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Paul Hagen wrote a story in yesterday's Philadelphia Daily News informing fans to expect a few fireworks in free agency. Hagen tells us that he doesn't think there will be any introductions of any new Phillies anytime soon.
Tom's Take: It's not really much of a surprise that he writes that; no one is really expecting the Phillies to come out of the gate to sign a top-notch free agent. They're looking at third base, bullpen and bench, and all three positions will require some homework being done before jumping on the perceived top option.
Mike Potter reported that Omar Vizquel is no longer an option for the Phillies as he signed a one-year contract with the Chicago White Sox as the first notable free agent signing. Vizquel will be a backup in the Windy City.
Tom's Take: Vizquel was an intriguing player that many believed that the Phils could be targeting to come off the bench, and backup Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley at shortstop and second base. Players like Jerry Hairston Jr. and Fernando Tatis as potential targets.
Hagen reports that the Phillies say that the rumors of Pat Gillick returning to the baseball front office with the team that he built his reputation, the Toronto Blue Jays, are all false .
Tom's Take: Gillick is a god in Philadelphia for putting together the pieces that Ed Wade left him, and getting the city their first championship since 1983, and the organization's second title in their history. He knows how to build winning baseball teams, and I hope he goes to Toronto if he does return because my god, I don't want him anywhere close to the National League.
Yoon Chul, a staff reporter for the Korean Times, writes that free agent Chan Ho Park wants to start in 2010. Park is a free agent, and the Phillies want him back, but only as a reliever.
Tom's Take: It's so obvious to everyone that Park is best suited for the bullpen. The Phils know it, every MLB team knows it, and Park knows it himself. He wants to start so his friends and family in Korea can see him pitch, and I understand that, but you also want to pitch in the States so he'll ultimately end up in the 'pen.
Todd Zolecki relays that FOXSports.com reported that the Phillies are the favorites to land Mark DeRosa . Zolecki says that it makes sense that he signs with the Phils because he's a Penn graduate and has been linked to the team before.
Tom's Take: Anyone surprised? A lot of people thought that he'll be the guy that he Phillies would be going after in free agency. They've liked him in the past, and he's now available for them again. You know what they say, third time's a charm.
For more Phillies coverage, please go to my blog: Phillies Phandom
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