The Philadelphia Phillies are making their list, checking it twice, and apparently adding names.
According to CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman, the Phillies have Cody Ross on their shopping list, which isn’t all that surprising since they’ve already been linked to the outfielder this offseason. Philadelphia has made an addition to that shopping list, though, as they’re reportedly interested in Vernon Wells.
Ross, of course, is a free agent, while Wells is believed to be available via trade now that the Angels have added Josh Hamilton to the mix. Wells carries a hefty price tag, but the assumption is that the Angels would have to eat a large portion of the $42 million remaining on his contract in order to move the 34-year-old outfielder.
As Heyman points out, the Phillies are seeking a right-handed-hitting outfielder, presumably one who might be able to bat fifth in the lineup. The switch-hitting Nick Swisher is still available on the open market, but he figures to command a decent chunk of change.
Ross is coming off a season in which he hit .267 with 22 home runs and 81 RBIs in 130 games for the disappointing Red Sox. Wells, who is a three-time All-Star and a three-time Gold Glove winner, continued his rapid decline, hitting just .230 with 11 home runs, 29 RBIs and a .279 on-base percentage in 77 games with the Halos.
Vernon Wells photo (right) via Flickr/Keith Allison
