Welcome to the first installment of “Bunts and Base Knocks”, a quick rundown of things going on in the world of the Phils, as well as baseball in general. Maybe some non-baseball surprises as well. Who knows.

Scott Eyre re-signed. Jimy Williams quits. Holliday goes to the A’s?

Good news on Eyre, bad news on Williams. I don’t think the bench coach’s decision to not return should be taken lightly. To anyone who watches Phillies games consistently, it is obvious that Charlie benefits from Williams’ counsel during games. Charlie is many things, but a quick thinker isn’t one of them. It seems to me that he likes to have a guy who is a former big league manager to bounce things off of.

As for Holliday, I’m glad to see that he appears headed somewhere other than Citizens Bank Park. I really want to see Pat Burrell back next year. Call me an old softy, but he’s our guy, for better or worse. Are there other options like Milton Bradley out there? Sure, but I’d much prefer The Bat.

Lidge comes in 4th in Cy Young voting.

Not too shabby for Brad, although I’m surprised to see no votes for Cole.

Phillies Nation breaks down how they see the 2009 Phillies shaping up.

No complaints with most of it, except for the Milton Bradley crap. No. No. No.

Marlins trade Olsen and Willingham to the Nats.

Is this the beginning of the next dismantling of the Marlins, and the rise of the Nationals? Could the Marlins not find a suitable trade partner outside the division? Jesus, who runs that shop? Neither of the minor leaguers that the Nats gave up were Top 10 prospects in their farm system in 2008.