Okay, everyone RELAX - I'm assuming that Steve's just stating that Lee's numbers are declining and that Hoffpauir is a viable option for someone to back up D-Lee (though he may have been a bit overzealous in his love for the guy) - The only reason why he's spent so much time in the minors is because the big league club had a stalwart at first - the same position that Hoffpauir plays - I believe that it makes perfect sense that the guy's spent so much time in the minors- not because of a lack of talent in Hoffpauir, rather the presence of D-Lee and D-Ward. Now that Ward's gone, I most definitely would not be opposed to Piniella working Hoffpauir into the starting lineup here and there and having him come in off of the bench. I agree with the potential here, even though it's based on limited action...

If the Phillies believed in that, Ryan Howard would still be in the minors and Jim Thome would still be at 1st.

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Point definitely taken - Hendry's seemingly ALWAYS loyal to a fault when it comes to prospects OR to guys that would appear to have lost an edge, but the fact is that we're stuck with yet another contract that prevents us from exploring opportunities to move a player...Hey, are we postin this shit in the right thread??