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Close replaces Larry Reynolds, who was fired last month. Close works for Beverly Hills-based Creative Artists Agency, which recently began representing athletes, and also handles football stars Peyton Manning and Drew Brees. This won't change much in terms of a possible long-term deal for the 2006 National League Most Valuable Player. The Phillies first must tend to their five arbitration-eligible players: Chase Utley, Brett Myers, Aaron Rowand, Geoff Geary and Ryan Madson. Of those five, Utley could receive a multiyear deal. |
Ryan Howard has selected longtime baseball agent Casey Close, who also represents Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee, as his new agent.