Philadelphia – Jhoan Duran's wife almost cried, and when someone close to her told her that he might have to surrender to his 59 unified number when he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.
This number has enough emotional value to Duran. The same is true for ornamental value – the figure is engraved as part of the Dominican Republic’s home pool design.
Aida Duran can save her tears. Duran had to keep his phone, wearing his new Phillies uniform at the start of the three-game series against Detroit.
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But, as far as the wife who may be unsatisfied is concerned, someone may have to check out Michele Thomson.
Rob Thomson and Duran's first call Duran summoned a rescuer, who wanted to check the 59 supply belonging to the Philadelphia manager. No high-end bargaining is needed – like former Phillies John Kruk once traded No. 29 to new reliefist Mitch Williams for two boxes of beer.
Thomson happily gave up Duran’s phone number, the former New York Yankees coach won former Yankees star Ron Guidry in No. 49.
“This is my wife,” Thomson smiled. “She has 59 items on all the items. Now she has to go buy new things.”
Duran said he tried to respect the number in his first conversation with Thomson. Thomson led the Phillies to three consecutive playoff appearances, and he had no problems.
“That number doesn't matter to me,” Thomson said. “But if that makes you feel better, I'll give it all. He said, 'Yes.' That's yours.”
Duran, 27, has 16 saves and 2.01 ERA for 49 appearances this season, hitting 53 innings with the Minnesota Twins. He was traded to the Phillies on Wednesday for a minor league pair.