There are some instances where it's not economics, even though economics is usually reasons one through 38. Sprague took a minor league deal with the Padres, meaning the Phillies could have gotten him simply by selecting him in the Rule 5 draft today. And they gave that serious thought. While that would have been perfectly legal, the Phillies decided that it wouldn't have been fair to Sprague and decided against it. They are not expected to select any players in the major league draft, but could add a couple in the minor league portion.
Players become available at different times.
We'd like to get another utility-infield guy similar to Kevin Jordan and also another outfielder, somebody who could play center when Doug Glanville gets a day off. Free agent Kevin Orie has been mentioned as a possible solution for the infielder. Wade plans to return to Philadelphia tomorrow. The announcement that reliever Ricky Bottalico has signed is still on hold. Among the issues is the fact that the Phillies must clear a spot on the 40-man roster.