Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips hinted on Tuesday night via Twitter that he may be close to a contract extension, but the team indicated it still could be a while before an agreement in reached. "Just talked to my agent @Baseball_ACES and it feels good to know that we're moving in the right direction to make me a #Red4Life," Phillips posted on his Twitter feed. When reached for comment, Cincinnati general manager Walt Jocketty didn't believe a deal was near. "I think it's still a ways to go," Jocketty said. "We're still hopeful to get something done. We're glad he feels that way." On Oct. 31, the Reds exercised Phillips' $12 million option for 2012, but he has long maintained a desire to sign long term this year. He can become a free agent for the first time after next season.