Phils Gunning For Rodney

Buster Olney has tweeted “The Phillies’ interest is in Fernando Rodney, at two years and $12 million. Set-up guy, plus safety net for Brad Lidge.” Not a bad haul for a dude going on 33 years of age and coming off of a season with a 4.40 ERA. He did close out 37 games in 38 opportunities though. Jayson Stark is reporting that the Angels are in serious discussions with Rodney. The picture should become a lot more clear in the next 24 hours.

Figgins a Philly?

by Michael DeLuca

In the ever changing world that is the Winter Meetings, where news can literally be updated from minute to minute, is it possible that the end game in the Jake Peavy trade drama could be a three way deal involving the Padres, Angels, and the Phillies, with Chone Figgins heading to the City of Brotherly Love?  The latest word out of Vegas has the Angels as the new frontrunner in the Peavy sweepstakes.  Assuming that a third team would still be required to return a starting pitcher to the Padres, the Phils could have a legit shot at landing the Angel’s uber utility player with either

Teixera Traded To Angels

The Angels acquired two time gold glove first basemen Mark Teixeira from the Atlanta Braves today for infielder Casey Kotchman and minor league pitcher Stephen Marek.  Last year, the Angels lost the Teixera sweepstakes when he was dealt to the Braves.  The offer at that time was Kotchman and Joe Saunders (and the Rangers might be playoff contenders if they chose that package).  The switch hitting first baseman is batting .283 with 20 home runs and 78 runs batted in for the Braves.

Kotchman, 24, is having a fantastic season.  He’s currently batting .287 with 12 home runs and 54 RBIs.  The trade makes sense for the Braves who would have lost Teixera to free agency after the season.  He is expected to command upwards of $20 million per year.