7:42pm: Talks between the Reds and Phillips continue following the Joey Votto extension, reports ESPN's Jim Bowden (on Twitter).
1:19pm: The Reds are nearing a long-term deal with their star first baseman, but it doesn't look like their second baseman will obtain an extension of his own this offseason. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that a deal between Brandon Phillips and the Reds is unlikely (Twitter link).
Rosenthal reported last week that the likely asking price for Phillips is a raise from his current $12MM salary on a four or five-year deal. Phillips posted a .300/.353/.457 line with 18 home runs and 38 doubles in 675 plate appearances last year. He won his third Gold Glove in 2011, and deserved it based on advanced assessments of his fielding. The 30-year-old is set to hit free agency after the 2012 season.
I wish it were possible to sign both, but they have depth at second base in the farm system. Can’t discount that Phillips is a leader and great for media. He will be missed.
This does seem likely but at the same time maybe he comes down on his demands now that Votto looks to be staying. Just a thought.
Sees teammate get a blank check; lowers contract demands.
seems logical
It’ll be sad to see him go (if he does). He’ll be a fan-favourite wherever he ends up if it isn’t Cincy.
If they can’t resign him then they should trade him, that way they at least get something. I hear St. Louis could use some improvement at 2nd…
“At least get something?” They’re obviously all-in this year, what they get by not trading him is the best possible chance at a playoff run. Losing Phillips might not torpedo their chances but it would be pretty close.
Go for it or rebuild. It’s the half measures that teams regret.
Agreed. Don’t trade him. That way, when St. Louis signs him as a free agent, they’ll only have to give up a couple draft picks rather than 4 or 5 prospects. :)
They will get something if they can’t resign him: one full year of a star second baseman…which is much more valuable to the 2012 Reds than any prospects.
Well honestly you don’t even think about trading him unless the Reds are struggling to win around July and the Reds are over 10 games back or something like that.
Hopefully he will be wearing BLUE next year. I think most team are trying extend there best players now before they hit free agency because the Dodgers are looking to sign every premier free agent. I think Brandon Phillips would be great fit for the Dodgers. He an amazing secound baseman with a good bat and he’s a great teammate that brings a great personality into the club house.
i don’t think the Dodgers are looking to sign every premier free agent. only the ones that make sense.
also, i’m not sure that an aging second baseman is the best way to spend money for the Dodgers when we have a couple of decent (not great) prospects in Ivan DeJesus and Alex Castellanos.
I’d rather spend money to increase pitching depth, somehow find a real first baseman, extend ethier, and make sure Uribe doesn’t play another inning at 3B.
Maybe Brandon loves Cincy as much as he says he does and accepts arbitration next winter…. (wishful thinking, I know)
He also said it’d be a “slap in the face” from the organization if they didn’t work out a multiyear deal. Something tells me he’s not back in Cincy if there’s no extension.
This is probably the most sensible option for Cincy. Brandon Phillips is a good hitter, but he’s 31 this season and wants a raise over 12MM per.
With guys like Todd Frazier in the system, I’m not sure Phillips is the best allocation of that 12MM +.
“Brandon Phillips is a good hitter, but he’s 31 this season and wants a raise over 12MM per”
That is the key there..31 after the season. It hurts to lose franchise icons when they age and probably hurt when they moved Sean Casey after he played for the Reds for seemingly forever also.
Not all icons leave. Barry Larkin. Though that is rare.
Brandon really lost me when he starting moaning about his contract. IMO, these guys need to learn to just keep their mouth shut when it comes to the business side of the game … sure, the DatDudeBP show may be amusing to some, but I don’t get the sense that he’s well-respected in the clubhouse. Not only has he shown frequent lapses in concentration, but his mouth has escalated situations that didn’t need escalating (Cardinals). At any rate, he’s a fine player but 5 years at 12 per would be a huge overpay for Phillips’ age 32-36 years. Granted, his production will be hard to replace, but I can’t say I’ll really miss him. The Dodgers can have him, his narcissism will play well in L.A.
heyo nice LA dig!
If Votto got his extension, but Phillips doesn’t, then do you think Phillips will say his new team is heaven compared to Cincinatti and intentionally throw the ball at Votto next season?
Lol at Cleveland being heaven.
I was pleaseantly shocked to hear the news tonight.I’d like to see Brandon re–signed,too. Who wouldn’t ? I ‘m peretty sure they could negotiate an extension for less ion ’13 and beyond,if they wanted. They just did that with JV. Yes,there probably is more depth in the middle infield in the minors. That said,who NOW replaces Rolen ? Frazier ? It makes it all more exciting since hopes are high,SO high,this year. Bp is good at EVERYTHING. Crosss your fingers,folks.