Kevin Frandsen inks one-year deal with Philadelphia Phillies - MLB Update
After declining $5.5 million option to third baseman Placido Polanco, Philadelphia Phillies sign Kevin Frandsen for one year at $850,000. Polanco was clearly a costly choice especially in comparison to Frandsen who has agreed on such a reasonable amount
of money.
The Phillies are without reliable third baseman at the moment. They look to hire some players that can together remove their worries arising from this position.
Signing an agreement with Frandsen does not mean that they have fixed issues with regard to third base. Frandsen, alone, cannot lift the team for the upcoming season.
The Phillies may be searching a few players in their farm system in order to address the infield needs.
Frandsen performed extremely well after he was brought into the season by the Phillies when their regular third baseman Polanco got injured.
He posted an impressive batting average and helped their offence. The contract is a clear reflection of his contributions in the last season for the team.
Frandsen will be aware of the fact that he may not be considered for performing a full-fledged role. Instead, he is more likely to be used in the absence of main players.
The Phillies have perceived him as an ideal back-up option especially in light of the fact that, upon the occurrence of an injury to Polanco last season, he carried out the job tremendously well.
Apart from the infield, the Phillies are going to respond to various other areas where they face shortage of options. For example, they desperately need a quality outfielder at the moment.
They may be doing the shopping in the free agent market aggressively to acquire high valued players.
They are under negotiations with the agents of a number of players. Soon, they are expected to unveil the names of their new acquisitions.
One of the reasons why the Phillies failed in 2012 season is their bullpen. Their relievers disappointed them time-and-again, nullifying the contributions of the rest of the players.
As the Phillies do the shopping in the offseason, they will have this fact in their mind. It is highly probable that they sign short term deals with some of the free agent relief pitchers.
It will be interesting to see the Phillies hiring new players in the next couple of days.
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