The LA Times is reporting that the Phillies have expressed interest in Los Angeles right fielder Juan Rivera as they continue to search for a right handed bat to help fill the void left by Jayson Werth. Rivera’s 2009 was nearly identical to Werth’s 2010 as he hit .287 with 25 home runs and 88 RBI. Last year Werth hit .296 with 27 HRs and 85 RBI. Rivera did regress in 2010, hitting .252 with 15 homers and 52 RBI.
That said, Rivera’s role did diminish last season after the Angels called up centerfielder Peter Bourjos and moved Torii Hunter to right. If the Angeles were able to strike a deal with Carl Crawford, Rivera would likely be expendable. He’s due to make $5.25 million next year, which is the final year of his deal. Were the Phillies to take on the full contract, it’s possible that they’d could get him for minimal prospects.
Plus, he’s not Jeff Francoeur.