<<Phillies GM Ruben Amaro told the Post on Tuesday that he did not envision having the budget to incorporate Figgins as a third base replacement for Pedro Feliz. But SI.com reported on Wednesday that the Phillies are in the mix, which would give the Phillies the opportunity to bat Figgins atop the lineup with Shane Victorino and drop Jimmy Rollins (21 homers) to more of an RBI role.
It is likely Figgins, who will play next season at 32, will demand a three- or four-year contract at between $8 million to $10 million annually.>>

1:19pm: The Giants and Orioles are showing the most interest in Dan Uggla, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.  Those clubs would move Uggla to third base, a position he hasn’t played since 2005 in the minors.  The writers add that the Red Sox have inquired, with an eye on using Uggla in left field.  Uggla played 20 games in the outfield in Double A in ’04.  Rosenthal and Morosi add that an Uggla trade would compel the Marlins to retain Jorge Cantu.

Within the last few days I read something (can’t remember where) about us getting Uggla and moving him to 3B.  I’d rather that not happen.

Granted, he can mash and many long flyballs that were outs in Land Shark Stadium should reach the seats in CBP.  However, he does strike out a lot and I’m thinking he’d be more of an all-or-nothing run producer which wouldn’t help our inconsistent offense get any more consistent.

Also, Fangraphs has Uggla as the second worst defensive 2nd baseman in all of baseball (with a -10.1 UZR), just ahead of Luis Castillo.  Can’t imagine he’d do any better at 3B.

I have to wonder about the whole truth to any rumor involving the Mets.  They met with Boras about Holliday.  They are interested in Figgins.  Maybe they aren’t as much a financial mess as I believe in my unqualified way, but one thing abou them is that they were decimated by injury last year, and I don’t know that they are that great a club, but I’d be careful throwing money around on what may be surplus talent. 

My thoughts on Figgins is that I don’t see a detriment to offering a 4th year.  To relocate leagues and coasts could well require an extra push. I’m not sure why that keeps Rollins at the top of the lineup.  The points about placing pitching above offense are very well taken.  I never said much about Feliz on the board, but I thought his defense was a valuble asset and as often as the Phils are called an American league lineup, I tought it was okay that there was a stealth drop after Rau since Feliz and Carlos are such good defenders.

Lastly, and of course most importantly, Pete, I have always suspected you were a closet AL executive.  Now that the truth is out, I’m counting on you to abolish the DH rule before 1 more hot stove chat. . 

I think even with Feliz and before Chooch blew up all of our starters were top 5 or better in AS voting last year so that’s a very real possibility.

Sort of a random thought.  So Utley was on pace for a couple of MVP seasons recently but was felled by either an injury or a freak slump.  He was excellently consistent this year, is he still due for a “breakout” year?  I know he’s arguably the best 2nd baseman in baseball, and one the 5-10 best in history but I’m still kind of waiting for him to just go on a tear and get that MVP award (not that I think he gives a hot fuck about it anyway).