Posted by Christina Angelos
Here are few updates on the free agency or trades for the Philadelphia Phillies:
As you may know Ryan Madson is a free agent and is drawing lots of interest from the Red Sox, Phillies, Nationals, Rangers and Marlins are believed to be interested. There are strong indications that the Phillies are making a strong push to re-sign Ryan Madson. Ken Rosenthal hears that the Phillies are working hard to complete a deal, but the Phillies hasn’t yet to rule out other free agents such as Bell or Papelbon. "It's no secret I need a closer," Amaro told Rosenthal. "I am talking to everyone.” However, talks are "advancing, but not complete," a source told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick (Twitter links). Agent Scott Boras told Crasnick that the sides are still exchanging proposals. If Ryan Madson re-signs with the Phillies, they will not lose a draft pick. Update: SI Jon Heyman says Ryan Madson and Phillies are exchanging proposals moving foward. He also said the Phillies had talks with Papelbon and are determined to sign either Pap or Madson.
Soon-to-be free agent, Cuban center fielder Yoenis Cespedes is drawing interest from several teams including Phillies, Nationals, Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers and Marlins. As right now, I don’t believe this rumor of trading Shane Victorino to the Indians or whomever, but I do believe if the Phillies try to acquire him. This will help the Phillies get younger. I really like the sound of Brown(24)-Cespedes(26)-Pence(28) if the Phillies are really listening to offers. I am not saying this could go down, just putting this out there. And if Shane Victorino is traded, I would believe that it could be for a young shortstop. As of right now, the Marlins are the favorites (really stealing big time players as they have Reyes, Pujols and Fielder on their radar). Anything can happen.
Also, look for the Phillies to promote Ryne Sandberg to bench coach if Pete Mackanin is named manager of either the Cubs or Red Sox. If that happens, the Phillies will need a Triple A to replace Sandberg — and former Cubs manager Mike Quade would be one possibility says Ken Rosenthal.
