That Balls Outta Here » Ross Gload

Jim Thome is Indeed Expected to Play First Base

Justin Klugh — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:00:18 +0000

“Thome indicated to Amaro that he believes he can play first base three to five times a month, if needed. Gload started just 11 games in 2011.”

–Todd Zolecki

There’s a slow-rising anxiety about the concept of a Jim Thome/Ross Gload first base platoon. So much so that I certainly can’t be the only one to feel it. Ruben Amaro isn’t… finished with this part, right? He didn’t just sign Thome immediately because he thought he was the solution to this problem. That’s not what’s happening here. It can’t be.

That’s why we were talking to Michael Cuddyer, right? The guy whose like a decade younger than Thome and has twice the hips of Gload? (more…)

Ross Gload Pinch Hit Single Seals Sweep of Braves

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 03:17:35 +0000

The Phillies lead the major league in victories and have just swept their nearest competitor in a three game series. This happened to be the first time all season that the Atlanta Braves were swept in a three game series. The Phillies tied and eventually won tonight’s game against the strongest portion of the Atlanta ballclub: Their bullpen. In addition the one member of the starting rotation that evokes anything close to concern looked like his old self again tonight. (more…)

Ross Gload Concerned as Phillies Acquire Slow-Moving Bench Player

Justin Klugh — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:50:48 +0000

Ross Gload’s job security came into question yesterday when the Phillies signed a somewhat younger guy whose functions include playing first base and outfield, hitting left-handed, and moving around with the agility of an outdated kitchen appliance.

28-year-old John Bowker, who has performed these tasks for the Giants and Pirates in the past, will serve as the likely replacement for Gload, whose base running has been accompanied by a haunting, mechanical sound that opposing infielders have described as “…just awful; like a bag screws in a dryer.” (more…)