Phils Also Looking At Rodney

December 22, 2009 · Paul Raymond · Jump to comments

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Earlier today I mentioned that the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were getting serious about relief pitcher Fernando Rodney. That was according to Jayson Stark at ESPN, well Jayson’s colleague Buster Olney says another team is in hot pursuit. Olney tweets that the Phillies are also interested in Rodney’s services and willing to pay more then his asking price.

@Buster_ESPN: Heard: Sorry — The Phillies’ interest is in Fernando Rodney, at two years and $12 million. Set-up guy, plus safety net for Brad Lidge.

In the earlier post, I said I doubt Rodney would get his $10 million per asking price and I guess I was wrong. If the Phillies are willing to offer $11 per then I’m sure the Angels would meet the ten or go higher if need be.

The money is of no issue to the Phillies as they did receive money in the deal for Roy Halladay, $6 million to be exact. That money could at least help in the first year paying his salary. Money shouldn’t be an issue thou when you consider the state of the Phillies bullpen and mindset of Brad Lidge.

Olney hit the nail on the head when he says Rodney could be a safety net should Lidge continue to struggle. The arguments for the Phillies adding Rodney are pretty much the same as when I said the Phils should consider Brandon Lyon earlier this offseason.

Rodney and his 2.70 ERA in save situations would be a very nice addition to the Phillies bullpen. And much like Halladay it would be nice to see what he could do against inferior hitting in the National League.

Let the battle between two front runners, the Angels and Phillies commence. Which ESPN expect calls this one right? Stark or Olney?

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