Adam Eaton spent more than a month in the minors last season. He watched the playoffs and World Series from his suburban Seattle home. He wasn't even invited to the Phillies' victory parade down Broad Street.
And now, despite his hefty salary, he isn't a candidate for their vacant No. 5 starter spot. "It's a four-man competition, and (Eaton) is not involved in that," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "Is it possible he pitches well enough to put himself in the mix? You never know what's going to happen. But we just think the other four guys have a better opportunity to help us win."
The other four guys are veteran right-hander Chan Ho Park, young left-hander J.A. Happ, 2008 rookie sensation (and 2009 disappointment) Kyle Kendrick and top prospect Carlos Carrasco.
They are expected to vie for the final rotation spot in spring training, with a bullpen vacancy serving as a consolation prize for Park, Happ or Kendrick.
And Eaton? He will collect an $8.5 million paycheck in 2009, but he almost certainly won't pitch for the Phillies.
Eaton, 31, is 14-18 with a 6.10 ERA in 51 games (49 starts) since he signed a three-year, $24.5 million free agent contract before the 2007 season. He was excluded from the playoff roster in 2007, and last season, he was sent to the minors in July, recalled in September and given the option of going home or pitching in the instructional league in October.
The Phillies expect Eaton to report to spring training, but they likely will try to trade him before the season. If the Phillies can't find a taker, they could release him but would still be responsible for Eaton's entire salary less the $400,000 major-league minimum if he signs elsewhere.
Eaton also would receive the $500,000 buyout of his $9 million club option for 2010.
Asked if he envisions any way that Eaton will make the team, Amaro said: "It really depends on how he comes into camp. I hope he surprises us. I really do. But, frankly, his production has declined."
