CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that free agent center fielder Angel Pagan, who hadbeen hotly courted (hot hot hot!) by the Phillies, will re-sign with the San Francisco Giants:
Pagan in agreement with giants
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 3, 2012
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports had previously reported that the deal was close:
Sources: Pagan close to re-signing with #SFGiants.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 3, 2012
The pool is emptying. Outfield free agents Michael Bourn, Josh Hamilton, Shane Victorino, and Nick Swisher, as well as possible trade candidates Peter Bourjos and Dexter Fowler, are still out there.
One thing is almost for certain: If the Phillies want to contend in 2013, they will need some option in center field that is not John Mayberry, Jr. and/or Michael Martinez. Because yuck, that's why.
If they have to overpay, I'd just as soon they go whole-hog and get Josh Hamilton and get it over with, rather than overpay Michael Bourn. Or give Shane Victorino a nice "Baby Come Back!" phone call.
Stay tuned...