Phillies Notes: Pence, Singleton, Mariners

The Phillies have discussed Melky Cabrera, are one of the favorites to land Carlos Beltran and maintain interest in relievers, including Leo Nunez. Here's the latest, as we await Ruben Amaro Jr.'s next surprise move…

• The Phillies have asked the Astros about Hunter Pence, according to Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). Pence is available and rival executives expect him to be traded.
• Amaro and Astros GM Ed Wade have combined on deals involving Roy Oswalt, Sergio Escalona and others, as our Transaction Tracker shows.
• The Phillies are open to dealing Jonathan Singleton, according to Newsday’s Ken Davidoff (Twitter link). 
• Dave Cameron of U.S.S. Mariner says we should expect the Mariners to pursue Singleton if that’s the case (Twitter link). Seattle likes Singleton, according to Cameron.
• As our Transaction Tracker shows, Amaro and Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik have made deals involving Mike Sweeney and, of course, Cliff Lee.