Phillies Nation

Will the Phillies re-sign Rollins at the Winter Meetings?

‘Tis my favorite time of the year.  As soon as the Thanksgiving table has been cleared, the Christmas decorations come out.  Watching football all afternoon with child-like giddiness knowing the best is yet to come is what the holiday’s are all about.

Now, we have already had some teasers thus far this offseason when the Phillies brought back Jim Thome and signed mega-cliche closer Jonathan Papelbon.  Those signings were just a taste of how great this winter could be.  The Winter Meetings are just around the corner (this week) and Ruben Amaro Jr. has already made flight arrangements to try and bring back Philly’s longest tenured player.

Amaro is heading to Dallas this week to meet with Jimmy Rollins‘ agent, Dan Lozano, to progress talks further in bringing back the former MVP to play short stop in Philadelphia next season.  Amaro won’t be alone in his venture out west as Lozano is said to have other meetings with additional suitors.  Also, the Phillies might wait and see what happens with other free agents, like Alex Gonzalez, to see how the market settles.

While Amaro will be flying around trying to pick up some new names, some familiar guys are still waiting to see where they will fit into this Phillies lineup.  John Mayberry Jr., in my opinion, has always been on the brink of greatness.  The kid is tall (6-foot-6) and covers a lot of ground in the outfield.  Unfortunately for him, he hasn’t fit into a role since making the pro roster.  Pat Gallen takes a look at this past season and gives us thoughts on how Mayberry is progressing as a multi-tooled player.

The Phillies have continued to sign young – and some not so young – minor league guys for the farm.  It’s important to have talented guys ready to bring up in case serious injuries occur.  The Phillies brought in over a half-dozen player, some of whom you might remember.  Essentially, this adds depth to the organization, with a few getting Spring Training invites.  Ian gives you a closer look at the who the Phillies signed.

While the Phillies front office is out doing some winter shopping at the Winter Meetings, why not give your favorite Phillies fan something special for the holiday season.  Hey, did you really think I wouldn’t self promote the Phillies Nation store?  We have some really nice graphics for your t-shirts and hoodies that should be on everyone’s wish list.  But don’t worry, we have you Flyers and baseball fans covered too.  Check with our ticket partners over at TiqIQ to get your Winter Classic and Phillies 2012 tickets.  TiqIQ does all the work so you don’t have to.  Just enter in when you want to go, and they will search through all the ticket sites and lets you pick the best deal.  If it was any easier, I would be hand delivering the tickets to your door.

And in case you missed it, Mike Baumann finally comes clean on his man crush on Scott Mathieson (and why not) while our resident Minor League expert Jay Floyd gives you a peak at the Caribbean League happenings.

Stay warm this winter and up to date on all the Phillies news right here at Phillies Nation.  After Thursday’s loss by the Eagles, it is officially baseball season in my house.  Hopefully it has in your’s as well.  Happy Holidays.