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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