FanHouse MlbRumors

The Phillies are desperate for starting pitching ... maybe a touch more desperate than the Brewers or Cubs were when they made their deals for CC Sabathia and Rich Harden. But they didn't get either (and we know they were kicking the tires on Sabathia). And now, the Phillies have dicthed Plan A for Plan A.J. (as in Burnett, get it?)

It isn't known how far talks have progressed, but top Blue Jays executive Tony LaCava was spotted this week watching the Phillies' Double-A Reading team, an indication things are heating up.

The Toronto Globe and Mail reported that the Dodgers also were pursuing Burnett. However, it appears that talks with the Phillies may be more serious.

After Sabathia, A.J. Burnett would wind up being Philly's silver medal. That feeling would be mutual, as Burnett had openly pined for the Cubs. But that was probably just because Burnett was talking to media from Chicago. All A.J. really wants is to play in a place where baseball is "breakfast, lunch, and dinner". Well, with the Eagles residing across the street, football will always be the main course. But baseball is certainly a nice brunch type meal, or perhaps a pulled pork sandwich from Bull's BBQ with a side of crab fries.

Mmmmm ... crab fries.

I knew Mark Prior had been shaky thus far this spring, but recent talk out of Cubs camp is that they're actually thinking about starting the season without him in the rotation.

With one start down and five to go, Wade Miller is the front-runner in his bid to capture the fifth spot in the Cubs rotation.

Just don't tell Miller.

"I've only had one outing," he said.

Coming into camp, it was believed the fifth starter's spot was Mark Prior's to lose. But after Prior's erratic outing Monday, he could be in danger of losing it.

If that's the case, Prior's spot on the team may actually be in jeopardy as Lou Piniella is hoping to only carry 11 pitchers to start the season. Miller will make his second start of the spring today against Greg Maddux and the Padres who will try to, umm, piss all over his chances. Sorry. Too easy.

Apparently the Cardinals "1 million to 1" shot at signing Roger Clemens is significantly less than that. After the Cards told agent Randy Hendricks they were interested in signing the Rocket, the response was less than glowing.

"Let me repeat," Randy Hendricks said. "Houston, Boston, New York. Only three teams will be picked from if he plays. And he hasn't decided."

I think that's pretty clear. And since the linked article appears on Astros.com with a picture of Roger in an Astros jersey, is it fair to assume that Houston is still the front-runner? I really wish Clemens would hurry up and just make a choice. I know it's a little hypocritical to complain about his inability to pick about a team as I literally write an entire blog post dedicated to him, but sheesh, even Brett Favre's made up his mind for next year already.