Placido Polanco Returns to Philadelphia Phillies to Play Third Base

As word starts to trickle in, it appears imminent that Placido Polanco will return to Philadelphia to play third base for the Phillies.

What has been reported for the past two days and was on the "verge" of happening, was verified when Philadelphia WCAU Channel 10 NBC sportscaster John Clark caught up with Polanco Thursday morning, as the former Detroit Tiger was in town to take a physical.

I first got word of the signing through a text from a friends of mine who works with Clark. 

I looked at every Web site I could think of and turned on WIP, all of which had the "imminent" status on the signing.

It was not until early this afternoon that Jayson Stark of ESPN reported the signing and having Clark speaking with Polanco, reportedly at the airport.

The terms of the deal are not finalized. Reports say it is a three-year, $18 million deal. My buddy said it was a two year deal, but I think it is being reported that way, because the third year would be at the club's option.

Polanco is a Type-A free agent, so the decision by the Tigers not to offer him arbitration means the Phillies could sign him without losing their first-round draft pick.

Polanco is a career .303 hitter. Last year he hit .285 with the Tigers with 10 home runs and 72 RBI. He also does not strike out a lot: He had 46 strikeouts in 618 at-bats.

He also had a .997 fielding percentage with two errors in 731 chances.

Polanco played with the Phillies from 2002 to mid-season 2005. It is the familiarity with the two parties that helped seal the deal.

What does this mean for the Phillies?

They get a near .300 hitter who has a great glove. I remember him playing second and third for the Phillies.

Polanco played second for his time with the Tigers, but has experience at third.

All along I have wanted Angels' third baseman Chone Figgins, but he might cost too much in terms of years of contract in the free agent market.

Adrian Beltre of the Seattle Mariners was another option at third, but he can now be ruled out.

Polanco can also spell Utley at second base.

That would leave Greg Dobbs to play third.

That scenario might weaken the defending National League champions offense and defense.

Juan Castro also could fill in at third, but it might open the door to the Phillies getting Cardinal Mark DeRosa, if he could come at the right price.

With an infield of Howard, Polanco, Rollins, and DeRosa, on days when Utley is off, could be almost as solid as Howard, Utley, Rollins, and Polanco.

Either way, the Hot Stove has started in earnest.

Bring it on!