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The Phillies reportedly looked into adding Burnett to a rotation that already includes Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, and Cole Hamels.
In a wave of news that might surprise even those accustomed to the Phillies’ big moves of late, Buster Olney of ESPN tweeted on Friday evening that Philadelphia was among the teams that targeted pitcher A.J. Burnett.
The 35-year-old starter, who was signed by the Yankees in 2009 as part of New York’s spending spree on pitchers, was traded to the Pirates this week, but despite the presence of Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, and Cole Hamels in their current rotation; Olney reported the Phillies had their sights set on potentially landing Burnett. As Olney mentioned, the team was also looking to unload SP Joe Blanton, which would have been necessary in the event Burnett joined the Phils.
A bubble of intrigue and mystery surrounds Cuban defector Jorge Soler, a 19-year old outfielder with major talent at the plate. But one thing looks certain: whenever Soler is deemed eligible to sign with an MLB franchise, the Philadelphia Phillies will show interest.
"Our scouts have seen him and we like him," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Thursday. "It may come down to where he wants to play and, of course, the money."
Soler cannot yet sign with any MLB organization because he has yet to be cleared by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, but teams have been contacting the young outfielder and his agents. The Phillies have even taken Soler out to dinner on numerous occasions, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
A report earlier this week stated that Soler was close to signing a $27.5 million deal with the Chicago Cubs, but he can't yet sign, and other teams are still jockeying for inside position. The Yankees are rumored to be heavily involved in the bidding as well.
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The Philadelphia Phillies could be looking at an large infusion of money when the time comes to negotiate their next TV deal for the 2016 season.
Fox Sports media group vice chairman Ed Goren said that local TV holds the key to the new mega TV deals that were recently signed by the Rangers and Angels.
"The local TV money," says Ed Goren, vice chairman of Fox Sports media group, "has changed the entire landscape. There are a lot of other teams that can play with the big boys now and write those big checks." (via USA Today)
That's good news for the Phillies which have a deal with Comcast which runs until 2015. Take for example the big money that the Padres are reportedly in line for:
San Diego is the 26th largest market in baseball. Their 2011 local TV ratings were 3.15, or about a third of the Phillies' 9.12 number. And the Padres are reportedly on the verge of signing a 20-year deal with Fox Sports possibly worth as much as $1.5 billion. (This number, reported by USA Today, has been disputed. But it could include the value of an equity stake in the network.) (via Philly.com)
Unlike San Diego, the Phillies have seen their local ratings increase for the past nine seasons. Matt Gelb says that Comcast could also try and block other bidders by ending the current contract early.
The Phillies may not have to wait until 2016 to cash in. Comcast, in a show of good faith, could rip up the final few seasons of the existing 15-year contract. That would deter any other possible bidders and eliminate the outside chance of the Phillies creating their own network.
Will the Phillies wait until 2016? Why not? MLB Super Agent Scott Boras predicts that the Phillies could land more than the $4 billion or $5 billion that the Dodgers are in line to make with their next TV deal.
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Philadelphia Phillies president David Montgomery is sure that the team can work out a long-term deal with pitcher Cole Hamels (via Philly.com).
"I don't think it's difficult," Montgomery said. "We've let Cole know we're anxious to have him stay here. Cole enjoys it here. He's not only been a quality pitcher, but he involves himself in the community. It'll probably come down to what we think is an appropriate length and what they think. You try to minimize risk by not going longer than necessary. And a player is looking for as much security as he can get. It's an equation that takes time to hopefully get worked out."
Hamels and the team avoided arbitration last month when Hamels agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal. That deal represents the largest payout to an arbitration-eligible player before he is eligible for free agency (which will happen for Hamels after the 2012 season). A long-term deal could be worth "at least" $100 million (via ESPN).
In six seasons, Hamels is 74-54 with a 3.39 ERA. The 2008 World Series MVP was 4-0 with an ERA of just 1.80 in five starts that postseason. Last season, Hamels made the All-Star team. He was 14-9 with a 2.79 ERA and 194 strikeouts in 2011.
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The Philadelphia Phillies announced that they have signed right-handed relief pitcher Chad Qualls to a one-year, $1.15 million deal (via Philly.com).
The 33-year-old pitcher appeared in 77 games for the Padres in 2011. He went 6-8 last season with a 3.51 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 74.1 innings pitched. However, Qualls came on at the end of the season.
In his final 19 appearances, he had a 1.96 earned run average and held batters to a .219 batting average.
Since the 2005 season, Qualls has made the most appearances of any MLB pitcher and is second in wins by a reliever. Qualls was originally an Astros selection. He has spent time with the Astros, Diamondbacks, Rays and Padres during his career and has 51 saves and an ERA of 3.78. His best seasons were arguably in 2007-2008 for the Astros. He struck out 78 batters in 82.2 innings in 2007 and 71 batters in 73.2 innings in 2008.
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The Phillies have officially agreed to a minor league deal with free agent OF Juan Pierre. Phillies GM Ruben Amaro says that the 34 year old Pierre, who leads all active major leaguers in steals, can provide some speed off the Phils bench next season.
“He’s not the same blazer he was with Florida and Los Angeles, but we think he can provide something we were grossly lacking on our bench last year, speed,” Amaro said. "We did not sign him to be our everyday left fielder. The bulk of the time will go to John Maybery and Laynce Nix, and, of course, Dom Bown is still in the picture.
“But we’ll put (Pierre) in the mix and see what happens. We view him as a guy who can give us another element. He can be a very useful guy.”
Pierre started 152 games for the White Sox last season hitting .279 and stealing 27 bases. He’s been a a bit of a Phillies killer in his career with a .310 average, .361 on-base percentage, 21 extra-base hits, 62 runs and 40 steals in 98 games against the Phils.
The Philadelphia Phillies have had "serious discussions" with veteran free agent outfielder Juan Pierre, according to Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly:
#Phillies not done with bench? Source says they have had "serious discussions" with free agent OF Juan Pierre on minor-league deal
The 34 year old Pierre has played for five teams during his MLB career. His latest stint was with the Chcago White Sox, who he's played with for the past two seasons.
Pierre is known for his speed, ability to make contact and historically low home run numbers. In 1751 career games, Pierre has 554 steals (190 caught stealing), only 425 strike outs and 16 home runs. Last season he appeared in 158 games for the White Sox, hit .279 with two home runs and a career low 27 stolen bases. He only swung and missed at two percent of pitches seen.
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Even with more than 600 home runs under his belt, Jim Thome is old enough and wise enough to realize that he will not be an everyday player with the Philadelphia Phillies.
"I know my role. I'm here, I'm a bench guy. Maybe me being on the bench late in the game will change what the manager does with a pitcher or how to bring in a guy," said Thome, who signed with the club in November. (via CSNNE)
The slugger added that he needs to prepare himself "to play first base, be ready." But it's unlikely the Phillies will make much use of Thome's glove -- he has not played in more than three games as a first baseman since the 2005 season. Thome said he didn't know how many days he will actually play first base, noting that it's up to manager Charlie Manuel to decide how often he will start and play the field.
In limited at-bats last season, Thome managed 15 home runs and 50 RBI, showing that he still has enough pop to make a difference off the bench.
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The Philadelphia Phillies were unable to avoid arbitration with Hunter Pence like they did with Cole Hamels (via John Heyman's Twitter).
Pence filed at $11.8 million while the Phillies filed filed at $9 million. This is not Pence's first arbitration battle with an MLB club. Just last season, Pence won his case against the Astros before the 2011 season and took home $6.9 million. The $6.9 million he asked for set a record for 2nd-time eligible position players (Biz of Baseball). In 2010, he increased his Astros salary more than seven-fold through arbitration (via Boston Herald). Pence played for Houston from 2007 before joining the Phillies last season via trade.
Pence hit .324 with 11 home runs and 35 RBI in 54 games for the Phillies in 2011. He finished fourth in the National League in batting average. Pence was an All-Star in 2009 and 2011. As you can see from his previously successful arbitration cases, Pence might not come cheap.
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As expected, the Philadelphia Phillies will enter the 2012 season with three-quarters of their famed stable of starting pitching intact. The Phillies inked starter Cole Hamels on Tuesday to a one-year deal worth $15 million, according to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, which will allow the two parties to avoid arbitration.
Hamels will rejoin Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay in the team's version of "Smoking Aces," but the fourth member of the crew, Roy Oswalt, will take his pitching talents elsewhere.
Hamels pitched 216.0 innings last year, finishing 14-9 with a 2.79 ERA and 194 strikeouts. He made the All-Star team and finished fifth in NL Cy Young voting in what might have been the best statistical season of his career.
The 28-year old could have been in line for a big long-term payday, but the Phillies decided to stick to a one-year deal instead and will need to revisit Hamels' contract situation after the season.
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The Philadelphia Phillies have signed signed right-handed pitcher Joel Pineiro to a minor-league deal (via CSN Philly). The 12-year veteran pitcher has also been invited to Phillies camp.
Pineiro pitched for the Los Angeles Angels last season. He was 7-7 with an ERA of 5.13 with 62 strikeouts in 145.2 innings pitched. In his MLB career, Pineiro is 104-93 with a 4.41 ERA and 1,058 strikeouts. While Pineiro's best seasons were arguably 2002 and 2003 when he went 14-7 and 16-11, he recorded 15 wins as late as 2009.
Pineiro will join the following veteran pitchers in Phillies training camp who do not have a pro contract: Dave Bush, Scott Elarton, Pat Misch, David Purcey, Brian Sanches and Raul Valdes.
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Speaking to John Paul Morosi of Fox Sports, Phillies GM Ruben Amaro said that he saw closer as the teams' #1 priority coming into this offseason.
"When we came into the off-season, we identified closer as our most specific need – and that’s no disrespect to Jimmy (Rollins). We wanted a lockdown type of guy, and there aren’t all that many closers with that sort of track record. We’re trying to win more than one World Series. We wanted to find the best player we could for that role. The risk, if you wait too long, is that you don’t end up with that guy."
In hindsight, this appears to be obvious given the $50 mil he splashed on Jonathan Papelbon, a contract which some say seems like an overpay given what the market for closers turned out to be.
"Markets can be fluid and difficult to gauge. I’m happy with the player we have."
Ryan Madson, who was no liability closing games last year, ended up signing a one year $8.5m deal.
The Philadelphia Phillies avoided arbitration with pitcher Kyle Kendrick and signed him to a one-year contract worth $3.585 million, Fox Sports' Jon Morosi reported on Friday.
Kendrick, 27, was 8-6 last season with a 3.22 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 114.2 innings pitched. The versatile righty proved he could be effective in either a relief or starting role, beginning the year in the bullpen but also providing 15 starts.
During five Major League seasons, all with the Phillies, Kendrick has accumulated a 43-30 record with a 4.41 ERA and 275 strikeouts in 598.1 innings pitched. He has started 98 times in 127 appearances. He went 10-4 as a rookie in 2007.
Follow our comprehensive Phillies Rumors and MLB Free Agency StoryStream for the latest news and rumors during the MLB Hot Stove season. For more fan perspective, visit our Phillies blog, The Good Phight and SB Nation's Philadelphia Phillies team page.
Jimmy Rollins said prior to the free agency period that he didn’t plan on giving the Phillies a hometown discount. As it turned it out, that wasn’t the case. Jimmy says that the better offer came from the Brewers, but in the end he preferred to stay in the place he’s called home for the past decade.
"If it was purely about guaranteed money and guaranteed years, I’d be wearing blue and gold in Milwaukee," Rollins said. "There is a lure about Philly. I’ve been part of the foundation here. The fans have seen me grow up since I was 21. Do you leave that for money or do you stay home? This is where I want to be."
Rollins is currently the longest tenured athlete in the city of Philadelphia and is very much the “face” of the Phillies organization. So there was certainly an argument to be made that the Phillies should have overpaid to keep him if they had to, but the general reaction is that it’s a fair deal for both sides.
Rollins was originally looking for five years, but the Phillies got him for 3 plus what he calls an “easily attainable” vesting option for a fourth year.
“Would I have loved to have gotten five years? No doubt,” said Rollins. "But from the beginning, I felt if I could get a four-year deal it would be great. This isn’t a four-year deal, but it’s damn near in my eyes. The vesting option is very attainable. In my eyes, this is a four-year deal which is a great number."
According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, the Phillies and longtime shortstop, Jimmy Rollins, have reached a deal to bring Rollins back for at least three more years.
Jimmy Rollins has agreed to 3-year deal with #Phillies with vesting option for 4th year, says BB source
The 33 year-old Rollins is coming off one of his best seasons in years. His .268 batting average was the highest it's been since 2008. His 3.8 WAR is also the highest it's been since 2008 when he had a WAR of 5.6.
One of the big reasons for Rollins bounce-back 2011 was the increase in line drives. In 2010 Rollins had a line drive percentage of 16.8 – the lowest of his career, by far. In 2011 that percentage jumped back up to 20.2, which is more on par with the rest of his career.
At 33, some may say Rollins has lost some of his baserunning and fielding ability. Terms of the deal are still unknown.
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The Philadelphia Phillies have made the signing of veteran pitcher Dontrelle Willis official today (via Philly.com) after the 29-year-old left-hander passed his physical. The Phillies signed Willis to a one-year deal. Willis will be a reliever for Philadelphia this season.
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro said about Willis:
"Dontrelle, I believe, is at a point in his career where he is ready to make the transition to being an effective reliever," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement. "Because of his experience, past success and overall positive energy, we feel this will be an opportunity to benefit both him and the team, especially with the success he has had against left-handed hitters, both recently and over the course of his career."
In 2010 as a starter for the Cincinnati Reds, Willis was 1-6 with a 5.00 ERA in 13 starts. However, Willis held left-handed hitters to a .127 batting average (7-55) with a mere two extra-base hits.
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The Philadelphia Phillies made a surprising signing Tuesday, as former Rookie Of The Year, pitcher Dontrelle Willis, was inked to a one-year deal to not start, but help bolster the bullpen. Willis has struggled to get batters out in recent years and has seen just three relief appearance in his career, however, the Phillies think that they can use him as a lefty specialist.
"His career numbers against lefties are outstanding, holding them to a .200/.274/.288 slash line," wrote Philly.com's Matt Gelb Tuesday. "In 2011, those numbers were even better, as lefties hit .127 with a .369 OPS against."
"Ruben Amaro Jr. said he wanted to add a lefthanded reliever at the winter meetings and Willis simply adds depth. Theoretically, if the Phillies needed a starter to slide into the rotation because of injury, Willis presents that backup plan."
Last season as a starter, Willis compiled a 5.05 ERA with the Cincinnati Reds. In 205 career appearances, Willis has started in 202 of them.
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The Philadelphia Phillies made a minor trade to acquire left-handed reliever Frank Gailey from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for outfielder Ben Francisco, the team announced on Monday.
Gailey, a 26-year old Philadelphia native who was drafted by Toronto in the 23rd round of the 2007 draft, slit last season between Class A Dunedin and Double-A New Hampshire in the Blue Jays' Minor League system where he combined to go 5-6 with a 3.41 ERA in 45 relief appearances. Throughout his entire Minor League career, Gailey is 23-15 with a 2.45 ERA in 175 games.
The 30-year old Francisco spent parts of the past three seasons with the Phillies, batting .259 with 17 home runs and 75 RBIs in 225 games. He appeared in 17 postseason games with Philadelphia, hitting a walk-off pinch-hit home run in Game 3 of the 2011 NLDS against St. Louis.
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Speaking to reports at the winter meetings in Dallas, Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel expressed confidence that the team would be able to re-sign short stop Jimmy Rollins. Manuel says he's spoken with the former MVP and while he wouldn't reveal the details of their conversation, he did say there's a "big chance" than Jimmy would be back in red next season.
"I think that Jimmy, there's a big chance that Jimmy is going to be back with us," said Manuel. "I feel that way, and I think it's going to get done. I think our organization, when I listen to people upstairs and my general manager, and they‑‑ I think right now that's definitely our A plan"
If Rollins is "plan A" is there a plan "b?"
"I think that any time in baseball, like when a situation is like it is there, I think that you always think about what happens if this happens and that happens. You try to cover the bases or something like that. But at the same time, if I'm a betting guy, I'll say that we keep Jimmy, that Jimmy is going to be with us."
In the end, Manuel thinks that Jimmy's time with the organization will be enough to get him back.
"I think he's been in our organization a long time. I think he's definitely a part of everything that we've did in the past, and I think that he's a Philly. I think that he wants to remain a Philly. I think it's just a matter of some‑‑ there's still some time, and there's still some thinking, and you're probably looking. It's kind of a‑‑ Jimmy can be a spur of the moment guy sometimes. You know, he'll wake up one morning and say, hey, I'm staying a Philly. That's kind of who he is."
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An old baseball adage says teams can't have enough pitching. The Philadelphia Phillies could be testing that theory, according to Fox Sports reporter Ken Rosenthal.
Already armed with a deep and talented staff, the Phillies are one of a dozen teams reportedly interested in dealing for Oakland A's lefty starter Gio Gonzalez.
Philadelphia's interest in Gonzalez is somewhat of a surprise considering that the Phillies rotation is already anchored by Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels, but Rosenthal suggests that acquiring Gonzalez could give Philadelphia insurance in case Hamels leaves via free agency in 2012. Adding Gonzalez could also potentially allow Philadelphia to dangle Hamels as trade bait during the final season of his contract.
Rosenthal reports that the Tigers, Diamondbacks, Marlins, and Reds are also known to be interested in Gonzalez. The Blue Jays, Nationals, Red Sox, Rangers and Rockies are also looking to add pitching and could be intrigued by the prospect of dealing for Gonzalez.
Gonzalez was 16-12 last year with a 3.12 ERA. He was a Phillies farmhand in 2005.
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Free agent shortstop Jimmy Rollins is expected to re-sign with the Philadelphia Phillies shortly, according to multiple reports on Wednesday.
Rollins, a 33-year old former MVP, batted .268 last season with 16 home runs, 87 runs scored and 63 RBI. He has spent his entire MLB career with the Phillies.
Earlier this week, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told CSN Philly that re-signing Rollins was the team's top priority, and manager Charlie Manuel said he felt a deal would get done.
"I think there's a big chance that Jimmy is going to be back with us," said Manuel, who spoke to Rollins last week. "I feel that way, and I think it's going to get done. I think our organization -- when I listen to people upstairs and my general manager -- I think right now that's definitely our A plan."
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Rumor has it Philadelphia could be looking for an offensive upgrade at third base in MLB free agency. The Phillies are "strong players" for Aramis Ramirez, according to The Palm Beach Post's Joe Capozzi
The Phillies already have 2011 Gold Glove award winner Placido Polanco under contract for 2012, but health is a concern for the 36-year-old who will be returning from double hernia surgery, which he had in October.
According to MLB Trade Rumors the Angels and Brewers are also in contention to sign the third baseman. Last season, Ramirez hit .306 with 26 home runs and an OPS+ of 136, the second-best mark of his career, for the Cubs.
Follow our comprehensive Phillies Rumors and MLB Free Agency StoryStream for the latest news and rumors during the MLB Hot Stove season. For more fan perspective, visit our Phillies blog, The Good Phight and SB Nation's Philadelphia Phillies team page.
The Phillies have agreed to a two year deal with former National's OF Laynce Nix. He is expected to fill the fourth outfielder role and is the third notable piece the Phillies have added to their bench in the past few weeks (Jim Thome, Ty Wigginton). As The Good Phight points out, Nix's arrival likely ensures that Raul Ibanez will not return. Nix's performance against righties is nearly the same as Ibanez and he provides better defense.
There's a lot of talk that Nix could potentially see some time as part of a platoon in left with John Mayberry Jr. Either way, Nix is a useful enough piece, but obviously a minor move in this offseason. The Phillies #1 free agent story continues to be what happens with Jimmy Rollins and the short stop position. Those talks will likely heat up as the baseball winter meeting get underway today in Dallas.
The Philadelphia Phillies have signed eight players to minor league contracts with invitations to Spring Training (via Philly.com). Some of the players such as Scott Podsednik, Pat Misch and Pete Orr were already announced. Here are the other players the Phillies have just signed: Scott Elarton, Kevin Frandsen, Tuffy Gosewisch, Brian Sanches and Raul Valdes.
Elarton, a 36-year-old veteran pitcher, has not pitched in the major leagues since 2008 when he was with Cleveland. His career MLB record stands at 56-61 with a 5.29 ERA. His most recent stint in baseball was with Triple-A Charlotte in 2010. He had a record of 1-2 in 16 appearances and an ERA of 8.24.
Frandsen is an infielder who was last in the majors with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2010. Frandsen led the Phillies Triple-A affiliate Lehigh Valley in batting average in 2011 (.303).
Gosewisch is a catcher with the Phillies Double-A affiliate Reading. He's making his fourth straight trip to Phillies training camp. He hit .247 with 13 home runs and 66 RBI in 109 games in 2011.
Sanches, a right-handed pitcher, pitched for the Marlins in 2011, going 4-1 with a 3.94 ERA. He is 13-6 for his MLB career with a 3.58 ERA with the Phillies (2006-07), Nationals (2008) and Marlins (2011).
Valdes, a left-handed pitcher, was 0-1 with an ERA of 3.00 in 13 appearances with the Cardinals and Yankees in 2011. Valdes is 3-4 in his MLB career with a 4.58 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 70.2 innings.
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The Philadelphia Phillies continue to make offseason moves. Today, they signed veteran outfielder Scott Podsednik to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training (via Ken Rosenthal's twitter).
After he was released by the Toronto Blue Jays from their Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas, Podsednik was signed to a minor league deal by the Phillies in May, 2011. Podsednik hit .245 in 14 games with the Phillies' Triple-A affiliate Lehigh Valley in 2011.
Podsednik last played in the major leagues as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers where he finished the 2010 season. In 39 games for Los Angeles, he hit .262 with 1 home run, 7 RBI and 5 stolen bases. The 35-year-old has hit .279 for his MLB career with 41 home runs, 300 RBI and 301 stolen bases. He led the league in stolen bases in 2004 when he stole 70 for the Milwaukee Brewers.
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The Philadelphia Phillies signed former Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon earlier in November. However, the Phillies reportedly (via New York Post) made an offer to entice Billy Wagner out of retirement before the signing of Papelbon. In fact, the Phillies contacted Wagner after the 2011 season ended. Wagner, who is now 40 years old and last pitched (and well) for the Atlanta Braves in 2010, declined.
Wagner, a seven-time All-Star, could have provided Philadelphia with some bang for their buck. In his last season in MLB, Wagner went 7-2 and had a 1.43 ERA and 37 saves for the Braves in 71 appearances. Wagner's career began in Houston in 1995 where he remained until joining the Phillies in 2004-2005. Wagner then went to the New York Mets from 2006-2009, Boston Red Sox (also in 2009), before finishing in Atlanta in 2010.
Wagner said this about a possible return to the majors: "No, I'm done. I've got a major role on a JV baseball team. I'm JV baseball coach." Wagner coaches at the Miller School of Albemarle in Charlottesville, Va.
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Today is the deadline for MLB teams to offer salary arbitration to their Type A and B free agents. Teams had until Midnight tonight to offer arbitration, but the Phillies have reportedly already offered salary arbitration pitcher Ryan Madson, Jimmy Rollins and Raul Ibanez (via CSN Philly). Just yesterday we heard that the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are interested in Madson, although there was no certainty that the team had contacted his agent.
If Madson decides to sign with the Angels or any other team, the Phillies will now get high supplementary draft picks (first-or second-round). If Rollins, who is an elite free agent, signs with another team, the Phillies will get a first-or second-round draft pick from the team which signs him. Ibanez's lower free agent status would only bring in a pick for the Phillies between the first and second rounds of the draft if Ibanez signs to another team.
Players are given until Dec. 7 to accept or reject the offer of arbitration. If a player accepts arbitration, his status will be that of a signed player for 2012.
The team did not offer arbitration to pitchers Roy Oswalt or Brad Lidge.
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The Philadelphia Phillies were once reportedly close to re-signing pitcher Ryan Madson to a $44-million deal. That deal still has not happened. Madson may have a new suitor in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (via L.A. Times). There is no indication in that Scott Boras, Madson's agent, has been formally contacted by the Angels.
Madson is a Type A free agent. The salary arbitration deadline for such free agents is midnight on Wednesday, Nov. 23. Via Philly.com, if the Phillies offer Madson arbitration "the Phillies will still receive a first-round draft pick and a compensatory pick for Madson provided they offer him salary arbitration." If Madson went to the Angels, the Phillies would pick right before the Angels, the 18th spot overall.
Madson has pitched for the Phillies since his MLB career began in 2003. He was a crucial was part of the World Series winning Phillies team in 2008, appearing in 11 games. In 2011, Madson recorded 32 saves in 62 appearances. Madson's ERA was 2.37. He threw 61 strikeouts in 60.2 innings.
According to reports from Yahoo! Sports' Tim Brown, the Philadelphia Phillies are close to re-signing right-handed reliever Ryan Madson, who is currently a free agent. Brown believes the deal would be something close to four years for $44 million with a fifth year option for $13 million.
The 31-year-old Madson became the team's closer this past season, when he went 4-2 with a 2.37 ERA with previous closer Brad Lidge on the shelf with an injury for large portions of the season. Madson recorded 32 saves on the campaign.
Madson has been with the Phillies his entire professional career, being drafted in the ninth round of the 1998 draft and making his MLB debut in 2003. Since then, he has gone 47-30 with a 3.59 ERA in 491 appearances, all but 18 of them coming out of hte bullpen.
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Relief pitcher Ryan Madson has been coming in late in the game all year long, but now it’s Philadelphia’s turn to try and close this one out.
Reports surfaced earlier today indicating that the Phillies were "working hard" and making a "strong push" towards re-signing the 31-year-old Long Beach native.
This comes on the heels of comments by general manager Ruben Amaro, who "would not characterize his negotiations" while also talking to Boston ace Jonathan Papelbon and San Diego righty Heath Bell.
On Monday night, Madson’s agent, Scott Boras, told ESPN.com that both sides were still "exchanging proposals," suggesting that a deal was far from imminent.
Madson finished the 2011 season at 4-2, holding a 2.37 ERA with 32 saves and 62 strikeouts. In 4.1 innings of postseason play, "Mad Dog" gave up one earned run and struck out six.
His 2011 salary was $4,833,333.
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Jim Salisbury is reporting that the Phillies are "in serious pursuit" of Twins right fielder Michael Cuddyer. Not only would Cuddyer add another potent righty bat to the lineup, he can also play multiple positions including first, third and both corner outfield spots. In all likelihood, he would be the everyday first baseman until Ryan Howard returns from injury (if indeed he misses time).
ESPN's Buster Olney says that Cuddyer would be a perfect fit in Philadelphia.
It should go without saying that Cuddyer would fit in seamlessly in their clubhouse. Cuddyer will have to ask himself, too, after watching old friend Nick Punto win a championship with the Cardinals, about which team gives him the best chance to win -- and playing in Philadelphia would probably deliver him into October, given the Phillies' pitching.
Cuddyer would fit well with almost any team. He'd be perfect for the Phillies.
Our own Dan Klausner was a bit skeptical of Cuddyer in his Phillies hot stove preview
Cuddyer is a popular suggestion, but he's going to surely command more per season than the $10.5 million he made in 2011 and is below average defensively. On the plus side, he can also fill in at first base -- second and third, too, if absolutely necessary -- and crushes left-handed pitching (.311/.403/.589 in 151 at bats this past season; .300/.389/.569 in 496 at bats since the beginning of 2008). While Cuddyer's a solid offensive player who'd likely see a bump in his power numbers if he switches to the NL, I wouldn't be willing to give him a long-term, big money deal.
There's been a lot of talk about what the Phillies might to do to replace Ryan Howard if he can't be ready to start next season. Today, they may have found an answer to that question. The Phillies agreed to a one year deal with former Phil and future hall of famer Jim Thome. Financial terms haven't been released, but Todd Zolecki reports that it's likely a "low risk" signing.
Thome's job next will primarily be a left handed power bat off the bench, but could potentially play some first base early in the year if Ryan Howard isn't healthy. That said, Thome has played exactly one inning of defense since 2007. So it's very likely he'd see limited time at best in the field.
Interestingly enough, it was an injury to Thome that allowed Ryan Howard to stake his claim to the job at first base for the Phillies. When Thome was injured in 2005, Howard filled in and went on to win the NL rookie of the year award. Before that though. Thome had some monster years in Philadelphia. He signed with the Phils after the 2002 season and hit 47 home runs in his first year. He would end up hitting his 400th career homer the following year at Citizens Bank Park. In fact, you can still see a plaque commemorating that HR in the left field seats.
The 41 year old Thome currently sits at 8th on the all time HRs list with 608. This looks to be his last shot for a World Series ring.
Two days before the Philadelphia Phillies will be forced to compete with the other 29 Major League teams for the services of free agents Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Madson, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Monday he'd like to re-sign both before they hit the open market, according to a story published by the Philadelphia Inquirer.
"We'd love to keep them off the market if we can do it," Amaro said. "We've had discussions with the agents of both players."
The two players are listed as Type A free agents, meaning the Phillies would get two draft picks for each player that is offered arbitration, declines and signs with another team. Right-handed starter Roy Oswalt is also a Type A free agent, but it is unlikely the Phillies will offer him arbitration, whereas Philadelphia will almost definitely offer Rollins, a shortstop, and Madson, the team's right-handed closer. The Phillies have until Nov. 23 to offer arbitration.
"We want to keep both players because they have great value and are very good players," Amaro said. "We wanted to keep Jayson [Werth] last year, too, but we weren't able to compete with what he was offered. That could happen in these situations, too. We put values on players, and there is a stopping point."
Neither player's representatives have commented on Amaro Jr.'s desire to bring the pair back and it remains likely that both will entertain offers from other clubs on the open market.
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The Philadelphia Phillies have already stated a desire to re-sign Jimmy Rollins during the impending free agency period. But David S. Cohen of The Good Phight believes the Phillies will target another high-profile shortstop instead: Jose Reyes.
Why? Because Philadelphia general manager Reuben Amaro Jr. has made a habit of hunting the MLB's premier talent.
Amaro likes splashy acquisitions, and his definition of splashy is to go for the brass ring. The only clear exception was in Amaro's first year when a) he was getting his feet wet and b) his team was coming off a World Series win.
But every other time he's had the opportunity to acquire talent, he's gone for the best out there. This is a pattern. This is what this man does. And, if this man's pattern holds true this off-season, we'll see Jose Reyes in a Phillies uniform next year.
Let me be clear though - Reyes is not the top free agent out there this year. The top is undisputed - Albert Pujols. Behind him is Prince Fielder and then probably C.C. Sabathia. However, the Phillies are not going to acquire another first baseman, nor are they going to sign another high-priced starting pitcher.
Jose Reyes is next, and, lo and behold, the Phillies need a short stop. Reyes is four years younger than Rollins. He had a year in which he got on base at a clip 0.046 higher than Rollins and slugged almost .100 points higher. Yes, he's been injury prone, but so has Rollins. He's decidedly more of a splashy acquisition.
Reyes made his fourth All-Star team in 2011, batting a career-high .337 to go with seven HR, 34 RBI and 39 SB. He just completed a four-year, $23.5 million contract extension, but will likely command more this offseason.
In July, Reyes said "I want to be a New York Met all my career," but he broke off contract discussions during the season and said he would resume them after the campaign ended.
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The Philadelphia Phillies would like to re-sign closer Ryan Madson, but the team is unwilling to offer Madson a contract longer than three years, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
If the Phillies do not re-sign Madson, expect the team to acquire another closer this offseason.
"I don't feel comfortable with the guys we have internally," Phillies GM Ruben Amaro said. "If Ryan does not sign, we might have to go outside the organization. There are some people in our system who think [Justin] De Fratus or [Phillippe] Aumont can do that. I am not convinced of that yet."
The Phillies did not intend to use Madson as a closer last season, but he assumed the role after injuries to Brad Lidge and Jose Contreras. Madson finished the season with 32 saves in 34 opportunities and a 2.37 ERA in 60.2 innings pitched.
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The Philadelphia Phillies announced Monday they will not pick up the options of right-handed starting pitcher Roy Oswalt or right-handed reliever Brad Lidge. However, senior vice president and general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said this does not mean the two players will definitely not be back with the team next season.
"While we will not pick up either of their options, we will remain in contact with representatives for both players about the possibility of bringing them back for the 2012 season," Amaro Jr. said in a statement. "Brad and Roy both made significant contributions to the Phillies over the past several seasons."
Oswalt, who will be paid a $2 million buyout, would have been due $16 million had the Phillies accepted the option. Lidge would have made $12.5 million and will receive a $1.5 million buyout. The decision not to pay the two players comes likely from injury concerns, as both spent significant time on the disabled list in 2011. Oswalt went 9-10 with a 3.69 ERA in 23 starts, but missed about two months of the year with back problems. Formerly Philadelphia's closer, Lidge missed the early part of 2010 after having elbow surgery and went 0-2 with a 1.40 ERA in 25 appearances this past season. He missed the first three-and-a-half months of the year with shoulder and elbow injuries.
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Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told Mike & Ike's midday show Monday on 94 WIP that the Phillies are highly interested in retaining the services of Jimmy Rollins.
"What we really want to do is sign Jimmy," Amaro said. "Whether that happens or not kind of depends on if we can get to the place where we're all comfortable. Everybody knows what we want to do; no secret that we'd like to bring Jimmy back. Whether it's three, four, five, eight years, that's up to us to decide and hopefully with the help of Jimmy make the right decision to be able to keep him here."
Admitting the Rollins contract discussion hinges on both years and money, Amaro said he is "going to have to be passively aggressive" as the Phillies look to keep Rollins and closer Ryan Madson while also improving the roster elsewhere.
"I'm going to have to be be passively aggressive because our priority is to try and bring Madson back and to bring Rollins back," Amaro said. "I don't know how long that's going to play out. I have a feeling it may play out for a while. I like to be aggressive typically but I think in this situation because of the nature of these particular players' situations and where our payroll is, I'm going to have to be passively aggressive. At the same time, be ready to strike if there's a deal to be made either signing somebody or trading somebody. I don't want to preclude us from doing things with Jimmy or Ryan. That kind of ties us up a little bit in terms of timing, but that doesn't mean we don't have contingency plans and we work on those with agents and other clubs. I've already had several discussions with several teams about possible trades and I've also obviously talked to all the agents that our two players have to keep those lines of communication open."
The Phillies fell to St. Louis in the first round of the playoffs, but Amaro is convinced there were no better teams in baseball. He hasn't watched much of the World Series because he's still sore Philadelphia didn't win.
"I can't watch it either," he said. "I do not watch. I watched a little bit of the game yesterday because it was a nice performance by the kid [Derek Holland]. I bet you I've watched maybe 12 innings. Because I still think we're the best team in baseball."
In the aftermath of the Boston Red Sox drinking controversy, Amaro admitted the Philles also have beer in their clubhouse, but not hard liquor. He cited his team's responsibility in regards to drinking, saying that during his 14 years in the Philadelphia front office, "we've literally had like zero issues."
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Rumors that Phillies' bench coach Pete Mackanin may leave for a managerial position can be put to rest. According to Matt Gelb of Philly.com Mackanin, along with the rest of the Phillies coaching staff will return in 2012.
Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Joe Blanton threw five innings in an instructional league game Saturday at the Phillies' spring training complex in Clearwater, Fla. According to a report from the Philadelphia Daily News, Blanton allowed one run in five innings and consistently hit 90 mph with his fastball. The outing was part of Blanton's effort to smooth out the elbow injury that limited him to just 41 1/3 innings this past season.
"It's good," Blanton said. "I threw four innings in one game down here and five innings in another, throwing all my pitches, so I am feeling pretty confident."
Now, Blanton said he will allow his elbow some time to rest so he can be ready to go once spring training rolls around. The 30-year-old went 1-2 with a 5.01 ERA this past season and is now entering the final year of a three-year, $24 million contract.
"I'm just going to give it a rest," Blanton said. "Keep playing catch a bit, doing it light. I'm feeling good about my mechanics for the most part and the way my arm has felt."
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Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr met the media today for his end of the season presser. He addressed everything from the disappointing end to the season to the teams' plans for this offseason. First on his plate will be making decisions on whether the team plans to bring back their own free agents like Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Madson, Raul Ibanez, Roy Oswalt (has an option) & Brad Lidge. Ibanez is all but assured to be gone, Madson likely to after his save totals inflated his value. Lidge will likely be bought out, but the big decision really is with Rollins.
He is currently the longest tenured athlete in the city and has been one of, if not the biggest face of this franchise during its recent run of success. Rollins, who will be 33 next month, said today that he's looking for a five year deal. Amaro wouldn't discuss specifics of the negotiations, but did say that the team wanted Jimmy back.
"There's no question we want Jimmy back in our uniform playing shortstop for the next several years. We'll see if we can get to the finish line." Amaro continued ,"We'll take all things into consideration as far as length [of contract] and commitment [of dollars]. We're still kicking around how far we want to go with Jimmy and what we want to try to do to keep him here. But I think he knows our priority is to keep him."
On Ryan Madson, he sounded less optimistic.
"He sits in the same place as Jimmy. We’d like to bring him back as our closer. But it takes two to tango. Those negotiations will be private. I know he’s excited to be a free agent because he’s never been in this position. How it plays out, we’ll see."
And finally on Roy Oswalt and the $12 million option he has for next year.
"We’re still discussing that internally. We’ve made no final decision on his situation. He is still one of the better starting pitchers in baseball. We have to make a decision on that, maybe a tough one."
Impending free agent Jimmy Rollins, who has played his entire MLB career for the Philadelphia Phillies, wants at least a five-year contract in his new deal. (via the Philadelphia Inquirer)
"I'm looking to get five years," Rollins said. "If it's going to be shorter, there would have to be a fifth-year option or something like that. My option."
The Phillies cited a policy not to discuss negotiations publicly and declined to announce their stance on Rollins's free agency.
"I think you guys know our policy," said general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. "We're not going to have a discussion about our negotiations with Jimmy publicly. I think Jimmy knows exactly where we stand, whether we want him back or not. There's no question we want Jimmy back and be in our uniform and play shortstop for us for the next several years. Whether that happens kind of depends on if we get to the finish line on it. But Jimmy knows where we stand. Those things will be private."
The 32-year old Rollins batted .268 last season while hitting 16 home runs and driving in 63 runs. He was the 2007 NL MVP, but hasn't batted higher than .277 since.
Kyle Kendrick Agrees To 2-Year Extension With Phillies
Kyle Kendrick will be wearing red for at least two more years.
The Phillies have come to terms with the right-handed Kendrick on a two year, $7.5 million contract. Kendrick can be valuable to Philadelphia because of his versatility. He's penciled in as a starter currently, but has shown the ability to come out of the bullpen if need be.
Last year Kendrick was excellent, posting a 3.22 ERA in 34 appearances, including 15 starts. With the loss of Roy Oswalt to free agency, Kendrick will likely see an increased role. The 27-year-old has never pitched 200 innings in a season, so it's logical to wonder if manager Charlie Manuel will ease him back into a full-time starting spot.
The move has been a source of heated contention among the masses. It will be interesting to see how Spring Training plays out with high expectations riding on this club. The pitching is still loaded with Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee.
All Kendrick has to do is be adequate and healthy. Time will tell.
For more information on Kendrick and the Phillies, be sure to check out SB Nation Philly and The Good Phight.
Feb 20 9:49a by Matt Verderame