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Phillies could lean on young pitching in bullpen

The Phillies are expected to direct their remaining offseason efforts toward the bullpen. But with resources stretched, there’s a chance not every hole will be filled by an established reliever.

Ruben Amaro got his third baseman. Now comes the hard part: untangling the web in middle relief. Free agents Chan Ho Park and Scott Eyre were not offered arbitration, even though they filled very important roles in the 'pen last season. Meanwhile, Chad Durbin and Clay Condrey are due raises through arbitration. Neither one is a given to be tendered considering the Phillies’ financial constraints. Dec. 12 is the deadline to make an offer. And now this: There’s a report from Jayson Stark today suggesting late-inning option Brandon Lyon is now the Phillies’ top free agent priority. Competition for the right-hander’s services will be stiff. The Yankees and others are in on him, too, so his price tag immediately goes up. If the Phillies can somehow get him, will there be room for anyone else? It's doubtful.

The Phils have had the good fortune to maintain a cohesive, mostly veteran bullpen these last two seasons, but there’s a chance 2010 could resemble 2006-07 as a time of youthful experimentation. The Phillies have 18 slots on the 40-man roster devoted to pitching and nearly half are for pitchers who spent time in the minors last season. Some of them, like Drew Naylor, for example, will be non-factors, but others, like left-hander Antonio Bastardo, who stayed on the active roster the entire postseason, appear to be part of the Phillies’ plans. Others include Sergio Escalona, who bounced back-and-forth between the minors, and Kyle Kendrick, who may be forced to embrace a relief role. It’s also sounding like dart-thrower Scott Mathieson could factor into the mix if there’s room. And just as Escalona came out of nowhere to earn a call-up last season, the same could happen to Yohan Flande or Jesus Sanchez, depending on the timing of it. The Phillies tend to go with the hottest hand when the need arises. Both prospects are included on the 40-man.

Beerleaguer take: Pros outweigh cons in Polanco deal

Here’s why the deal makes sense: As of this morning, the Phillies had the worst third base situation in baseball, which is to say, they didn’t have one. They elected not to exercise their $5.5 million option to Pedro Feliz, one of the weakest run-producing third baseman in baseball over the last few seasons. So by their own hand, there was a real urgency for the Phillies to get something done early if they had any hope of making an upgrade. Polanco is a good Major League player and will shore up arguably the weakest position in the Phillies’ chain. In locking in for three years, they’re leaving nothing to chance by relying on free agency or trades for the next few years.

Many readers have scoffed at the amount. To the credit of Polanco’s agent, he leveraged the most he could from the Phillies, knowing that Adrian Beltre and Chone Figgins, viewed as more attractive options for various reasons, were out of the Phillies’ range. He knew the Phillies would set the bar among the hot corner’s second tier. As for the $6 million per season, a little perspective; that’s less, per season, than Geoff Jenkins got to platoon with Jayson Werth. Compare that with an everyday third baseman. It's not a crippling amount, either, when you consider what the Phillies likely have planned for the rest of the offseason (8th inning option, fifth starter). In Polanco, the Phillies are getting not only a third baseman, but a Gold Glove winning second baseman (outbidding all the other teams in need of a second baseman) plus a very sound contact hitter atop the lineup, which is something they needed.

Here’s why the deal doesn’t makes sense: He’s playing out of position. He hasn’t been a regular third baseman for almost seven years and there’s no way to know if he has the arm for it at age 34. Best guess: he’ll be just fine because he’s a naturally gifted defender. But it’s still a $18 million gamble. Secondly, his age and .727 OPS in '09 suggest declining levels of skill that will only get worse. Scouts said his bat slowed in 2009. Finally, when was the last time a returnee found success in Philadelphia? For whatever reason, it never happens.

Phillies sign INF Polanco to 3-year, $18 million deal

Following a successful physical this morning, Placido Polanco will be officially announced as the team’s new third baseman later today, according to reports.

(From a Phillies news release) - Polanco, 34, hit .285/.331/.396 last season with 31 doubles, 10 home runs and 72 RBI in 153 games for the Detroit Tigers. Among all active major league players, Polanco has the second-best career strikeout/plate appearance ratio at 15.39. Only the Los Angeles Dodgers' Juan Pierre has a better ratio (18.0). This will be Polanco's second stint with the Phillies. He was previously acquired by the club in July of 2002 as part of the trade with the St. Louis Cardinals for third baseman Scott Rolen. In 297 games with the Phillies from 2002-05, Polanco hit .297 with 38 home runs, 160 RBI and 23 stolen bases, then was traded to Detroit a deal for Ugeth Urbina. A two-time Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner (2007, 2009), Polanco is the active major league leader for fielding percentage (.993) at second base. As a third baseman, Polanco has a .982 fielding percentage in 322 career games (266 starts), 95 of which came as a Phillie. Beerleaguer will offer his official take on the signing when he’s not quite so busy.

Report: Phillies, Polanco on verge of 3-year pact

SI’s Jon Heyman is reporting that the Phillies and free agent Placido Polanco are expected to finalize a 3-year, $18 million deal today. Polanco, who won the AL Gold Glove at second base this season, is expected to take over at third base. More as this story unfolds ...

Readers express concern over potential Polly signing

The Phillies are reportedly in serious talks with free agent Placido Polanco. Reactions have been mixed.

"Kind of mixed on this signing. Polanco is the type of hitter this lineup needs (high AVG, right-handed hitter). Still, there are a couple of worrisome signs the last 2 seasons including the drop in % LD that Polanco is hitting and the increasing amount of balls he is chasing out of the zone. Might correspond to Polanco trying to cheat on offspeed stuff a bit more because the scouting reports said his bat speed has slowed a bit last year and that he has a bit more trouble catching up with fastballs. This lineup really needs a .300 hitter and apparently Amaro thinks Polanco is that guy. If Polanco can give the Phils a line of say .295/.340/.410 and play steady defense, then it was a good signing. However, if Polanco hits say .275/.320/.390 and struggles to make the throws over to 1B consistently then it wasn't a good signing because it really doesn't represent much of an improvement over what Feliz gave them." – MG

"Polanco's OBP dip last year was completely on a dip in singles (his power numbers and walk rate were nearly identical from the year previous). The BABIP drop despite a steady LD% could be just an off year, or it could be a red flag of a aging player (something we say with Jenkins the year previous to his signing). Supporting the former: his HR/FB actually went up from 2008. Additionally, his BA on LD was nearly identical to 2008, suggesting that the bulk of the dip lies in a dip in IF hits. Interesting number: Polanco's BB percentage was lower than Feliz' last year." – sophist

"Here's where the BL conventional wisdom gets dinged, at least statistically. Based on lifetime stats, by moving Polanco to the 2-hole and Vic down to the 7-hole, the Phillies produce an estimated 4.952 RPG, less than if Polanco hits out of the 7-hole. Now, there are obviously problems with using a statistical analyzer that relies solely on OBP and SLG (no SB, etc.), but I thought it was at least interesting enough to post." – awh

Multiple reports say Polanco is the Phillies' guy

A number of outlets, including ESPN and FoxSports, are reporting that talks have intensified between the Phillies and free agent Placido Polanco, who is being targeted as the team's next third baseman. Polanco, 34, won his second Gold Glove at second base this season, hitting .285/.331/.396 as Detroit's two-hole hitter. His last regular action at third came as a member of the Phillies.

Wednesday: Putz, Betancourt named in Phils’ rumors

Right-hander and former 40-game saver J.J. Putz, and right-hander Rafael Betancourt, who finished the season in Colorado, are listed as possibilities for the Phillies in two separate reports.ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick says they Phillies have expressed interest in Putz, who flamed out with a season-ending elbow injury after 29 1-3 innings with the Mets last season; Putz hasn’t been right since 2007. Betancourt, included in a FoxSports report, went 4-3 with a 2.73 ERA in 61 games with the Indians and Rockies. The 34-year-old faced the Phillies three times in the NLDS, striking out the side in Game 3. Update: One more rumor to report, courtesy of SI's Jon Heyman. The Phillies are one of three teams "believed to have some interest" in Randy Wolf. What offseason is complete without the annual rumor of Randy Wolf's fabled return "home."

Smoltz report suggests starting pitching is next

The Phillies have crossed off utility infielder and backup catcher from their list. Now, they may have their sights set on a pitcher to contend for the rotation or slot into the bullpen. John Smoltz could be that guy.

ESPN's Jayson Stark reported yesterday that the Phillies have shown interest in the soon-to-be 43-year-old former Brave, who went 1-3 with a 4.26 in seven starts with the Cardinals late last year. Smoltz, who has 213 wins and 3,084 strikeouts over a stellar 21-year career, began the season with the Boston Red Sox and was torched with an 8.23 ERA in eight appearances before he was designated for assignment. The Phillies, who rounded out the bottom of their rotation using veterans Chan Ho Park, Rodrigo Lopez, Jamie Moyer and, most successfully, Pedro Martinez at various points throughout the 2009 campaign, could be hatching the same plan here. Moyer, who is set to undergo knee surgery, in addition to his continued recovery from a pair of surgeries related to two torn tendons in his groin, may be questionable to open the season as the team's fifth starter, meaning the Phillies could sign Smoltz for the same half-season program they built for Pedro. Smoltz has also had success out of the 'pen, but hasn't pitched in that capacity in regularity since 2004. Kyle Kendrick, who could also get a look in the bullpen, figures to be the only other viable in-house option should Moyer need more time.

No arbitration offered to free agents Park, Eyre

As suggested by team GM Ruben Amaro Jr. this afternoon, the Phillies declined salary arbitration to free agent relievers Chan Ho Park and Scott Eyre, who were both Type B free agents. The Phillies have indicated at least some interest in resigning them, particularly Park, who flourished as a late-inning option. Eyre underwent elbow surgery shortly after the World Series and his health and plans to pitch in 2010 remain vague. Elsewhere, the Tigers did not offer arbitration to Type A free agent Placido Polanco, meaning the Phillies wouldn't forfeit a draft pick if they signed him. Beerleaguer: I'll need to see their reasoning behind declining arbitration to Park. They could still resign him, but still. I would be excited to see what he could do over a full season in the Phillies' bullpen. (The Inquirer's Andy Martino broke this story tonight on Twitter)

Beerleaguer 5 questions with ESPN's Jayson Stark

ESPN senior baseball writer and author of “Worth the Wait: Tales of the 2008 Phillies" stops by with his insights before heading off to a 6 p.m. book signing at the Barnes and Noble in Rittenhouse Square.

Beerleaguer: The difference between the Yankees' table setters and the Phillies in the World Series cannot be overstated. You recently suggested that lead-off gem Chone Figgins would not only carry a high price tag, but constitute a tough sell for Jimmy Rollins. Be that as it may, how much more rope are they willing to give J-Roll if he struggles the way he did last season?

Stark: That's a tough question to answer in 25 words or less. Charlie Manuel loves Jimmy Rollins and the energy he brings to that team. But there's no doubt that the manager and the hitting coach (Milt Thompson) want Jimmy to get back to having better at-bats. For a couple of years, starting with his hitting streak in 2005 and running through his MVP season, Jimmy seemed to have a great feel for his swing. In the same period, while his walks didn't increase that much, he was much more willing to work counts and look for his pitch. But the last couple of seasons, he's gotten away from that because he seems to be trying too hard to duplicate his MVP numbers. So they've talked to him about this. But it remains to be seen how they'd react if he has the same kind of approach next season. Let's just say that both he and the Flyin' Hawaiian should take note of this team's interest in Figgins and Placido Polanco, even though it's unlikely they'll wind up signing either of them.

Beerleaguer: It's shaping up to be another sluggish offseason for free agent signings. The Phillies have started off with an economic upgrade in Juan Castro. Should we expect more value signings, and are the Phillies basically maxed out at this point?

Stark: I don't think that "maxed out" really describes them. They have money to spend, and they're going to have a record payroll (close to $140 million). But they need to find an every-day third baseman, and they need to make an impact bullpen signing, or maybe several. So that's where their money is going. And that'll pretty much eat up the signings budget. If they sign any combination of Mark DeRosa, Adrian Beltre, Brandon Lyon, Mike Gonzalez, etc., I can promise you those would definitely not be on-the-cheap type signings. They wouldn't be at Sabathia/Teixeira dollars, but they won't be million-dollar-a-year players, either. There will be some more of those, though, to fill out the bench and bullpen. But I see at least two significant signings at some point.

Beerleaguer: The Phillies have traded offense for defense at third for several seasons (Pedro Feliz, Abe Nunez, David Bell, etc.). Are you worried what a defensive downgrade such as Mark DeRosa might do to the confidence of the pitching staff?

Stark: That depends on whether DeRosa winds up being the every-day third baseman or something else. If he's the guy they sign -- instead of Beltre, who can play the heck out of third base -- I think they'd use him at other positions, too. DeRosa's greatest assets are offense and versatility, so it wouldn't be out of the question to see him play some left and some second base to spell Ibanez and Utley. I don't know if I like the idea of the "regular" third baseman also being the primary backup at two other positions, but they've kicked that around. Then again, it's not a slam dunk that he'll be the guy they sign. And other than Beltre, everybody on their shopping list would be a defensive downgrade from Feliz. There's a price to be paid for that. The question is whether the pros outweigh the cons. I'm a big DeRosa fan, so I'd vote yes. He'd be a major step toward balancing out this lineup.

Beerleaguer: Would the Phillies consider trading Cole Hamels?

Stark: Now? No chance. None. Nada. Why would they? This guy doesn't even turn 26 for another few weeks. He's younger than most of last year's big rookie-of-the-year candidates: J.A. Happ, Jeff Niemann, Randy Wells, Ramon Troncoso, etc. Compare his overall '09 numbers (strikeout ratio, WHIP, K/BB ratio) with Cliff Lee's sometime. You'll be shocked how close they are. And remember this, too: Cole Hamels has s been great every year of his pro career until last season. Great. So with Lee's future so uncertain, they can't even consider trading a pitcher with that much upside. And they aren't.

Beerleaguer: Which prospects have the Phillies most excited?

Stark: Domonic Brown and Kyle Drabek are the clear 1-2, and there's a big dropoff to everyone else. They love everything about Michael Taylor, but I still sense they're skeptical he'll ever be a star. They like Travis D'Arnaud a lot as a potential Catcher of the Future. And while Anthony Gose is really, really young, he's the clear-cut Centerfielder of the Future. They have a ton of pitching prospects. But Drabek looks right now like the only one with top-of-the-rotation upside. The big name to file away is Domingo Santana, a 17-year-old outfielder from the Dominican who's already 6-5 and 200-plus, who looks like an offensive monster. The ETA might not be till 2013, but if he stays on his present path, look out.

The "Worth The Wait" book tour has cranked back up for the holidays. So if you're in center city Philadelphia tonight, Jayson will be signing books at the Barnes and Noble in Rittenhouse Square at 6 p.m., alongside Phillies broadcaster Chris Wheeler, columnist-laureate Bill Lyon, Philadelphia baseball historian Rich Westcott and ever-popular Philly TV sports guy Steve Bucci.

Phillies sign catcher Schneider to a 2-year deal

The 33-year-old Northampton, Pa. product hit .218/.292/.335 in 194 plate appearances with the Mets last season, starting just 52 games behind the dish, missing time with multiple ailments including a bad back and knee.

Schneider, a notorious Phillies killer during an all-NL East career starting with Montreal/Washington from 2000-07, then onto the Mets from 2008-09, is a lifetime .251/.323/.374 hitter, but is a .273/.354/.412 hitter against the Phillies. As Phillies fans can attest, every one of his 92 lifetime hits against them seemed to be daggers. Schneider will reportedly earn $1.25 million in 2010 and $1.5 million in 2011. He has already passed his physical, so the deal is official. Schneider, who grew up a Phillies fan, will serve as a more than capable backup to starter Carlos Ruiz for the next two seasons.

Beerleaguer: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. I've written a lot about Schneider over the years and many Beerleaguers have always had a soft spot for him, be it his local ties or the way he played the position. Before Chooch emerged, I considered Schneider to be exactly the type of savvy handler the Phillies needed. Now they bring all that knowledge into the fold and there’s no other way to view the Phillies’ catching situation as one of the best in baseball. If Chooch goes on the shelf, the Phillies wouldn’t miss much, and Schneider is the type of player who helps a team even if he isn't playing. Not only that, but look at what he does to the bench. Stats aside – and he’s a far sight better than Paul Bako – Charlie Manuel will feel very confident handing the bat to Schneider in a big spot.

Two concerns: the injuries; and how he adjusts to a bench role. Nevertheless, Schneider will receive a good deal of trust right from the chute, so I wouldn’t expect him to collect dust.

The other story here is the work of Ruben Amaro Jr. to once again shore up a need early in the offseason. Schneider was one of the better catchers on the board in my estimation and to woo him with a backup role says a lot about his power of persuasion. 

Monday notes: Phillies revisit Lowell; Coste a Met

Phillies GM Ruben Amaro has spoken with Boston about the availability of third baseman Mike Lowell, according to SI's Jon Heyman.

Lowell, who turned down a four-year contract from the Phillies two years ago in favor of a three-year, $37 million deal to stay in Boston, is allegedly on the block, with the Red Sox reportedly willing to pick up half of the $12 million owed to him next season. The 35-year-old third baseman missed large portions of the last two seasons, hitting .290/.337/.474 with 17 homers and 75 RBIs in 2009. Heyman described the talks between Amaro and the Sox as "brief."

In other news, 36-year-old catcher Chris Coste has signed a split contract with the Mets and will be added to their 40-man roster. Coste, who hit .224/.301/.317 with a pair of homers in 88 games between Philadelphia and Houston, refused an outright assignment to Triple-A Round Rock yesterday and became a free agent. The Phillies placed Coste on waivers in July and he was picked up by Houston. The Mets, who had been talking with Henry Blanco and could still be seeking additional catching, also resigned infielder Alex Cora today to a 1-year, $2 million deal.

Beerleaguer: Lowell is an interesting option. He fits my first criteria: he can field the position, which makes him at least as attractive as Beltre for a variety of reasons.

Sunday: Arizona Fall League ends; odds and ends

Catching up on minor Phillies news from around the Web.

Every November, Beerleaguer defers to Baseball America and Phuture Phillies to get us through this November lull, especially over the Thanksgiving break. Aside from Jamie Moyer's successful follow-up procedure (he's set to be discharged from Jefferson tomorrow) the two biggest pieces of information recently include the minor signings of DeWayne Wise, Wilson Valdez and other organizational guys like Paul Hoover and Andy Tracy (reported first by BA), and the conclusion of the Arizona Fall League. Phuture Phillies is kind enough to supply stat summaries of all eight Phillies participants, including Domonic Brown and Scott Mathieson. Mathieson's progress would seem to be the best story of the bunch. Read the entire summary here.

Elsewhere, several other pharmhands are staying sharp internationally. The best story might belong to 19-year-old catcher and native Mexican Sebastian Valle, who, despite a handful of whiffs, is connecting for a .270/.313/.591 line with 10 homers in 122 plate appearances in a veteran Mexican League. Valle recently rated as the seventh-best prospect in the Phillies' chain, according to Baseball America. "We like his bat," assistant GM Benny Looper recently told the magazine. "He's got a ways to go behind the plate, but the tools are good."

Triple-A veteran Mike Cervenak is also tearing the cover off the ball in Mexico. In 184 plate appearances, the 33 year old has a 1.007 OPS. Outfielder John Mayberry Jr. is also having a good campaign, posting a .875 OPS and 7 homers in 155 plate appearances. Elsewhere, right-hander Carlos Monestarios is 5-2 with a 3.48 ERA in 8 games (7 starts) in the Venezuelan League. Monestarios was part of the package received in the 2006 Bobby Abreu deal. Converted catcher Jesus Sanchez, another part of that trade, was recently added to the Phillies' 40-man roster as a pitcher following a breakout year in the Sally League. Finally, outfielder Quintin Berry, another addition to the 40-man roster, is hitting .138 in limited action in Puerto Rico.

Notes: ESPN's Buster Olney reported yesterday that Roy Halladay would accept a trade to the Phillies, according to sources.

Thursday: An economic start to Phillies' offseason

By settling on replacement-level infielder Juan Castro, the Phillies are suggesting they're willing to scrimp around the edges. Is it a sign that bigger commitments are ahead for areas like third base?

Ruben Amaro Jr. made the dean's list his freshman year and deserves the benefit of the doubt before identifying the start of a sophomore slump. With that in mind, it's worth taking a walk in Ruben's shoes to understand the rationale behind agreeing on a deal that would reward Castro and his career 57 OPS+ with a Major League contract plus an option year. First, Castro provides 15 years of on-the-job experience, which means he can turn a double play after idling for weeks on a bench. Second, he won't grouse for playing time, which is great, because the last man on the Phillies' bench never, ever plays. So Taguchi and Eric Bruntlett combined for less than 200 at bats in 2008 and 2009. Finally, suitable, reasonably priced options may not be as plentiful as originally thought. As David Murphy points out, Omar Vizquel, who's as poor at the plate as Castro, recently signed a one year deal with the White Sox for a reported $1.375 million.

With that in mind, one can't help but wonder how Amaro will approach another peripheral need: backup catcher. Recall that departed backup, Paul Bako, signed to a minor league deal mid-season and hit a replacement-level .224/.308/.336 in 130 plate appearances with the big club, losing time late to established backstop Carlos Ruiz, who posted a .862 OPS after the break and will head to 2010 riding some good momentum. Despite the low totals one would expect from a journeyman backup, Bako turned out to be just fine for the Phils; a better handler than Chris Coste and able to produce a big hit now and then.

Would the Phillies be so thrifty to consider Paul Hoover, who was resigned to a minor league deal recently after spending September with the club after serving as Lehigh Valley's starting catcher? Maybe. The Phillies need someone in Lehigh Valley regardless, but don't put it past the Phillies to give Ruiz their full endorsement - moreso than ever - and allow the backup battle play out in spring training, possibly between minor league signings like Hoover and someone like Bako.

In theory, this tactic would free up more resources for an everyday third baseman, someone who will step to the plate about 500 more times than either a backup catcher or utility infielder.

Breaking: Jamie Moyer hospitalized in Philadelphia

Jamie Moyer has been admitted to Jefferson Hospital with recurring symptoms stemming from September groin surgery, according to a team news release. Details are limited and no word on the severity. Moyer, who turned 47 last week, tore two groin muscles in a fall from the mound Sept. 29 and missed the rest of the season and entire postseason. He has a year remaining on his contract and figures to be the Phillies’ fifth starter when the season opens in the spring.

Phillies sign OF DeWayne Wise, INF Wilson Valdez

A day after agreeing in principle with backup infielder Juan Castro, the Phillies added more depth and versatility to the outfield and infield.

Outfielder DeWayne Wise, 31, a veteran of seven Major League seasons with the Blue Jays, Braves, Reds and White Sox, has been signed to a minor league deal after hitting .225/.262/.366 in 153 plate appearances from the left side in a bench role with Chicago, splitting time in the minor leagues. Lifetime, he’s a .216/.255/.380 hitter (61 OPS+), settling into a mostly quad-A career playing all three outfield positions, serving as a defensive replacement in the majors. Fans may recognize him as the player who saved Mark Buehrle’s perfect game with a leaping grab against the wall. [Watch it here]. He’s a similar animal to Jason Ellison, the veteran outfielder who was brought in on a minor league deal last offseason and spent the entire season in Lehigh Valley. With the departure of Matt Stairs, there’s an opening for a fifth outfielder, particularly one who bats from the left side, so Wise could be in the mix this spring for a final spot. But with the presence of Ben Francisco as the primary defensive caddy for Raul Ibanez, Wise, who doesn't hit for power, is likely pegged for Allentown.

Valdez is your garden variety utility player headed to Triple-A after serving as a band-aid for a battered Mets team, where he hit .256/.326/.337 in 95 plate appearances, starting 23 games at short in place of Jose Reyes. Lifetime, the 31-year-old is a .222/.272/.292 hitter (51 OPS+) in parts of four seasons with the White Sox, Mariners, Padres, Dodgers and Mets. Shortstop has been his primary position throughout his career. I won’t pretend to be the world’s foremost expert on Valdez, but from what I can tell, he’s worse than Castro and was signed to be Lehigh Valley’s shortstop. The IronPigs have virtually no infield.

But wait; there's more: The Phillies resigning minor league right-handers Jason Anderson and Alexander Concepcion, first baseman Andy Tracy and outfielder Rich Thompson, according to Baseball America. Tomorrow might be Turkey Day, but today, Pigs ruled, in the world of the Phillies.

Report: Phillies targeting utility vet Juan Castro

The 37-year-old infielder is a veteran of 15 seasons and hit .277/.311/.399 in 121 plate appearances with the Dodgers last season. The Dodgers are trying to resign him, according to the report on FoxSports.

Beerleaguer: Very marginal, aging bench option from the right side with no speed, no bat and practically no time spent in the outfield. In some ways, Eric Bruntlett offers more versatility. He’s a career .230/.270/.332 hitter between four clubs, his best years coming as a semi-regular player with Cincinnati between 2000 and 2004, then winning a starting shortstop job briefly with Minnesota based on his glove. Not exactly a step forward from an offensive standpoint, even from Bruntlett, and according to Fangraphs, not much to write home about defensively, at any position, these days. The Dodgers inked him to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training last season and he was called up in early April. Considering his age and limited skill set, this needs to be of the minor league variety to make any sense at all; he's seen considerable time in the minors all throughout his career.

I won't pretend to be the foremost expert on Juan Castro, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say he's a defensive upgrade over Bruntlett and Cairo, but for the Phillies to truly take a step forward, they need someone who can hold his own with the stick. After all, he will be playing behind Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley, so his primary responsibility will be to pinch hit.

Update: Todd Zolecki is reporting that the two sides are close to a deal, possibly of the Major League variety for one year, worth less than $1 million with a 2011 club option. Scott Lauber says Castro's agent, Oscar Suarez, says it's just a matter of passing a physical. If true, congratulations, Oscar Suarez, on becoming the best agent in baseball.

Monday: 29 Phillies become minor free agents

The Phillies are losing the third-highest total of veteran minor leaguers to free agency, according to Baseball America. We also look ahead to possible players exposed to the Rule 5 draft.

Here is the list, courtesy of Baseball America: RHP: Jason Anderson (AAA), Alexander Concepcion (AA), Tristan Crawford (Hi A), John Ennis (AAA), Santos Hernandez (Lo A), Gary Majewski (AAA); LHP: Cedrick Bowers (AAA), Gustavo Chacin(AAA), Jason Mackintosh (AA), Brian Mazone (AAA), Jake Woods (AAA); C: Paul Hoover (AAA), Orlando Guevara (AA), Kevin Nelson (AA); 1B: Andy Tracy (AAA); 2B: Brad Harman (AA), Fidel Hernandez (AA), Carlos Leon (AAA), David Newhan (AAA); 3B: Mike Cervenak (AAA), Terry Tiffee (AAA); SS: J.J. Furmaniak (AAA), Jorge Velandia (AAA); OF: Javis Diaz (Hi A), Jason Ellison (AAA), Kevin Mahar (AA), Mike Spidale (AA), Brian Stavisky (AA), Rich Thompson (AAA).

Beerleaguer:The Phillies continue to be among the oldest farm systems in baseball, and year after year, there is this mass exodus of mercenaries. A number of them are good soldiers who've taken a couple tours of duty and could return. Based on name recognition, the lefty Chacin, still only 29, has experienced the most Major League success and has the best shot at sticking on a 25-man roster, in my estimation.

Meanwhile, Phuture Phillies offers his best guess of possible players exposed to the Rule 5 draft (If it’s good enough for James at Phuture Phillies, it’s good enough for us). Notables include relievers Joe Bisenius, Edgar Garcia and Pat Overholt and catchers Tuff Gosewich, Tim Kennelly and Joel Naughton (catchers, of all levels, seem to be frequent targets). If Garcia is correct, he fits the profile of the type of pitcher a team may try to stash in their 'pen. Click here for the entire list.

In other news, the Phillies released catchers Luis Ramon Arzeno and Tim Gradoville earlier this offseason.

Money isn’t only matter standing in Figgins’ way

Insiders think Chone Figgins will command upwards of five-years, $50 million in free agency. Some believe he’s best suited to remain with the Angels, but one could argue that the Phillies need him most.

Today, David Murphy continued his free agent primer with a look at third base, noting that among Major League third basemen, Pedro Feliz ranked 18th in on-base percentage (.308) and 18th in OPS (.694). He also noted, as others have, too, that the Phils’ 7-hole production placed them 19th in the league in OPS. Meanwhile, here’s Jimmy Rollins’ line from 640 lead-off plate appearances: .242/.292/.413. That ranks 21 out of 22 qualified Major League leadoff men in OPS (.704). His .292 on-base, as you might expect, was the absolute worst by a long shot.

There’s no other way to view Figgins and his .298/.395/.393 than the best possible free agent upgrade the Phillies could make, one who would kill a whole flock of birds with one stone . The problem: many teams, including the Angels, feel the same way.

We’ve read about the Phillies’ budget restrictions, but one can’t help but wonder if other forces are in play. From Jayson Stark, a week ago: “What happens if they (the Phillies) try to install Figgins in the leadoff hole? That has the potential to create a gigantic problem because they’d have to sell it to their current leadoff man, some guy named Jimmy Rollins. And that won’t be easy. So to me Adrian Beltre, Mark DeRosa and Placido Polanco are much better fits for them, depending on the asking price.”