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Phillies' Manuel: "Hamels Has The Potential To Be A Star"

In 2006 Brett Myers was widely considered the No. 1 pitcher on the Phillies' staff.

But Cole Hamels isn't too far behind, if you ask manager Charlie Manuel.

"I tell you what, this kid Hamels showed us all something last season," Manuel said. "He's got the potential to be a star if he keeps working at it. He kept us in ballgames just about every time he pitched, and he gained a lot of valuable experience. I think if he keeps working at it, the sky is the limit as far as his potential is concerned."

Via MLB.com


Phillies Invite Karim Garcia To Spring Training

Outfielder Karim Garcia agreed to a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies and was invited Friday to spring training.

Via AP


Phillies Expected To Offer Howard A Record Contract

The Phillies are expected to offer Ryan Howard a contract in the neighborhood of $1 million for the coming season, which would be a record for any player not arbitration eligible, but the Phillies would be smart to start discussing a long-term contract as soon as possible, because Howard doesn't want it to carry over into the season.

"I would rather it not because you don't want to lose that focus," said Howard. "I don't want to have all these questions about contractual stuff in the season when you should be focused on playing ball."

Via Delco Times


Utley To Sign $85 Million Deal

Chase Utley and the Phillies agreed to a seven-year, $85 million extension Sunday, avoiding salary arbitration. The extension covers the final three arbitration seasons for Utley and his first four seasons of free agency. The deal is contingent on Utley passing a physical.

"We view Chase as not only a great second baseman but also one of the top 10-15 players in the game," Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "He's a hard-nosed, full-throttle player who exemplifies the spirit of Philadelphia. He is tailor-made for this city and we couldn't be happier to lock him up for years to come."

Via ESPN


Rowand Avoids Arbitration, Signs Deal With Phillies

Center fielder Aaron Rowand avoided arbitration with the Phillies on Tuesday by agreeing to a $4.35 million, one-year contract.

"I never really worried about it because I knew I would be here this year," Rowand said. "You never want to get into those arbitration hearings because they can get really ugly."

Via AP


Phillies Jan 2007 Archive

  • Phillies Offer Myers Only A One-Year Deal

    Brett Myers appears destined for arbitration and he is not happy about it.

  • Howard Chooses Close To Be His Agent

    Ryan Howard has selected longtime baseball agent Casey Close, who also represents Derek Jeter and Derrek Lee, as his new agent.

  • Garcia To Choose Between Rockies And Phillies

    Kareem Garcia has dropped 20 pounds, regained his power and will decide today whether to sign a minor-league deal with the Rockies or the Philadelphia Phillies, according to his agent.

  • Phillies Want Long-Term Deal With Utley

    The Phillies have indicated that Chase Utley, in his first year of arbitration, is the only player whom they intend to pursue with a long-term deal.

  • Howard Can Expect A $1 Million Raise

    "Right now, Howard is far less a priority than those five guys," said a Phillies exec. "It's likely to be a year-to-year thing at this point."

  • Howard To Hire LeBron And Iverson's Agent?

    According to rumors, Ryan Howard is strongly leaning toward Leon Rose, the agent who represents former 76ers guard Allen Iverson, LeBron James and other basketball stars.