Ken Rosenthal reports that the Phillies are "intensifying" their pursuit of outfielder (and 2010 National League Championship Series villain) Cody Ross.

Sources: #Phillies intensifying pursuit of Cody Ross. Other teams also being more aggressive. #Mariners among those that have shown interest

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 15, 2012

Ross, who turns 32 next week, posted an overall line of .267/.326/.481 line for the Red Sox in 2012, but hammered left-handed pitching to the tune of .295/.373/.636.

Signing Ross, as opposed to other options like Nick Swisher or Michael Bourn, would allow the Phillies to preserve their 16th overall pick in June's amateur draft. That alone may be motivation for the Phillies' front office to pursue Ross instead, and he would probably qualify as the "right handed power bat" that Charlie Manuel has been begging for, in light of his skills at hitting lefties.

I may one day get over how much I hate his face.

Stay tuned for more...