You can add Will Ohman to the list of names that the Phillies have explored in recent weeks as they attempt to fortify both their bullpen and their bench. But there are no indications that the Phillies are close to a deal with the free-agent lefthander, who went 4-1 with a 3.68 ERA for the Braves last season.
The Phillies have spoken with Ohman's representatives, but it isn't clear how big of a contract Ohman is seeking. The Braves made an offer to him in November, but the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported yesterday that it wasn't nearly as rich as the 2-year, $8 million deal that lefthander Jeremy Affeldt got from the Giants. If Ohman is holding out for such a deal, it likely won't come from the Phillies, who are already staring at an Opening Day payroll in the neighborhood of $130 million. Ohman, 30, has a career 4.16 ERA in six seasons with the Cubs and Braves. Lefties hit just .200 off of him last season.
"I wouldn't say anything is imminent," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said.
Nomar updateIf veteran infielder Nomar Garciaparra decides to continue his career, the Phillies are optimistic about their chances of convincing him to play in Philadelphia. That said, the Phillies still don't know what his intentions are.
Garciaparra, who finished in the top 10 in MVP voting five times from 1997-2003, hit .264 with eight home runs in 163 at-bats for the Dodgers last season. He has struggled with injuries over the past four seasons, playing in no more than 122 games in any of them.
"I don't think it's a matter of whether he wants to play for us," Amaro said. "It's a matter of whether he wants to play." *
