The Phillies claim they're not in any hurry to move Joe Blanton, but they're already checking in on potential replacements -- like John Maine. The frequently injured former Mets and Orioles right-hander has drawn interest from the Phillies, his agent Rex Gary told ESPN.com. Other teams also have inquired and "there is a lot of interest," the agent claimed.
If Maine does indeed end up in Philadelphia as the fifth starter, his new team will know what it's getting. Maine, 29, has had one really solid full season in the majors -- 2007, when he went 15-10 with a 3.91 ERA in 32 starts for the Mets. Otherwise, he has spent plenty of time on the shelf, including most of last season.
Maine managed only 39 2/3 innings last year because of shoulder problems. He also spent time on the shelf with various ailments in 2006, 2008 and 2009. In addition to his difficulties staying healthy, Maine also irked the Mets with his attitude at times, as evidenced by a run-in with then-manager Jerry Manuel in May.
The Mets non-tendered him last month after he made $3.3 million in 2010.
You can't say the Phillies would be better with Maine at the back end of their mega-rotation than with Blanton, but Maine would come much, much cheaper and allow for flexibility to make other moves.
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