Phillies Rumors: First Base, Left Field and Cole Hamels’ Contract
By Editorial Staff
For the most part, the Philadelphia Phillies appear to have their 2012 roster set as we approach the spring. Yesterday MLB Network Radio spoke with Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., who offered several bits of Phillies-related news. Amaro touched on the luxury tax as well as the Phillies plans at first and left field. Beyond Amaro’s comments, yesterday’s Phillies news revolved around Cole Hamels’ contract and the long-term deal he’s ultimately seeking.
In speaking with Jim Bowden of MLB Network, Amaro reported that his team is “right up against the luxury tax” threshold and will have to be careful over the remainder of the winter. The Phillies are unlikely to add any more major pieces, but have reportedly been seeking a speedy option for their bench as well as a left-handed reliever.
Amaro also discussed how his club will likely handle first base and left field. With Ryan Howard expected to be out for at least the beginning of the season, Amaro said that the Phillies are prepared to go with free agent acquisition Ty Wigginton as their starting first baseman. Beyond Wigginton, Amaro said that Jim Thome will also receive limited starts at first in Howard’s absence.
As far as left field goes, Amaro told MLB Network that Philadelphia will likely go with a platoon consisting of John Mayberry Jr. and Laynce Nix. Amaro said that Domonic Brown will have to “really wow” the Phillies during spring training or else he’ll be slated for Triple-A to start the year.
Meanwhile, new information has surfaced regarding Cole Hamels and his potential long-term deal. Throughout the offseason, many have compared Hamels upcoming contract to the five-year, $85 million deal Jered Weaver reached with the Los Angeles Angels. However, in speaking with Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com, Hamels agent John Boggs doesn’t see the deals as “parallel”.
Instead, Boggs feels that Weaver’s deal was “great for Jered” but that the pitcher also “left a lot of money on the table”. Boggs noted that he expects Hamels to be compensated as an “elite pitcher”, and Tim Dierkes of MLBTR.com figures a starting point in negotiations to be in the six-year, $120 million range.
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