Many Phillies fans on our Facebook page and on Twitter in recent days have voiced their displeasure about the Phillies' rumored pursuit of Cody Ross. Too much money, not strong enough, and many other reasons, including that he beat the Phillies in 2010 on the way to a Giants World Series title. They now may relax. According to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News, Ross has signed on with the Arizona Diamondbacks:
League source: Cody Ross has reached agreement with Diamondbacks on a three-year deal.
— Mark Feinsand (@FeinsandNYDN) December 22, 2012
But Buster Olney brings up another interesting point that could affect the Phillies:
D-Backs' reported agreement with Cody Ross sets them up to move an outfielder — Jason Kubel? Texas would be a perfect fit; NYY, too.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 22, 2012
The move is somewhat surprising since the Diamondbacks appeared to be set in the outfield, with Adam Eaton in center (no, not THAT Adam Eaton), Jason Kubel in right field, and Justin Upton in left field. With the high cost of Ross, they may be inclined to move either Kubel or Upton, though Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers expressed that he was not likely to move Upton. Thus, Jason Kubel's name would enter the fold.
Kubel signed with the Diamondbacks prior to last season, hitting 30 home runs and driving in 90 runs while hitting .253.
Kubel is, however, a left-handed bat and I am not sure how much that would interest the Phillies.
