Uncle Charlie announced today that he'll be sending career starter Jon Lieber to the bullpen starting tomorrow. Unable to move Lieber after signing Adam Eaton and Freddy Garcia this off-season, the Phils were left with an extra starter and a gaping void in their bullpen, and it appears Lieber was the odd man out. The reaction from Lieber via Paul Hagan at the Daily News was understandably disappointed, but rational:
"Yeah I'm disappointed," Lieber said. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't.
I'm going to do it for those guys in there, but obviously I think I can
still start. It stinks. I signed here to be a starter."Lieber made it clear that he would prefer to be traded rather than
remain in the bullpen for the Phillies, but said he would not ask for
permission to have his agent pursue a deal."They are going to do what's best for the ballclub," he said. "My hands
are tied. I'm just a piece of meat. That's the unfortunate part. But
I'll just go in there and give it my best."
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