Phillies Notes: Willingham, Ross, Suzuki, Ellsbury

Here's the latest on Philadelphia's offseason dealings, courtesy of CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury…

• Before the Phillies acquired Ben Revere from the Twins, they attempted to also get Josh Willingham in either the same trade package or in a separate deal.
• The club is still in the market for a corner outfielder.  The Phillies "have seriously considered" signing Ichiro Suzuki and "have long liked" Cody Ross.
• Any further upgrades may have to come via the free agency market since the Phillies don't have much prospect depth aside from possibly at catcher.  Salisbury notes that Tommy Joseph, the most well-regarded of the team's young catchers, "probably isn't going anywhere."
• The Red Sox approached the Phillies about a trade of Jacoby Ellsbury for Cliff Lee, but the Phillies said that Lee wasn't available.  I can't blame the Phils for turning that offer down; even if they did want to move Lee, he would fetch far more on the trade market than just one year of Ellsbury, who hits free agency next winter.