A.S. Gonzalez Retires, Coste Promoted

Link: Philadelphia Phillies : News : Philadelphia Phillies News.

Veteran infielder Alex Gonzalez has decided to retire from baseball, Phillies General Manager Pat Gillick announced this afternoon. He will be placed on the voluntarily retired list.

[...]

To replace Gonzalez, the Phillies purchased the contract of Chris Coste (#27) from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He's expected to be here in time for today's game. In 39 games, Coste was hitting .177 with two homers and 14 RBI. He's homered in each of his last two games and has hit in four straight games (.313).

Last year at SWB, Coste hit .292 with 20 homers and 89 RBI.

With SWB, Coste, 33, has played first and caught. He was the last player cut when the Phillies got down to a 25-man, opening-day roster on April 2. During spring training, Coste hit .463 in 25 games with 3 homers and 11 RBI.

Coste began his pro career with the Brandon team in the Independent Prairie League in 1995. He has reached the majors after 592 minor league games.

Wow, I didn't know how prophetic I was to become in yesterday's post.  To Gonzalez, we wish him well.  To Chris Coste, welcome to the show.  [And bring the bats you used in Clearwater.  Please.]