Philadelphia Phillies Trade Rumors

Roy Oswalt unlikely for Sox; Bobby Valentine content
February 9
Boston Herald
 
"Less than two weeks before the start of spring training, Roy Oswalt still needs a job and the Red Sox could use another starting pitcher. Perfect match, right? Not according to one major league source, who said yesterday there has been "no sense of progress" in any conversations between the Red Sox and Oswalt's camp. That was consistent with general manager Ben Cherington's recent characterization that it's "unlikely" another starter will be acquired before spring training. So what you see with the Red Sox seems to be what you'll get. When camp opens Feb.?19, the rotation will consist of Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz and a bunch of questions, from whether Daniel Bard and Alfredo"
NY Yankees might be closing in on Raul Ibanez
February 7
New York Daily News
 
"The Yankees appear to be zeroing in on Raul Ibanez as the extra bat that Joe Girardi was pitching for last week. The Yankees are seeking a left-handed hitter and other possibilities have included Eric Chavez and ex-Yankees Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon. But Ibanez appears to be their best option for an outfielder because he could occasionally play left field and the Yanks are unsure if Matsui or Damon can, according to sources. If the Yankees decide they prefer Chavez and his ability to play first or third, he could be re-signed. The Yankees would like to keep expenses on their final winter piece as low as possible, so whoever comes cheapest could get the roster spot, too."
Oswalt return? Doubtful
February 7
CSN Philly
 
"There was a report over the weekend that indicated the Phillies were still in the running to re-sign free agent pitcher Roy Oswalt. While we'd never put anything past general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. – not after he and assistant GM Scott Proefrock's stealth pursuit and signing of Cliff Lee 14 months ago – Oswalt and the Phillies just don't seem to be a fit."
Could Red Sox, Reds or Phillies land Oswalt?
February 5
Foxsports.com
 
"Roy Oswalt is without a contract two weeks before the start of spring workouts. And he is scrambling. Oswalt is known to prefer a team close to his Mississippi home, but his top choices – the Texas Rangers or St. Louis Cardinals – may not have enough money left in their budgets and/or room in their rotations to sign him. That has allowed a number of suitors to remain in contact with Oswalt. The Red Sox, Reds and Phillies are among them, according to major-league sources. Because Oswalt is the "last man standing" among the upper-tier pitching free agents, so to speak, new clubs could emerge. That is particularly the case if they believe they can sign him at a discounted rate."
Amaro eyes May return for Howard
January 31
MLB.com
 
"Compared to recent winters in Philadelphia this winter hasn't felt much like one at all, but Spring Training is still coming. Phillies pitchers and catchers hold their first official workout in just 20 days. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., manager Charlie Manuel and right fielder Hunter Pence shared their thoughts on some of the club's more pressing issues at Monday night's Philadelphia Sports Writers' Association banquet in Cherry Hill, N.J."
Phils meet Pence halfway with $10.4M deal
January 28
CSN Philly
 
"The Phillies and Hunter Pence avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $10.4 million contract Friday. The deal is at the halfway point between the $11.8 million Pence was seeking through arbitration and the $9 million the Phillies offered. Pence is not eligible for free agency until after the 2013 season."
Cards closing in on Roy Oswalt?
January 28
ESPN.com
 
"Free-agent pitcher Roy Oswalt has elected to remain in the National League and is likely to sign with theSt. Louis Cardinals "soon," a major league source said late Friday night. Presumably, any agreement would be pending a physical for Oswalt, who has a history of back problems. "It's not yet 100 percent," the source said. Oswalt, one of the last of the big-name free agents still on the market, had been ardently pursued by the Boston Red Sox, among others. Another team reportedly in the mix for Oswalt was the Texas Rangers, while CBSSports.com reported late Friday night that Oswalt had rejected an offer from the Detroit Tigers."
Phillies target Pierre
January 27
CSN Philly
 
"The Phillies have spent the off-season remaking their bench and it might not be over yet. Baseball sources say the team has been engaged in "serious discussions" with free-agent outfielder Juan Pierre about a minor-league deal. At the winter meetings, Phillies front office adviser Pat Gillick said the team wanted to add some speed to its bench. Former American League stolen base champ Scott Podsednik will be in camp as a non-roster player. If Pierre signs, he could battle Podsednik for the fifth outfielder's job. Pierre is a former National League stolen base champ. It should be pointed out that Podsednik will turn 36 in March and has had foot problems in recent seasons. Pierre is 34."
Report: Free agent Roy Oswalt wants to pitch for either Rangers or Cardinals
January 26
Dallas Morning News
 
"Just a day after the Rangers officially missed out on Prince Fielder, the club found its name linked to another high-profile free agent. Three-time All-Star Roy Oswalt wants to play for either the Rangers or the St. Louis Cardinals next year, according to a report for Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal. "The Rangers, in the view of some executives, are the favorites to land Oswalt, even though they already have six starting pitchers, including right-hander Alexi Ogando, who could move to the bullpen," Rosenthal wrote."
Sox swap Scutaro ... for Oswalt?
January 22
ESPN.com
 
"Here is the question Boston Red Sox fans should be asking themselves: Would you trade Marco Scutaro straight up for Roy Oswalt? My guess is that many of you would say yes. I'm inclined to join you, and soon -- perhaps within days -- it will be clear that Ben Cherington agrees with you. That was what Saturday night's trade of Scutaro to the Colorado Rockies was all about. Just a couple of days ago, Cherington mentioned that he considered exercising Scutaro's $6 million option for the 2012 season a "significant acquisition," likening the late-October decision to signing a free agent. Now, a couple of months later, Cherington has decided that money will be better spent elsewhere. He shipped"
Will Ibanez eventually find a team?
January 21
CSN Philly
 
"After three years of service to the Phillies, Raul Ibanez now finds himself outside of the organization's future plans. In fact, at present, he doesn't appear to be in immediate plans of any club. The 39-year-old Ibanez -- whose career earnings top the $59 million mark -- remains on the free agent market, hoping to catch on with anyone who might still have use for his services. According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, Ibanez is just one of many "high-profile bats" who will have to be patient this off-season, as team's weigh their options against younger, presumably cheaper talent."
Amaro: Phils likely done with 'major' moves
January 21
CSN Philly
 
"The Phillies have one spot open on their 40-man roster and it will probably stay that way heading into spring training. "It's unlikely we'll be signing anybody else to a major-league deal," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said on Friday. "We like the club we have heading into camp." Any further additions to the team's spring-training roster would likely come on minor-league contracts. The team's reluctance to give any more major-league deals this off-season could spell bad news for reliever Brad Lidge, who is still a free agent and is seeking a big-league deal. Lidge and his representatives have stayed in touch with the Phillies and other clubs all winter."
Hamels, Phils agree to 1-year, $15M deal
January 18
Courier-Post
 
"The Phillies avoided arbitration with Cole Hamels on Tuesday, and the two sides continue to look toward a possible long-term agreement. Hamels agreed to a one-year, $15-million contract to avoid arbitration in advance of Tuesday's deadline to exchange salary figures with the team, a move GM Ruben Amaro Jr. views as the groundwork for a long-term contract rather than a short-term solution."
Rockies trade Smith to Oakland for two pitchers; offer deal to Jamie Moyer
January 17
Denver Post
 
"Seth Smith spent the winter in wonderland. On Monday, the questions and uncertainty ended. With the outfielder viewed as a luxury item after the signing of free agent Michael Cuddyer, the Rockies traded Smith to the Oakland Athletics for right-hander Guillermo Moscoso and left-hander Josh Outman?. The Rockies are also closing in on signing 49-year-old starter Jamie Moyer to a minor-league deal, while continuing to explore trades for a second baseman. Smith joins a battery of players jettisoned this winter — Huston Street, Ty Wigginton, Chris Iannetta and Ian Stewart — as the Rockies continue to add pitchers and deliberately change the clubhouse mix."
Arbitration process about to heat up for Phils
January 16
CSN Philly
 
"The baseball calendar continues to chug toward the new season. It's mid-January now. Prince Fielder is still out there, but for the most part the shelves of the free-agent market have been thinned. Spring training begins in just over a month. The next big item on the baseball calendar is salary arbitration. The process heats up this week when teams and arbitration-eligible players exchange potential salary figures on Tuesday."
Phils agree to one-year deal with Kendrick
January 14
CSN Philly
 
"The Phillies on Friday agreed to a one-year, $3.585 million contract with Kyle Kendrick to avoid arbitration. In a career-high 34 games last season, including 15 starts, the 27-year-old Kendrick went 8-6 with a career-best 3.22 ERA, while earning $2.45 million. In addition to 15 starts, Kendrick also appeared in 19 relief appearances."
Madson deal set, just not finished
January 12
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Although the Reds and closer Ryan Madson have reached an agreement on a one-year deal with $8.5 million guaranteed, a baseball source said it could be some time before the move is officially announced. Madson, a 31-year-old right-hander who was the Phillies' closer last season, must pass a physical, and details of the contract, which includes incentives and a mutual option year, have to be worked out. The option is not vesting – either side can opt out. But structuring it this way, the Reds can spread out money over two years. Completing a deal at this stage is often a formality."
Report: Reds agree to deal with Ryan Madson
January 11
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports the Reds have reached a deal with pitcher Ryan Madson. Heyman says it's a one-year deal. According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the deal in excess of $10 million. Madson has a 2.89 ERA over the past five seasons. Last year with the Phillies, he saved 32 games in 34 chances. The Phillies had a four-year, $44 million deal lined up with Madson in Novemeber. However, talks between Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. and agent Scott Boras broke down and the deal fell through. Philadelphia then signed Jonathan Papelbon to a four-year deal."
Angels 'very unlikely' to add closer Ryan Madson
January 5
Los Angeles Times
 
"There have been persistent Internet rumors linking the Angels to free-agent closer Ryan Madson, but General Manager Jerry Dipoto said it is "very, very unlikely" the team will acquire the former Philadelphia Phillies relief ace, or any closer, for that matter. "What I'll say with some degree of certainty is that our most significant acquisitions have already been made," Dipoto said, alluding to the signings of slugger Albert Pujols (10 years, $250 million) and pitcher C.J. Wilson (five years, $77.5 million). "We're trying to add depth, and in a perfect world, we'd like to find another guy to join Jordan Walden, Scott Downs and LaTroy Hawkins to help with those last nine outs. But closer"
Reds haven't spoken with Madson
January 1
CSN Philly
 
"On Thursday we outlined Ryan Madson's limited options in the wake of Boston's trade for Andrew Bailey. The conclusion drawn was that Madson's best opportunity to land a multi-year deal would be with the Reds, the only team known to still be in the hunt for a closer. But John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported Friday afternoon that the Reds haven't even spoken with Madson's people, and that the team prefers to bring back Francisco Cordero on a one-year deal. Cordero turned down a two-year offer from Cincy earlier this off-season, which Fay conjectures was worth approximately $14 million in total. Reds GM Walt Jocketty's hope is to sign a closer to a cheap deal, saving money for a"
Reds haven't spoken with Madson
December 31
CSN Philly
 
"On Thursday we outlined Ryan Madson's limited options in the wake of Boston's trade for Andrew Bailey. The conclusion drawn was that Madson's best opportunity to land a multi-year deal would be with the Reds, the only team known to still be in the hunt for a closer. But John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported Friday afternoon that the Reds haven't even spoken with Madson's people, and that the team prefers to bring back Francisco Cordero on a one-year deal. Cordero turned down a two-year offer from Cincy earlier this off-season, which Fay conjectures was worth approximately $14 million in total. Reds GM Walt Jocketty's hope is to sign a closer to a cheap deal, saving money for a"
Bailey to BoSox, market shrinks for Madson
December 29
CSN Philly
 
"The market continues to shrink for Ryan Madson. According to ESPN.com's Buster Olney the Boston Red Sox, one of the teams rumored to be staying in contact with Madson, have acquired closer Andrew Bailey from the Oakland A's. Again it looks like Madson loses out to someone who has been a closer for more than a year. So what now for Madson? The Angels have been rumored to be interested and so have the Blue Jays, but you have to wonder if he will get anywhere near the money or years he thought he would heading into free agency."
Report: Posada had discussions with Phillies
December 27
CSN Philly
 
"The Phillies' bench looks pretty full but according to ESPN Deportes (via HardBallTalk) that the Phils have had discussions with former Yankees catcher Jorge Posada. ESPN Deportes, citing Posada's father, reports that Posada has talked with the Phillies, Orioles and Rays. It seems unlikely that Posada would land with the Phils and we know Ruben Amaro has a propensity for kicking tires."
Cespedes, the latest international sensation
December 26
Foxsports.com
 
"Cespedes, the talented Cuban defector, is expected to establish residency in the Dominican Republic and be cleared to play by US officials soon after the New Year. And then he's likely to sign for more than the $30.25 million countryman Aroldis Chapman received from the Reds, according to nearly all of the dozen executives I polled. The reasons for such a large contract, according to one team official, include a lower injury risk than Chapman, a larger number of interested teams, the new CBA and hype created by YouTube videos showcasing Cespedes' superlative athletic ability. Baseball officials with expertise in Latin America believe the Yankees, Cubs, Phillies, Blue Jays, Rangers, Tigers,"
Seven teams interested in Oswalt for one year
December 22
CSN Philly
 
"There is a good chance that Roy Oswalt finds himself back in the NL East in 2012. Seven teams, including two from the Phils' division, are interested in the 34-year-old righty, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. Heyman points out that three of those seven teams are longshots. The Rangers don't have rotation spots open and may not be able to afford Oswalt after spending more than $50 million to win the rights to Yu Darvish. The Yankees seem more interested in free agent Hiroki Kuroda and trade target Jair Jurrjens. And the Twins may lack the resources. That leaves the Marlins, Nationals, Red Sox and Blue Jays as realistic landing spots."
Source: Phils, Jimmy Rollins reach deal
December 17
ESPN.com
 
"The Philadelphia Phillies have reached agreement with shortstop Jimmy Rollins on a three-year contract with a vesting option for a fourth year, according to a baseball source. With completion of the deal, Rollins will stay with the organization that has been his baseball home since 1996, when the Phillies selected him in the second round of the amateur draft. Rollins, 33, is a three-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner and won the National League MVP award in 2007. He is fourth on the Phillies' career list behind Richie Ashburn, Mike Schmidt and Ed Delahanty with 1,866 hits, and ranks among the franchise's top five in games played, plate appearances, runs, total bases, doubles,"
Dontrelle Willis passes physical, signs one-year deal with Phillies
December 16
CSN Philly
 
"The Phillies have officially signed Dontrelle Willis to a one-year deal. Willis passed his physical Thursday afternoon. A starter throughout his career, the 29-year-old lefthander will move to the bullpen. In 13 starts for the Reds last season, Willis went 1-6 with a 5.00 ERA but held left-handed hitters to a .127 average. In 10 of the 13 starts, he allowed three earned runs or less. "Dontrelle, I believe, is at a point in his career where he is ready to make the transition to being an effective reliever," general manager Ruben Amaro said in a statement released by the team. "Because of his experience, past success and overall positive energy, we feel this will be an opportunity to"
Report: Phillies sign Dontrelle Willis
December 13
Courier-Post
 
"The Phillies have agreed to a deal with former Rookie of the Year Dontrelle Willis on a one-year contract, according to sources. Willis, who was an all-star in 2003 and 2005, should fill a need for a second left-handed reliever in the Phillies bullpen and comes at a low cost, with ESPN reporting the deal is for less than $1 million plus incentives. Willis burst onto the scene in 2003, going 14-6 with a 3.30 ERA and helping the Marlins to a World Series title. Two years later, he won 22 games with a 2.63 ERA and appeared to be one of the best young pitchers in baseball."
In driver's seat, Amaro patient on Rollins
December 12
CSN Philly
 
"The winter meetings have concluded. A number of big-name free agents have signed contracts. Openings for shortstops have dwindled. And yet, Jimmy Rollins remains out there on the free-agent market. Most observers of the contract drama that has unfolded between Rollins and the Phillies believe it will be resolved with Rollins agreeing to a deal this week. Phils general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. hopes that is true. "We're still working on it," he said Monday morning. "We're hoping to have a resolution soon." Amaro continues to negotiate with Rollins' agent, Dan Lozano. "We talked over the weekend," he said. "We hope to talk again today.""
Phils sign three to minor-league deals
December 10
CSN Philly
 
"The Phillies have signed pitchers Dave Bush and David Purcey and catcher Steven Lerud to minor-league contracts. All three have received invites to big-league spring training camp. Bush, 32, is a local guy from Conestoga High School. The righthander is 56-69 in eight major-league seasons. He began last season in the majors with Texas then pitched in Triple A for the Cubs and Phillies. He could provide major-league depth this season."
A's Gonzalez hottest lefty at meetings
December 7
Foxsports.com
 
"The left-handed pitcher most in demand at the winter meetings is not either of the top free agents, C.J. Wilson or Mark Buehrle. No, the lefty generating the most attention is the Athletics' Gio Gonzalez, who is attracting trade interest from nearly a dozen teams, major league sources say. The Tigers, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Reds and Phillies are the known suitors for Gonzalez, according to sources. Other clubs including the Blue Jays, Nationals, Red Sox, Rangers and Rockies also are known to be pursuing starting pitching and likely have some interest in Gonzalez. The Yankees have had only minimal conversations with the A's about Gonzalez and are not a factor in the discussions, a source"
Suitors for potential Gio trade increasing
December 7
MLB.com
 
"While Albert Pujols stole all the overnight buzz at the Winter Meetings, talks of a trade involving A's hurler Gio Gonzalez were picking up steam by the time the sun came up in Dallas on Wednesday morning. The 26-year-old Gonzalez, already known to have drawn interest from teams including the Marlins and Yankees, reportedly added the Tigers and Phillies to his list of suitors. Next to free-agents C.J. Wilson and Mark Buehrle, the A's southpaw appears to be the most sought-after pitcher this week. Miami's interest in local product Gonzalez has been well documented, and on Tuesday Bob Klapisch of the Bergen Record noted that the A's asked the Yankees for power bat Jesus Montero, along with"
Rollins probably out for Brewers
December 7
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"The Brewers are hearing that free-agent shortstop Jimmy Rollins is nearing an agreement to return to Philadelphia, so it sounds like he's out as a possible option at shortstop. Rollins was the top shortstop remaining on the market, so it was natural that the Brewers would have interest in him. But they expected all along that it would be difficult to pry him away from the Phillies. FoxSports' Ken Rosenthal is reporting that no deal is imminent between the Phillies and Rollins, but the Brewers certainly have the impression that they're going to work something out."
Phillies' pursuit of Rollins gains steam
December 7
MLB.com
 
"Negotiations are never dead until they are really, truly dead. It sounded Monday afternoon at the Winter Meetings like talks between the Phillies and Jimmy Rollins had stalled, but the tone changed Tuesday after a meeting Monday night. "I think there's a big chance that Jimmy is going to be back with us," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "I feel that way. I think it's going to get done. I think that's definitely our 'A' plan.""
Phils adviser Gillick met with Aramis Ramirez
December 7
CSN Philly
 
"It's still unclear whether the Phillies' interest in free-agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez is real or a ploy to pressure Jimmy Rollins into lowering his demand for a five-year contract. But the Phils' interest in Ramirez is legitimate enough that front-office adviser Pat Gillick met face-to-face with Ramirez last month in the Dominican Republic. Gillick performed several tasks on his trip, including scouting free agent Yeonnis Cespedes. The Phillies are unlikely to enter the bidding for the Cuban outfielder, who is seeking more than $30 million."
Sources: Phillies sign free-agent Nix
December 5
CSN Philly
 
"Scratch another item off the Phillies' off-season to-do list. According to sources, the team has reached agreement on a two-year contract with free agent Laynce Nix. The deal is pending a physical. Nix made $700,000 in a one-year contract with Washington last season. Nix, 31, bats left-handed and primarily plays left field. His signing likely closes the door on free-agent Raul Ibanez returning to the Phillies. It also likely signals the end of the team's pursuit of free-agent Michael Cuddyer."
Talks between Phils and Rollins heat up
December 3
CSN Philly
 
"It has been very quiet on the Jimmy Rollins front this off-season. That could change in the coming days as the baseball world gets set for the winter meetings, which begin Monday in Dallas. Dan Lozano, Rollins' agent, said he will meet face to face with Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. in Dallas. "I've had numerous conversations with Ruben this off-season," Lozano said by telephone. "We have a meeting set up for Dallas and we'll see what transpires from that." Having signed closer Jonathan Papelbon and tinkered with their bench with the additions of Jim Thome and Ty Wigginton, the Phillies' attention is focused on shortstop. Rollins, a first-time free agent, has held down the"
Scott Mathieson released to play in Asia
November 30
CSN Philly
 
"The Phillies cleared a bit of space on their 40-man roster, Tuesday, when it was announced that Scott Mathieson had been released. Mathieson, a right-handed reliever, is going to pursue an opportunity to play with a team in Asia, the Phillies announced. Sources say the deal with a Yomuri Giants could be completed this week."
Phillies didn't offer Roy Oswalt arbitration, which matters for Nationals
November 26
Washington Post
 
"We're catching up on a piece of news that's small but potentially important for the Nationals. On Wednesday, the Phillies did not offer right-handed starter Roy Oswalt arbitration. The decision ensured Oswalt will be a more valuable commodity on the free agent market and could have a possible effect on the Nationals. Since Oswalt is a Type A free agent, the Phillies would have received a first-round draft pick from the team that signed Oswalt had they offered him arbitration. But Philadelphia decided it did not want to risk paying Oswalt the one-year salary it would have owed him — about $17 million — if he accepted an arbitration offer. And so now, the team that signs Oswalt will not lose"
Phils offer arbitration to Rollins, Madson, Ibanez
November 25
PhillyBurbs.com
 
"In a procedural move made late on Wednesday afternoon, the Phillies offered salary arbitration to free agent shortstop Jimmy Rollins, reliever Ryan Madson and outfielder Raul Ibanez. All three players have until Dec. 7 to accept or reject the offer. If they accept, they will be under contract to the Phillies for one more year and receive a salary set at a hearing in February if neither side can reach agreement before then. All can sign free agent deals with another team before that Dec. 7 date and move on. It would seem unlikely that any of the three will accept arbitration. Rollins and Madson are both looking for multi-year deals and could land big contracts when the market really gets"
Phillies trade for utility man Wigginton
November 21
CSN Philly
 
"The Phillies continued to change the look of their bench by acquiring versatile Ty Wigginton from the Colorado Rockies for a player to be named later or cash on Sunday. Wigginton, 34, bats right-handed and plays infield and outfield. He joins Jim Thome as additions to the bench this off-season. "I like three things about him," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "I like his makeup. I like that he fits our club in that he can play first base and third base. And I like that he gives us another guy with power off the bench. We had been looking to add depth to our bench.""
Sound off: Sizemore with the Phillies?
November 20
CSN Philly
 
"Apparently the Phillies had some interest in former Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore. Sizemore, 29, is a three time all-star (2006-08) with two Gold Gloves (2007-08) and a Silver Slugger award (2008). The centerfielders' $9 million option was declined by Cleveland, making him a free agent for the first time in his career. Sizemore has been injury riddled over the past couple seasons, suffering from persistent keen problems."
Phillies re-sign Schneider for one year
November 18
CSN Philly
 
"Brian Schneider will be back for another year as the backup catcher to Carlos Ruiz for the Phillies in 2012. Schneider, a 12-year vet, passed a physical on Thursday afternoon and agreed to a one-year deal worth $800,000 with incentive that could take it to $1 million. He spent the last two seasons with the Phillies where he has batted .208 in 88 games with six home runs. Last season he batted just .176 with a .246 on-base percentage at the plate, but the team was 27-8 in the games he started."
Amaro downplays talk of trading Hamels
November 17
CSN Philly
 
"Could the Phillies trade Cole Hamels? That has been one of the hot questions posed by media members at these general managers meetings, and Ruben Amaro Jr. understands why. "They're only writing it because it happened before," the Phils' GM said Wednesday. He was referring to his trading of Cliff Lee in Dec. 2009. Amaro re-signed the lefthander as a free agent a year later."
Phils make minor deal, ready to re-sign Schneider
November 17
CSN Philly
 
"The Phillies made a minor move Wednesday and a more significant one could follow. The team acquired minor-league pitcher Adam Worthington from Arizona to complete a September trade that sent lefty Mike Zagurski to the Diamondbacks. Worthington, 24, is a reliever. He was Arizona's 20th round draft pick in 2009. He was 4-4 with a 4.48 ERA in 45 games for Visalia in the California League in 2011."
Pitching, not future, Hamels' top concern
November 16
MLB.com
 
"Phillies fans had numerous reactions to closer Jonathan Papelbon's $50,000,058 contract, which he signed on Monday. One of the most relevant: How does this affect Cole Hamels? The simple answer is the Phils do not make major decisions like this in a vacuum, so it is unlikely that Hamels' future with the organization took a significant hit with Papelbon's deal. Hamels made $9.5 million in 2011 and is eligible for salary arbitration one final time before he can become a free agent following the '12 season. The Phillies have expressed interest in signing Hamels to a multiyear contract extension but said they have had no serious negotiations with the left-hander yet. Hamels on Tuesday night"
Rockies one of many teams chasing Sizemore
November 15
MLB.com
 
"The Rockies are among the teams gathering medical information on outfielder Grady Sizemore, a three-time All-Star with the Indians before he was slowed by injuries. Sizemore, 29, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Oct. 3 to promote healing from a bone bruise that he attempted to play through during the season. Sizemore also underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee after the 2009 season. Sizemore's agent, Joe Urbon, said Tuesday that the prognosis is good. "Grady is on schedule to be ready at the start of Spring Training," Urbon said. "He has been working out every day since his Oct. 3 arthroscopy and will be ready to be in the Opening Day lineup next season.""
Royals show interest in Oswalt
November 15
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals are expected to meet with the agent for free-agent pitcher Roy Oswalt during the General Managers' Meetings, according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. The meetings began today and run through Wednesday in Milwaukee. Oswalt, 34, is seeking a long-term contract, according to agent Bob Garber, despite the possible limitations imposed by two degenerative disks in his lower back. He became a free agent when Philadelphia opted not to exercise a $16 million option for next season."
Phillies reach deal with Papelbon
November 11
CSN Philly
 
"The Phillies have reached a contract agreement with free-agent closer Jonathan Papelbon, pending a physical, multiple sources tell CSNPhilly.com. Papelbon, who turns 31 later this month, averaged 36 saves a year for the Boston Red Sox over the last six seasons. Papelbon will replace Ryan Madson as closer. Madson is a free agent. According to sources, the agreement is for four years and approaches $50 million."