremy Guthrie from Buffalo (AAA)
One disappointment for another. Actually, Guthrie is pitching as well as he has since 2003, and finally striking hitters out (38 in 45 innings) by his standards. Now that Fausto Carmona is inching his way into setup duty, Guthrie will probably inherit the longman/spot starter role.
Jason Davis is probably as frustrating a pitcher as I've seen since Ryan Drese. Whether it's an inability to harness his emotions, or keep his mechanics under control, Davis needs to get his act together or he'll be gone this winter. Oh, he'll get his share of chances (see Ron Villone, who finished tonight's game), but there comes a time when an organization runs out of patience trying to make a thrower into a pitcher.
Received RHP Jeff Stevens from Cincinnati to Complete Trade for Brandon Phillips
About as much as you'd expect for that type of deal (and I mean a Spring Training deal, not the player dealt away). Stevens was a 6th round pick last year, and was pitching in the Midwest League (low-A). He has a good strikeout ratio (43 in 42 innings), but has given up 6 home runs, quite a bit for that level of baseball. He throws in the low 90s.
Released LHP Scott Sauerbeck
He'll probably find another job, being left-handed and desperate to stay away from home.