The Phillies just announced that they have designated fan favorite catcher Chris Coste for assignment, and that he has been picked up by the Houston Astros.

Coste was optioned in order to make room for Raul Ibanez, who is rejoining the big league squad after a stint on the disabled list.

Coste spent all of his major league career in the minor leagues until he finally got his shot in 2005 as a 33-year old rookie, quickly becoming a fan favorite. His numbers have steadily declined since fashioning himself as a clutch right handed bat off the bench, and he has seen a decline in playing time as a result. Things were not looking good for Coste when the Phillies added Paul Bako a few weeks ago, and with prospect Lou Marson waiting in the wings in Double-A, it was only a matter of time until Coste was the odd man out.

I, for one, think this move sucks. I am a big fan of Coste and while I understand his value to the team has been declining, Paul Bako sucks. He is batting .200 in 20 at bats with no homeruns and one RBI. His defense is arguably a little better than Coste’s, but not enough to warrant keeping him. I think the Phillies should have optioned Bako, not Coste.