By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly "interested" in acquiring Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier, according to a Nov. 25 tweet by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News' Darren Wolfson.
Dozier, 29, hit .268/.340/.546 with 35 doubles, 42 home runs and 99 RBIs spanning 155 games last season. The 2015 American League All-Star has committed just eight errors in each of the last two seasons, posting a combined .989 fielding percentage over 3,378 chances.
The Phillies' reported interest in Dozier, who bats right-handed, came exactly two weeks after they acquired second baseman/outfielder Howie Kendrick from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Darin Ruf and Darnell Sweeney. Whether Kendrick gets more playing time in the infield or outfield next season is dependent on a trade of second baseman Cesar Hernandez.
In a potential return for Dozier, the Twins are reportedly "aiming high," telling clubs they would "have to be wowed," notes St. Paul Pioneer Press Twins beat writer Mike Berardino.
Dozier joining the Phillies would add a much-needed offensive power threat to the top of the Phillies' lineup. In 73 games at the leadoff position last season, he hit .261/.325/.592 with 27 home runs and 49 RBIs. In five fewer games batting first for the Phillies, Hernandez hit .296/.405/.408 with only four home runs and 16 RBIs.
Even if Hernandez remains with the Phillies next season, Dozier could fill in at short until J.P. Crawford is promoted from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Dozier began his career in 2012 with 81 starts as the Twins' shortstop.
Dozier is signed through the 2018 season. He is set to earn a combined $15 million over the next two seasons, $6 million in 2017 and $9 million in 2018.
Other teams that have been linked to showing interest in Dozier this offseason are the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
