Beerleaguer - Phillies Blog, Baseball News, Trade Rumors & Spirits

Wednesday catch-up and Phils' dead week thread

Barring any new news, posting will continue to be light through the holiday. Here's what was missed since Beerleaguer has been on break.

The Brewers signed winter league star and history-making left-hander Juan Perez to a minor league deal. Perez, on July 8, became the first Phillies pitcher to strike out the side on nine pitches since Andy Ashby did it on June 15, 1991. The 33-year-old Triple-A journeyman had a terrific first half of the season with Lehigh Valley and pitched eight games for the Phils (3.60 ERA in 5 IP, 8/5 K/BB). When he was sent back to the minors following his feat, his season fell apart and he was rarely used. As usual, he's tearing up the Dominican Winter League.

Meanwhile, 40-year-old former catcher and current something-or-other Jorge Posada was linked to the Phillies in an ESPN Deportes report. The career Yankee hit .235/.315/.398 with 14 homers in 387 plate appearances for the Bombers last year, used mostly as a designated hitter. It seems the Phils have more than enough stationary thump, and the switch hitter hit a measly .092/.169/.108 off lefties last season. Posada would make sense if the Phillies hadn't signed Jim Thome and Erik Kratz was penciled in as the back-up catcher. Posada can catch about as much as Thome can play first base. If the Phils inquired, it must have been months ago.

If the Phils have any interest in a "Jorge," let it be 19-year-old five-tool Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler, who has been linked to the Phillies and several teams. Some teams prefer Soler to Yoenis Cespedes, according to Jim Callis of Baseball America. At this point, one could argue that the Phillies' focus should be to figure out a way to replenish the weakened farm system and Soler, a 6-3 outfielder with plus-plus everything, could round out Ruben Amaro's winter nicely. Bidding is expected to climb as high as $20 million ...

... if Soler actually exists outside of the internet.

Friday: Phillies mixing a balanced blend in bullpen

Anchored by an elite closer in Jonathan Papelbon, the Phillies’ 2012 ‘pen will include an even spread of rising young talent, dependable swing men and dynamic former starters.

Beerleaguer: Credit consistency in the bullpen as one of the main reasons for the Phillies’ sustained success since 2008, with Brad Lidge’s disastrous 2009 as the only real hiccup. In Papelbon, one of the game’s elite stoppers, the Phils have added the ninth inning to the load-bearing support system that also includes the front side of the rotation. And why not? If you’re going to do it, do it right. The Phils can’t bang out crooked numbers like they used to, so holding leads and pitching big innings is everything.

The Phils have relied on creativity and a keen eye for talent to take care of the rest. Last season marked a real triumph for the club’s development staff, including breakout seasons from former starters Antonio Bastardo and Michael Stutes, representing the best home-grown relievers to emerge since Ryan Madson. The Phils have become quite gifted in spotting relief talent early. In fact, bullpen depth can now be considered the organization’s deepest area. Phillippe Aumont has the system's best two-pitch combination, a plus-plus fastball and curve, according to Baseball America, and is now seen as a potential big league closer. Justin DeFratus has been compared to Brad Lidge because of his fastball-slider and is considered a set-up man in the making. Others, like Michael Schwimer and Joe Savery, bear watching. David Herndon, a Rule 5 guy, already has 92 big league innings under his belt and a passing grade-point average (105 ERA+).

The Phils are hoping to make Dontrelle Willis their latest failed-starter reclamation project the way they extended Jose Contreras’ career and Chan Ho Park the year before that. It’s become a better strategy for the Phils than signing free agent middle men, like Danys Baez. And as longmen go, Kyle Kendrick, who showed dramatic improvement against left-handed hitters, might have been the game's most useful and balanced swing man (3.22 ERA total, 3.14 ERA as starter, .731 OPS against, 3.41 ERA as reliever, .734 OPS against).

Where's the talk of extending the Phillies' best player?

Shane Victorino contributed the most to the Phillies' cause in 2011, according to aggregate metrics, and his contract ends this season. Yet there has been little to no mention of locking up the All-Star center fielder.

Beerleaguer: One could apply much of the rationale used to justify Jimmy Rollins' new deal to keeping Victorino around. In terms of franchise importance, he's one of the Phillies' all-time best center fielders and perhaps the club's best ever defensive outfielder (his laser beam arm is better than that of Richie Ashburn and Garry Maddox). Off the field, he's become the face of the franchise through his work with the Shane Victorino Foundation. Most importantly, Victorino moves the needle offensively whereas Rollins contributes significantly less. Vic's 5.9 WAR led the team and was a full 1.2 points ahead of Hunter Pence's combined value between Houston and Philly.

By the end of 2012, Vic could be too rich for the Phillies' blood, particularly if they lock up Cole Hamels or add another major piece at the trade deadline, the way they always do.

Here's another spin: Vic will be shopped just as Jayson Werth was put on the block in the summer of '10. By keeping Vic on a one-year commitment, he's a good bargaining chip. Who knows what the world will look like in late July, particularly on the right side of the infield. They're also thin behind the plate. The Phils have also sought ways to get younger this winter and have reportedly reached out to the Blue Jays on ways to reacquire catching prospect Travis d'Arnaud. The Jays are a rising presence and could become July buyers. The Phils are also thin at third base, and you can bet David Wright's name will become a hot topic this summer, not necessarily in a straight-up deal for Victorino, but in a deal nonetheless.

Lots can happen. The time to decide Victorino's fate could be in July ...

New Phillies positioned to vie for final bench spot

The Phillies announced a pair of minor league signings Wednesday: infielder Hector Luna and outfielder Lou Montanez. Each player adds Major League experience and will be in the mix this spring as non-roster invitees.

Luna, 31, spent last season manning third base for Triple-A Pawtucket (Red Sox) and hit .283/.350/.449 with 14 home runs and 58 RBIs in 468 plate appearances. In parts of six Major League seasons, he's a .265/.317/.388 hitter with 13 home runs and 86 RBIs in 311 games with the Cardinals (2004-06), Indians (2006), Blue Jays (2007-08) and Marlins (2010). His last significant Major League role occurred five seasons ago, and since then, his skills have eroded from super-utility to strictly corner infield.

Montañez, 30, spent the majority of the 2011 season with Triple-A Iowa (Cubs) where he hit .321/.396/.492 with 22 doubles, seven triples, seven home runs and 69 RBIs in 382 plate appearances, seeing most of his action in left field and at times right and center. He also earned a call-up with the Cubs, appearing in 36 games, including 12 starts. In parts of four Major League seasons, including 24 starts with the Orioles in 2008, he's a .223/.258/.328 hitter. He was taken by the Cubs with the third overall pick in the June 2000 draft. The Orioles then claimed him as a six-year minor league free agent, then the Cubs offered him another chance last season. He was outrighted to the minors this fall and refused the assignment.

Beerleaguer: Think of Luna as a junior version of Pedro Feliz, a guy who used to play a bunch of positions, but eventually hunkered down at third in his early 30s. Considering the fragility of Placido Polanco and others, Luna, who bats from the right side, can't be ruled out for a job with this club. Stuff happens and guys like Luna periodically come up for air. The Marlins needed him for a bit in 2010. The Red Sox added him as insurance for Jed Lowrie last season, but never needed him and he stayed in the minors. Better baseball skills than a guy like Cody Ransom, but less athleticism (insight you can only find on Beerleaguer).

Montañez probably has a better chance to head north because of his position and handedness relative to that position. When you think about it, he's a decent bargain alternative to Ben Francisco since he can hit left-handed pitching and play the outfield about as well as Ben-Fran. Highly touted, his career fizzled out with the Cubs, then resurrected in the Baltimore chain when he won the Eastern League Triple Crown in 2008, earning his first call-up to the Show that same season. Last season - back with the Cubs - he flashed that same late-blooming promise by helping the Cubs win a couple of games. Good value add. Not as good as Ben Fran, but still.

Rivero goes to Nationals: Infielder Carlos Rivero, who was removed from the 40-man roster to make way for Jimmy Rollins, signed with the Nationals. His bat came alive midway through 2011, but he couldn't field; that's why he's gone. … In other minor league news, Beerleaguer favorite R.J. Swindle signed with the Cardinals.

Allegations of abuse silence baseball writing pioneer

Hall of Fame baseball writer and Philly print fixture Bill Conlin has retired from the Philadelphia Daily News over a soon-to-be-published report over 40-year-old alleged sexual actions with children.

Beerleaguer: Yet another ugly bombshell drops very close to home, first at my alma mater, now an idolized sportswriter and key influence in my own career. Conlin may not have known it, but he was the Phillies' first blogger, laying the foundation for the type of tone, irreverence and engagement, in print, that blogs would adopt for digital years after his first beat with the Philadelphia Bulletin in 1960. His passion for the Phils was infectious and his style was copied repeatedly.

Aside from holding out shaken hope that the facts will prove the allegations false, that no child was hurt in yet another ugly abuse scandal and that his innocence will be revealed, I'll miss his column terribly. Conlin's retirement was confirmed by NBC10 and the 78-year-old 2010 Hall of Fame inductee has already sought legal counsel.

Just moments ago, the Daily News pushed the story live on their Web site. [Link]

Report: Ed Wade to join Phillies' scouting department

A source has confirmed to CSNPhilly.com that former Phillies general manager Ed Wade will be rejoining the organization in an unspecified role in the team’s scouting department. Wade was fired after the 2005 season and spent a year scouting for the Padres before taking a position as the Astros' GM. He was fired by the Astros' new ownership in November. [Read more]

Beerleaguer: That's right. Ed "our scouts have been tracking Matt Kata for some time" Wade is set to join the scouting department. First order of business ... scout Matt Kata.

Watch: Rollins, Amaro say deal is win for both sides

Beerleaguer for breakfast: Spilly the Phillie?

Now that the Phillies have locked up Jimmy Rollins, their attention could shift back to the outfield where Ben Francisco's trade has created an opening for a right-handed bat. Ryan Spilborghs anyone?

Spilly, 32, was non-tendered by the Rockies Monday and has long been linked to the Phlllies. If healthy, he'd make a nice platoon partner capable of patrolling all three spots and a fine final piece to round out the bench. Health is a concern; he spent two stints on the disabled list this season with plantar fasciitis in his right heel, limiting him to 98 games and a .210/.283/.305 slash line. Like most Rockies, his home/away splits are totally skewed toward Coors Field. If not Spilborghs, who could be seeking more playing time, or the often mentioned Reed Johnson, does Juan Pierre and his even righty-lefty splits intrigue anyone, knowing the Phils could use another pesky speed threat? Pierre was non-tendered by the White Sox and is likely done as a starting outfielder.

Phillies recommit to farm fixtures Thompson, Spidale

The Phillies have re-signed a pair of organizational good soldiers: outfielder Rich Thompson, who spent the last three seasons with the Triple-A IronPigs, and outfielder Mike Spidale, who has been with the organization since 2006 and has been a stalwart of Double-A Reading for many seasons. Thompson, 32, hit .276/.354/.408 in 124 games with Lehigh Valley, taking the field as their starting center fielder. It's probable that Thompson, who has similar numbers this winter in the Dominican, will earn an invite to Spring Training. Spidale, 29, hit .326/.375/.401 in 533 plate appearances with Reading. Since 2008, he's taken Route 222 (or I-78 depending on your preference) steadily between Reading and Allentown. The signings were reported by Baseball America.

Additional minor moves: Some former Phillies have new homes, including Greg Golson (Royals), Ryan Edell (Orioles), Cory Sullivan (Dodgers) and Jason Michaels (Nationals).

Readers react favorably to Rollins' new deal

Jimmy Rollins' outstanding Phillies career will cost the club a lifetime grand total of almost exactly $100 million dollars. Not bad, readers say.

A total bargain: "This is exactly the contract that the Beerleaguer zeitgeist was saying would be a fair sign. Can't complain. If Rollins plays out all four years of this contract, including the vesting option, he'll have played 16 seasons for the Phillies, hold a ridiculous amount of franchise records (he's already in the top five for hits, games played, plate appearances, runs, total bases, doubles, triples and stolen bases), won at least one MVP, and played for at least one championship squad. All for a grand career total of almost exactly 100 million dollars." - Lincoln Hawkes

Still a value: "The fourth year at $11 million isn't going to seem quite as absurd by that time as salaries will rise across the board. It's a no-worry spot on the infield, a bat that we can live with at worst and can be a spark at best. Plus, there's the personality fit that we couldn't guarantee with any other options, not to mention that those other options were not on Jimmy's level even at this point in his career." - 85

Jeter comp: "Derek Jeter is a good analogy in that he was worth far more to the Yankees than anyone else, and got far less than what he asked for. He got 3/51, but reportedly had asked 5/100. The Yankees told him that if he was looking for that kind of contract that he ought to go test the market." - awh

Beerleaguer: Reader support for this deal was nearly unanimous, which is surprising since a sizable constituency said in October it was time to let Rollins walk. Summarized from an Oct. 8 email: "The Phillies will not win anything with Rollins as the regular shortstop, not any more. The Phillies played like a team that had simply run out of gas, both season-wise and in some cases career-wise. In my view, Ruben Amaro has reached the fork in the road and has turned into Ed Wade by telling himself the club is just one big free agent away from repeating and the existing nucleus is just fine."

Debating the pros and cons of Jimmy's new deal

Beerleaguers are invited to add to the list or challenge what's written.

Pros: A win for the Phillies, who avoided the five-year demand and temptation to overspend in the wake of Jose Reyes' deal. The reported $11 million per season shouldn't hamstring the club. Good shortstops don't fall from trees and Jimmy Rollins is still among the upper echelon in the league. He doesn't have the same burst, but he's still a viable speed and power threat. Reliable glove anchors a worry-free defense. Rises to the occasion with big ABs and clutch defense. When he's right he makes the offense move. Not an ideal lead-off hitter, but a good fit for this iteration of the lineup since it gives Charlie Manuel the option to shift Shane Victorino lower or toggle between a couple of other options. The Phils can now take their time with Freddy Galvis or wait for another prospect to emerge. Wilson Valdez stays on the bench. The vesting option gives Rollins a carrot. The franchise brings back a fan favorite and extends the tenure of the franchise's best shortstop.

Cons: He wanted five guaranteed years and got three. Is it enough to keep him at the razor's edge? Moderate-to-heavy injury risk at age 33 with his wheels still one of his most marketable assets. Last three seasons best described as 'blah.' Yet another spot where the Phils have failed to inject youth. Relatively large commitment for a marginal run producer on a fading offense. Option year is reportedly easily attainable, essentially making this a four-year commitment (through 2016). The Phils have experienced short-term life without J-Roll through injury and it wasn't a total drag.

Breaking news: Phillies agree to bring back J-Roll

Philadelphia's longest-tenured athlete is coming back for more.

According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick [link], the Phillies have agreed to bring back franchise shortstop Jimmy Rollins for three more seasons, plus a vesting fourth-year option. At this hour, CSNPhilly's Jim Salisbury is confirming the terms of the deal, reportedly worth $33 million plus the option. The 33-year-old shortstop is a career .272/.329/.432 hitter with 373 lifetime stolen bases, three Gold Gloves and a 2007 MVP. This season will mark his 13th as a Phillie and 16th in the organization. Update (1:55 p.m.): Salisbury's sources confirm the deal is worth $33 million over three years guaranteed with the vesting option. More coming ...

Saturday: Madson's market hanging on by a thread

Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington admitted his club has less payroll flexibility than past seasons, and as teams continue to solve their ninth-inning needs, that's bad news for Ryan Madson. [Link]

Madson, who was 32-for-34 in save opportunities in his first season as a full-time closer, has seen the closer market collapse, while the Red Sox, the largest-market team with a ninth-inning vacancy, appears to be in no great rush to fill it. ‘We can kind of let the market come to us," Cherington told WEEI in Boston. “We’ve had conversations with the agents for both guys (Madson and free agent starter Joe Saunders) as well as several other free agent options. We’ll continue dialogue. We don’t have as much room in our payroll as we’ve had in previous years, but we’re trying to figure out ways to improve our pitching staff. Maybe we have to be a little more creative this winter in doing that than in some other winters, but we’re not ruling out anything."

Madson, who is the best closer on the market, rejected the Phillies' arbitration offer and could very well settle for a two-year deal, or even a one-year deal, somewhere anyway, including a renegotiated deal with the Phillies. Peter Gammons reported at the Winter Meetings that clubs were unwilling to go beyond $7 million a season for Madson or any of the other remaining closers. It's possible Mad Dog may wind up with only $7-8 million guaranteed dollars while Jonathan Papelbon got over $50 million and Heath Bell received $27 million.

Jimmy Rollins, the Phillies' other marquee free agent, has also seen his market shrink.

Division rivals waiting out Phils' reign of dominance?

A pair of rivals appear to be waiting for the Phillies' window to close by letting youth prevail instead of making big free agent splashes.

News just broke that Washington did not submit a posting bid for Yu Darvish, according to multiple sources for the Washington Post. Additionally, the club is not actively pursuing top free agent Prince Fielder and will give Adam La Roche another shot at first base, according to the team Web site. Still, some executives expect Fielder, a Scott Boras client like Jayson Werth, to hear from the Nats at some point, according to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports. The club's lone free agent move has been to re-sign Chien-Ming Wang, one of eight players from last season's club who were allowed to hit the open market, Laynce Nix included.

Meanwhile, the Braves' biggest move was to dump Derek Lowe to the Indians in early fall. Their only other hot stove buzz has surrounded the availability of Martin Prado and Jair Jurrjens. During the winter meetings, it was reported that scouts and executives from around the league believed at least one of them would be moved. But if they stay, Atlanta's depth chart will largely stay the same as last year, with prospect shortstop Tyler Pastornicky representing the only notable change. Braves officials think he's ready.

The Mets have been relatively quiet as well. They acquired outfielder Andres Torres and reliever Ramon Ramirez for outfielder Angel Pagan, then quickly added relievers Frank Francisco and Jon Rauch to round out a completely revamped bullpen.

The silence from Atlanta and Washington could signal a lack of resources, or a number of strategies: confidence in the young core, skepticism about the Phillies' depleted offense or waiting for next season's trade deadline or 2013 to go all-in, a point where the Phils will be at the crossroads with several core players (Shane Victorino, Cole Hamels).

Winter league updates: Shortstop Freddy Galvis finished strong by going 2-for-5 in his scheduled Venezuelan Winter League finale. He finished hitting .235/.308/.322 in 167 plate appearances. … Outfielder Derrick Mitchell has joined Margarita of the VWL and knocked in a run yesterday. He's 2-for-8 with a walk. … Lefty Raul Valdes, who signed a minor league deal with the Phils in November, was torched for six runs in 4 2-3 innings in Thursday's Dominican Winter League start. He has a 4.71 ERA in nine starts.

Pence for MVP? Finally, here's an interesting take on Hunter Pence's odds of winning next year's MVP. Two big takeaways: Albert Pujols' trade, Ryan Braun's suspension and Prince Fielder's status lightens the National League field; second, Pence, sadly, has to be considered the Phillies' best positional bet to win it. Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee have much higher chances ...

Phillies fill supporting cast with marketable figures

In Jim Thome, Jonathan Papelbon and the pending agreement with Dontrelle Willis, the Phils have added name recognition to the roster.

In order to avoid becoming the Internet's wettest blanket, I've set a quota that every fifth post needs to be positive in nature. So this one is designed to celebrate coming to terms with the game's most intriguing second loogy, Dontrelle Willis, who will become a Phillie as long as he passes his physical. Willis brings his funk to Philadelphia where he will become the club's latest reclamation project, or rather, reinvention project, as his role will reportedly evolve into strictly relief. The Phils oversaw successful starter-reliever transitions with Jose Contreras and Chad Durbin, among others. There are good reasons to believe D-Train will work, too, based on splits alone. In limited opportunities last season, he struck out one in three lefties, holding them to a .369 OPS, and his career numbers against same-sided hitters have always been strong.

Baseball aside, he adds mystique and marketability, as does Gentle Jim, and Papelbon, in a primary role, as opposed to a secondary one. At the very least, the Phils have added some sizzle.

Yomiuri Giants eye Bowker to replace Ramirez

A pair of Japanese news outlets, Sanspo and Sponichi, are reporting on red-hot negotiations between the Yomiuri Giants of Japan and Phillies spare outfielder John Bowker. Bowker, 28, appeared in 12 games with the Phils and failed to collect a hit, but he's a Triple-A beast with a lifetime .922 OPS who would probably mash in the Far East the way Aka-Oni (Charlie Manuel) once did. The Giants are seeking a replacement for Alex Ramirez, who walked away from the team after four seasons, a pair of MVPs and a Japanese Series championship. The Giants were the team that inked Scott Mathieson to a deal a few weeks ago. Bowker's departure would reduce the 40-man roster to 38. [Link]

Phillies will have millions committed to swingmen

One of the negatives from yesterday’s decision to tender Kyle Kendrick is that it pushes the Phillies closer to baseball’s luxury tax threshold.

Depending on their showing in spring training, Kyle Kendrick and/or Joe Blanton will be evicted from their homes in the starting rotation with the Phils picking up the tab on a high-priced mortgage. Kendrick could earn north of $3 million based on last season’s earnings and performance. More than one sabermatrician says it’s time to trust the numbers and bet that whatever funds the Phils commit to Kendrick will go bust. In layman’s terms: Kendrick wins, but wins dangerously.

The Phils sort of learned that lesson when they rewarded Blanton, who has been below average and hurt for two seasons, with $24 million. He’s set to earn $8.5 million, which will count against the $178M tax threshold. With the new collective bargaining agreement, teams over the cap will reportedly get dinged 42 percent on anything exceeding the threshold in 2012.

Blanton, who is reportedly over his elbow issues at last mention, is a bounce-back candidate in a contract year, but even if he makes the rotation, $8.5 million is a ton for a fifth starter, let alone the $3 million they'd pay Kendrick who would truly be a man without a home.

Light-hitting Galvis heads down the home stretch

The prevailing wisdom suggests a future without Jimmy Rollins will include Freddy Galvis. But it should be stated that the 22-year-old prospect is hitting just .229/.301/.313 in 160 plate appearances against Venezuelan League pitching. This is a league where noted ace Renyel Pinto, who was a lousy pitcher for Florida through five seasons (2005-10), holds the league lead in ERA (1.41). By the Phillies' mandate, Galvis will cap his winter league season tomorrow before joining the Phils at Spring Training, where he will be mentored by incumbent shortstop Wilson Valdez, who is hitting .217/.257/.321 for his Dominican Winter League squad.

Lowrie trade could signal Sox as the 'mystery team'

Boston has dealt infielder Jed Lowrie and Kyle Weiland to the Astros for reliever Mark Melancon, Twitter reports have confirmed. Lowrie started over 40 games at short last season and was considered valuable insurance for Marco Scutaro, who is entering his age 36 season. Agent Dan Lozano hinted at a mystery team for his client recently, and a new report said the Phillies are no longer close to an agreement with Rollins, who could stay in the spotlight in big-market Boston. Scutaro, meanwhile, could be a desirable candidate as a Phillies' stopgap acquired through a trade, plus he plays third.

The longer it takes with J-Roll, the worse it is for all

From Beerleaguer's mailbag comes an educated take from a reader who handles talent contracts in the entertainment industry, a relevant field in the case of sports and Jimmy Rollins in particular.

"As someone who handles artist agreements and employee contracts for famous people – I can tell you that the longer this process takes with J-Roll the worse it is for all parties involved – especially his agent (Dan Lozano), who will be seen as having lost control of the process. I can’t imagine Jimmy is too happy with the fact that he had to play second fiddle to the Albert Pujols insanity). Players seem to believe that their agents have magic wands they can wave whenever. Not so here.

"If the Phillies sign him, it’ll be to an agreement that he didn’t want to sign - he’ll be like the divorced dad who’s happy to be gone but who lost the coveted cabin. Compromise can go one of two ways - happy with the correct allocation or unhappy that you had to divide. This will be the latter."

Willis will be used out of the bullpen

According to a source for CSNPhilly, the Phillies will use Dontrelle Willis as a reliever. Jim Salisbury says the club had been looking for a second lefty to team with Antonio Bastardo.

Phillies reportedly close to deal with Dontrelle Willis

This morning, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com tweeted that the Phils were close to a one-year, $1 million contract with Dontrelle Willis.

The 29-year-old lefty is coming off a 1-6 season with Reds in which he posted a 5.00 ERA and a 1.520 WHIP in 75 2-3 innings. If it's any consolation, he went 5-2 with a 2.63 ERA during his time at Triple-A Louisville last season. If nothing else, Willis will add to the Phils' already stellar stable of hitting pitchers. In 34 major-league plate appearances last year, he hit .387 with a homer, a triple and three doubles (1.032 OPS).

Kendrick, Valdez tendered: As expected, the Phillies tendered contracts to all of their arbitration-eligible players late Monday night. Cole Hamels, Hunter Pence, Kyle Kendrick and Wilson Valdez are all eligible to have their 2012 salaries determined by an arbitration panel in February. Of course, the players could reach agreement on contracts with the team long before then – and that’s what usually happens.

Trade! Phillies flip Francisco to Jays for reliever

With the deadline to offer deals to arbitration-eligible players approaching, the Phillies have shipped outfielder Ben Francisco to the Blue Jays for minor league left-hander Frank Gailey, who was 5-6 with a 3.41 ERA between Single and Double-A last season. It appears the 25-year-old, 5-9 local product Archbishop Carroll and West Chester University does not need protection on the 40-man roster and is not considered a top prospect. Francisco, who hit .244/.340/.364 with six homers but only three RBIs after the All-Star break, was a strong candidate to be non-tendered tonight. The 30-year-old outfielder earned $1.175 million last season through the arbitration process.

Francisco fine for what he was: "For being a guy who essentially was a throw-in from the Lee trade and was statistically an average offensive player (.259/.332/.420 with 17 HRs in 594 career ABs with the Phils; 101 OPS+), Francisco was generally a guy I thought got an undue share of criticism and even boos, especially last year. Yeah, he flopped as a starter in right and his career numbers in the postseason in a Phils' uniform were pretty underwhelming but he what do people expect from what is basically an average 4th outfielder?" - MG

Clock ticking on Valdez, Francisco, Kendrick deals

Midnight marks the deadline to tender contracts to arbitration eligibles.

Here's the list of eligible Phillies: Cole Hamels (final year); Hunter Pence (arbitration-eligible through 2013); Kyle Kendrick (free agent after 2014); Ben Francisco (free agent after 2014); Wilson Valdez (first year of arbitration eligibility, earned $560K last season).

Beerleaguer: Hamels and Pence are formalities, although the Phillies are known to have interest in buying out some of Hamels' free agent years. Kendrick, who pitched in a career-high 34 games last season and went 8-6 with a 3.22 ERA, is a valuable insurance policy and will get a raise over his $2.45 million 2011 earnings. But is he a lock to stay? Not on this team. The Phils still haven't figured out shortstop, so the timing appears right to secure Valdez, their best back-up defender at three infield spots, but don't be shocked if the Phils throw a curveball and go a different direction here. Better back-up infield options could shake loose through this same process of non-tender attrition (someone like Ryan Theriot in St. Louis, maybe). Valdez earned $560K in 2011 and started in 162 games over the last two seasons, so it will be interesting to see what kind of bump he gets.

Division Series Game 3 hero Ben Francisco, who earned $1.175 million last season, rarely started in the second half and knocked in a whole three runs after the All-Star break. His status became even murkier when the Phils added Laynce Nix and Ty Wigginton, plus John Bowker is under team control and I know you’re excited about that. Francisco could be non-tendered and brought back on a lesser deal. If Ryan Howard starts the season on the disabled list, as expected, and if they resign Jimmy Rollins, as expected, there's still room on the bench for him as long as they don't use slot 25 for a super-utility man (Michael Martinez, Pete Orr).

Phillies re-sign left-hander: The Phillies agreed to a minor league deal with 26-year-old left-hander Ryan Feierabend, who spent last season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The former Mariner (2006-08) went 10-8 with a 5.39 ERA in 28 games (23 starts) for the IronPigs. The deal was reported by Baseball America.

Transactions: Phillies invite experienced arms to ST

The Phils have announced the signings of big-armed lefty David Purcey and right-handed vet Dave Bush, who was in the 'Pigs in '11.

Beerleaguer: Purcey, a 2004 first-round pick of the Blue Jays in 2004, finally settled into a bullpen role with the Jays two seasons ago after several failed attempts to stick in their rotation, and for the most part, pitched pretty well, even working some big innings, posting a 3.71 ERA and 32/15 K/BB ratio in 34 innings. The big knock is that he doesn't throw his slider for strikes, and that forced Toronto to cut the chord by dealing him in 2011 to the A's in a reliever swap, then Oakland flipped him to the Tigers for a second baseman. The 29-year-old was no good anywhere (1.782 WHIP), but he has good raw stuff that would naturally intrigue the Phillies on a minor league flier.

Bush, 32, had four starts for Triple-A Lehigh Valley and is an eight-year veteran, including serviceable work as a starter as recently as 2010 with Milwaukee, collecting 31 starts for the Brew Crew. At this point, he offers swing-man minor-league depth.

The Phils also signed catcher Steven Lerud, a Triple-A catcher who spent the last two seasons in the Baltimore chain.

Phillies pass on Rule 5 pick, lose RHP to Cubs

The Phils have been active players in the Rule 5 Draft, but found no hidden treasure among baseball's unprotected minor leaguers, electing to pass on their 30th pick. Meanwhile, the Cubs chose right-handed reliever Lendy Castillo with the 6th pick. The 22-year-old converted shortstop was 4-2 with a 2.54 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 46 innings for Lakewood. Outfielder Jiwan James was not taken. Only 12 teams participated. AAA phase: Travis "Moose" Mattair, a second round pick of the Phillies in the 2007 draft, was selected in the Triple-A phase, along with left-hander Andrew Loomis and catcher Francisco Diaz.

Phillies hope Rule 5 pick won't be Mr. Irrelevant

The Phils have been one of baseball's most successful players in the Rule 5 Draft, which gets underway today at 10 a.m. from the Winter Meetings in Dallas. The Phils pick 30th and are hoping for more success in identifying undervalued contributors, having made it to the finish line with their last two draftees: David Herndon and Michael Martinez. Mini-Mart, for all his foibles, became the only position player to stay on the active roster of a drafting team last season. The Phils are also hoping that outfielder Jiwan James proves to be too raw to warrant a roster spot on a drafting team. But reports have indicated that the unprotected outfielder will indeed get taken today. Discuss the draft in the open thread below.

Albert the Angel: Pujols gets his blockbuster payday from the cinderella Angels for a reported 10 years between $250-260 million. Discuss that, too, and how does the Ryan Howard deal look in comparison?

Rollins doesn't solve the Phillies' biggest problem

The Phils are expected to strike a deal with Jimmy Rollins, but retaining the 33-year-old shortstop doesn't reverse the club's aging and declining core.

Beerleaguer: Most of the Phillies writers have identified signs that a deal may finally be coming, perhaps in the next 24 hours. If so, that means two things: the club won't be left high and dry with Wilson Valdez or a noob like Freddy Galvis at short; and second, the starting lineup still hasn’t been significantly improved. With Rollins, it’s largely the same drained offense that was literally carried off the field in a brutal Division Series flop.

Shortstop, in and of itself, isn’t the problem. The larger issue - and a patently obvious one, really - is this ticking timebomb of an infield, Rollins included, one that can't stay on the field and has spiraled into precipitous decline for several years now.

Chase Utley has become a dead-pull middling power threat who has actually become a liability against left-handed pitching. He just hasn't been the same since his hip gave way and now must play through the pain because his knee cannot be repaired through surgery. Ryan Howard, scripted to be Philly's core power producer for years to come, just recently transitioned from crutches into a boot after rupturing his Achilles close to two months ago. Placido Polanco is made of egg shells and has been sidelined with a gimpy back, hip and elbow, all in the last calendar year. Rollins' game is still dependent, largely, on speed.

How much longer will that last? Not for another four years, certainly.

Phillies' South Beach rivals get more formidable

The Marlins' spending spree continued today with a reported four-year, $58 million agreement with left-hander Mark Buehrle. The 32-year-old four-time All-Star adds to a rotation that already includes Josh Johnson, Anibal Sanchez and Ricky Nolasco. The Fish have added Jose Reyes, Heath Bell and manager Ozzie Guillen to the fold and continue to hunt for another free agent bat. Buehrle's commitment is believed to take Miami out of the running for Albert Pujols. [Link]

Latest rumors: Outlook positive to keep Rollins?

Jon Heyman of SI.com said today that he believes Jimmy Rollins’ return to Philly is likely, while Milwaukee's hometown paper suggests the Brewers are beginning to concede the race for the free agent shortstop. An ESPN report echoes that speculation. Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports tweeted the Phils met with Dan Lozano deep into the night. Meanwhile, the Phils are believed to be losing interest or out of the mix completely for both Aramis Ramirez and Gio Gonzalez, according to credible reports. Finally, the Rockies appear to be pushing hard for Brad Lidge, who would be set up to work closer to home in Denver.

Phillies interested in Breslow? The San Francisco Chronicle has learned the Phillies could have interest in another A's player: 31-year-old left-handed reliever Craig Breslow. [Link]

Report: Phillies eyeing another bold trade for pitching

This time, Ken Rosenthal writes, it's former prospect Gio Gonzalez who has caught the Phillies' attention. The 26-year-old left-hander went 16-12 with a 3.12 ERA in an All-Star season for Oakland. Trading for the bubbly young southpaw would open an assortment of possibilities, including the concept of trading Cole Hamels, a year from free agency, for a left-hander entering only his first season of arbitration eligibility. The Phillies' prospect cupboard is largely bare with the exception of Domonic Brown, who would be attractive for a team like Oakland and doesn't figure into the Phillies' short-term plans because of the signing of Laynce Nix. Vance Worley could also be in play with the temptation of selling high on a surprising rookie campaign. Still, close to a dozen teams have reportedly kicked the tires on Gonzalez, including ones with far deeper farm systems and more pressing needs for pitching.

Beerleaguer: Why stop at Hamels? Is Cliff Lee on the table? Or Roy Halladay? Or maybe Ruben Amaro just wants a better fourth or fifth starter in order to win 110 games and waltz into the postseason where it's a dice roll, with or without Jimmy Rollins? Books will be written about this regime ...

Update (10:15 a.m.): According to a Jim Bowden tweet, the Phillies and Athletics have talked about a Brown for Gonzalez trade.

Watch: Amaro, Manuel optimistic J-Roll era will last

Beerleaguer: Exciting time to sit and observe and do no real reporting; Jim Salisbury and John Finger are at the Winter Meetings and broke news today that special adviser Pat Gillick, in Pat Gillick style, personally met with Aramis Ramirez a month ago in the Dominican Republic. The free agent third baseman appears to be the Phillies' contingency plan in case the Phils can't retain Philadelphia's longest-tenured player.

Tomorrow is shaping up to be a major turning point in free agency, marking the day free agents must accept or decline arbitration. That's huge for the Phils since Ryan Madson could actually decide to accept the Phils' offer and test free agency next winter. The closer market is drying up, with a handful of teams, including the Blue Jays today, filling their ninth-inning vacancies.

Once the Phils are clear of their pending commitments - no small potatoes in Madson's case - they could become more competitive in their offer to Rollins. Just a thought. Right now, it seems to be a two-horse race between the Brewers and Phillies and the team that offers him five years will win.

Report: Rocky meeting leaves Phils to ponder 3B

According to sources for Jim Salisbury of CSN, today's meeting with Jimmy Rollins' representative, Dan Lozano, "did not go all that well," and now it appears the Phils have slid into a different gear by pursuing 33-year-old third baseman Aramis Ramirez. Earlier today, it was reported the Phils are "strong players" for the third baseman, who had a bounce-back .306/.361/.510 campaign with 26 homers for the Cubs. Meanwhile, Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports tweeted the Phils are "actively" shopping Placido Polanco in Dallas. Polanco, who would be attractive for teams looking for help at second or third, hit .277/.335/.339 in an All-Star and Gold Glove year, but underwent double sports hernia surgery this offseason. Stay tuned ...

Monday: Jimmy Rollins Week begins in Dallas

The Winter Meetings have only just begun and the bar has already been set at shortstop, where Jose Reyes has reportedly signed a six-year deal with the Marlins in the neighborhood of $110 million.

Various reports, including one from ESPN Deportes and one from FoxSports, have the shortstop signing with the Miami Marlins for an amount believed to be between $106 and $110 million. The Associated Press also believes Miami will also include a club option for a seventh season that would make the deal worth $120 million if exercised. The Mets were believed to be the only other team in serious contention for the 28-year-old shortstop, who hit .337/.384/.493 with seven homers and 39 stolen bases in 126 games last season, setting a career high 143 OPS+.

Rollins, who is the most attractive remaining free agent shortstop, played in 142 games for the Phils with a 101 OPS+ in a season that could be described as "career average." Rollins, who signed a long-term deal in 2005 and won the MVP in 2007, wants five years, and in the opinion of this site, will get it, especially now that an even bigger injury risk in Reyes obtained six guaranteed years. The Mets' offer reportedly fell short because they weren't willing to push it beyond five years.

Rollins has set a date to meet with the Brewers and Phillies this week. In the words of one reader, the Phils have already entered "ridiculous" mode in their deals to Jonathan Papelbon and earlier commitments to Ryan Howard and others, so there's little reason to believe the Phils will stay conservative in an area as vulnerable as shortstop.

Phillies address outfield by reaching pact with Nix

Laynce Nix, 31, hit a career-high 16 homers in 351 plate appearances with the Nationals last season and is only suitable for use against right-handed pitching. The deal is for two years, pending a physical, according to Jim Salisbury. [Link]

Beerleaguer: You figured the Phils would go this route after signing Ty Wigginton, and my level of excitement is kind of the same, maybe less. First, you'll never see him start against a same-handed pitcher. I think of him as a cross between David Dellucci and Ricky Ledee (how's that for a Phillies-minded comp?), with perhaps better defensive skills than those two. I like that he can play each position, and Beerleaguers remember the highlight-reel snag he made against the hometown nine in June that led to a series win for Washington (he also homered in the victory).

For many years - like three or four years - Nix had trouble staying in the Show. A lot of that had to do with where he was. There wasn't much opportunity in Texas, for example, or Milwaukee. But he's also a brutally fringe hacker. In parts of nine seasons with Texas, Milwaukee, Cincinnati and Washington, he's a .244/.288/.430 hitter. Even last season, which was probably his most complete effort, his on-base was a stark .299, and that's including just 31 plate appearances against a lefty. Even Geoff Jenkins, in his woeful 2008, was good for a .301.

The Phils survived Raul Ibanez's low on-base last season, and Nix should be in a good position - hitting sixth or seventh maybe - to collect RBIs at a similar clip. But it's still a lot of outs to add to a lineup already loaded with them. This isn't as "outside the box" as I'd like for a spot where I thought the Phils could take a risk. And I'm not crazy about committing to Nix through 2013.

Neither is Domonic Brown, I'm sure, or Michael Martinez (so what?), or John Bowker (who?) or Ben Francisco, who can't possibly be tendered now.

Friday: Phillies, Rollins' agent set a date in Dallas

Jim Salisbury says Dan Lozano, agent for Jimmy Rollins, will meet with Ruben Amaro Jr. and the Phillies next week in Dallas during the Winter Meetings. Lozano told Salisbury that talks with the Phils have been ongoing, but details on the exact market for Rollins remain unclear. Read more from Salisbury's piece here.

Transaction: Oakland signs Pigs' most productive bat

Outfielder Brandon Moss, 28, hit .275/.368/.509 with 23 homers for the Phillies' Triple-A affiliate. The lefty hitter was signed to a minor league contract by the A's today.

The former top-rated Red Sox prospect stayed with the IronPigs during their playoff run before joining the Phils as a late September call-up, earning four innings in right field and six hitless plate appearances. His last extended Major League action came in 2009 when he played in 133 games with the Pirates. The Phils had an opportunity to add Moss earlier in the month but claimed outfielder John Bowker off waivers instead. Bowker went 0-for-13 and remains in the Phillies' plans for next season, as his inclusion on the 40-man roster would suggest. The signing was reported by Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus.

Would Phillies be 'absolutely nuts' to sign Reyes?

Background: ESPN's Jayson Stark tracked down Phillies officials to comment on an alleged Jose Reyes sighting in Ye Olde City Philadelphia Tuesday, that led to rumors that he was in town on Phillies-related business, and summarized the Phils' response as such: “That is such bull.” . . . “Absolutely nuts.” . . . “I haven’t heard that guy’s name mentioned in our offices in two months.” . . . “People can make what they want of it, but this is not a guy for us.” Right now, the market for the All-Star shortstop is very uncertain since his price tag is expected to be around $100 million. The Phils have previously frowned upon players who don't "bring it."