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With outfielder Josh Hamilton now off the MLB free agent market, the Philadelphia Phillies are left with fewer options in their pursuit of a top corner outfielder this season.
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX, Philadelphia is focusing its attention on Cody Ross:
Sources: #Phillies intensifying pursuit of Cody Ross. Other teams also being more aggressive. #Mariners among those that have shown interest
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 15, 2012
Currently, Philadelphia has Domonic Brown and John Mayberry projected to man the corner outfield spots, but general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. is hoping to upgrade that position this offseason.
The 31-year-old Ross spent last season with the Boston Red Sox, delivering a .267/.326/.481 slash line to go with 22 home runs in 528 plate appearances. His 2012 performance was his best since becoming a full-time starting for the Marlins in 2008.
Nick Swisher could also be an option for Philadelphia, though signing the former Yankee would cost the Phillies the No. 16 pick in June's draft. Ichiro Suzuki recently turned down a two-year, $14 million offer from Philadelphia to stay with the Yankees.