The Philadelphia Phillies brought back a familiar face November 5th when they signed slugging 1B Jim Thome to a 1 yr, $1.25 contract. Thome, played for the Phils from 2003-2005, totaling 96 home runs in 361 games and has hit 48 bombs the last two seasons as a part time player. Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel has a long standing relationship with the slugger, as he served as coach for the Cleveland Indians when Thome broke into the majors during the 90s. The future hall of famer has not played the field regularly since 2007 but is viewed more as an insurance policy for the injured 1B Ryan Howard(Achilles tendon surgery) and a key lefty bat of the bench.
MADSON, CUDDYER NEWS: Numerous reports have the Phillies and reliever Ryan Madson close to a deal as a off November 9th. The terms floated are 4 years at 44 million total. The team has also been in contact with Boston Red Sox free agent closer Jonathan Papelbon, a 4 time all star. Additionally, the Phillies hosted free agent OF-INF Michael Cuddyer of the Minnesota Twins November 7th but no word on a contract offer. As I type, not much information on free agent Jimmy Rollins. Cross the Atlanta Braves off the bidders for Rollins, as GM Frank Wren told MLB Network Radio the team would not pursue top free agent SS Jose Reyes(Formerly of the New York Mets) and Rollins November 9th.
