Ramirez In Rollins Out, Busy Day at the Winter Meetings for Phillies
Ruben Amaro likes to get down to business and this year seems no different at the Winter Meetings for the Philadelphia Phillies. Rumors abounded today and two that everyone seem to be following concern third baseman Aramis Ramirez and shortstop Jimmy Rollins.
Meetings with Ramirez's agent are heating up and the free agent would bring a right handed .300 hitter to their lineup that does not strike out a lot and can hit 30 homeruns. Last season Ramirez hit .306 with 26 homeruns and 93 RBI's while only striking out 69 times. The only bad news on Ramirez is that he does not make the team any younger as both players are 33. Third basemen tend though to last a little longer than shortstops.
MLB.com is reporting that for the Phillies it is an either or situation although I could imagine the Phillies surprising everyone and keeping both players. Signing Ramirez though would kill any idea of possibly trying to extend Rollins career by moving him to third base. The Phillies hit a snag today in the Rollins negotiations according to a source close to the negotiations. Rollins is sticking to his guns about wanting a five year contract and the Phillies are not (at least at this point) willing to give him that many years. The market for Rollins is not as robust as he may have thought as the Cardinals said they are not interested in him leaving the Brewers as the only other real option for Rollins right now. The Giants would like to have Rollins but do not have the money for him and it is unlikely that the Mets would turn to Rollins after losing Jose Reyes to the Marlins. Despite the set back, expect the Phillies and Rollins to continue to try to get a deal done.
The Phillies have been shopping Placido Polanco around. The question is who wants a 37 year old that is injury prone for $6.5 million? Hard to believe they will find a suitor.
Amaro has been kicking the tires on veteran left handed relief pitcher George Sherrill. The thought is that Sherrill would be a nice complement to Antonio Bastardo in the bullpen. In 51 games with the Braves Sherrill was 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA.
Shortstop is still said to be the priority for the Philadelphia Phillies at the winter meetings. The team signed outfielder Laynce Nix and may stay internally to find a candidate for left field. Nix, John Mayberry Jr, and Domonic Brown are the three likely candidates. MTRphilly.com will keep you on top of all of the news related to the meetings and the Phillies.
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