This is the first time that I have seen the Phillies linked to Jacoby Ellsbury in any way whatsoever. But alas, the Phillies have been mentioned as suitors for the free agent outfielder , most recently of the Boston Red Sox.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe mentioned the Phillies today in his Sunday column among the suitors for free agent Jacoby Ellsbury:
5. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF, free agent — For Ellsbury to re-sign with the Red Sox, he would have to be willing to accept a five-year deal that likely would not surpass $100 million. The Mariners, Rangers, Yankees, Tigers, Giants, and Phillies seem to have some form of interest, but whether they go into the 6-8 year range at $20 million plus per season remains to be seen.
I would be an advocate of signing Ellsbury this offseason. Ellsbury is just 30 years old and the Phillies would be getting him while still in his prime. Ellsbury is a high on-base guy who can steal a lot of bases. He could be the Phillies' leadoff hitter for years to come. Unlike other years, they can sign a player of Ellsbury's calibur without sacrificing a first round draft pick.
Some have suggested that the Phillies are not done transforming their outfield just yet. Marlon Byrd's two-year, $16 million deal was perhaps just one piece and not the final piece of the puzzle. Maybe even the Phillies spent $8 million on Byrd instead of $15 million for Nelson Cruz with a move such as this in mind.
Remember: what Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. says and does are two completely different things. So, if he is telling people that he is not likely to make a big splash, he very well could.
