Joe Blanton hasn’t even thrown a pitch as a member of the Phillies, but they are already see positive results.  The Phillies have announced that Blanton will take Adam Eaton’s spot in the rotation, meaning he will be relegated to the bullpen.  Eaton obviously isn’t happy about this news, but will do what is necessary to stay a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. 

“As long as I can help this team win, I’m going to do that, regardless of what role it is,” Eaton said. “I’ve got three wins as a starter. J.C. Romero has four or five. I can rack up some wins that way and help the team, as well, fill some gaps to help these guys out, too.”

 Arguably the worst pitcher in baseball over the past season-and-a-half (13-18, 6.06 ERA), Eaton will now spend his nights in the bullpen, eating sunflower seeds and lighting ”hot Foots”.  He’ll be called to pitch a few innings when the game is out of reach or when other guys need a rest.  Essentially he’s become Clay Condrey.

Unfortunately this is still the wrong move in handling Eaton’s situation.  By keeping him in the bullpen, the Phillies now short themselves in that area, and now might have to use Eaton in a crucial spot.  Championship teams don’t keep guys in the bullpen strictly for mop-up duty.  There’s only three ways Eaton can truly help this team.

1 - Take a trip to the disabled list
2 - Accept a demotion to Triple-A
3 - Be designated to assignment

Eaton isn’t going to “work his issues out” in the bullpen and as long as he’s on the active roster he’s a liability to the team.