Lot of news coming from the Winter Meetings in Nashville. Here are the topics that are catching our eye:
Center Field: Looking to Trade?
Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly is reporting that the Phillies have maintained their interest in Dexter Fowler and Peter Bourjos as trade targets. With the departure of Torii Hunter, Bourjos is now projected to be a starting outfielder for the Angels.
… or maybe a signing? Not Pagan.
Scratch Pagan off the list. Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Giants are close to re-signing Angel Pagan. UPDATE: The Giants have re-signed Pagan for four years, $40 million. Rosenthal was reporting that the Giants and Phillies continue to vie for Angel Pagan. Rosenthal believed both clubs see Cody Ross as a possible fall-back option even though Ross and Pagan have different skill sets.
Of note, according to Jon Heyman, Shane Victorino is being pursued by at least seven teams and has several multi-year offers on the table, including some three-year offers and one four-year offer.
Ichiro Update
Salisbury confirmed in his reporting that Ichiro and the Phillies have engaged in talks but it is unclear who reached out to who.
Swisher Waiting
Rob Bradford of WEEI.com is reporting that Nick Swisher may wait until Josh Hamilton signs before committing to a club.
Getting “Young”er at Third
Salisbury noted that Michael Young is being looked at by the Phillies as a possible solution at third. Young has statistically been one of the worst third baseman in the Majors and has not provided positive defensive value in the infield since 2006. Young was worth -1.4 WAR and hit .277/.312/.370 with 8 HR last year and is scheduled to make $16 million in 2013.
Latest Comments