Phillies still looking at options
Though camp is still young, the Phillies are still in the midst of piecing together a starting rotation behind staff ace Aaron Nola. Given the circumstances, it's not much of a surprise the club continues to be linked to free agent hurlers that have the potential to make an immediate difference.

Sources close to the Philadelphia Baseball Review confirmed on Friday the club recently spoke with Lance Lynn's agent. The Phillies have also recently been connected to Jake Arrieta and Alex Cobb.

The Phillies have the cash to make a serious play on any of the three, and MLB.com's Paul Morosi reported Thursday the organization is considering signing two of the three top starters left on the market.

The potential is there, but it's an unlikely move. For one, the Phillies are not interested in entering into long term deals with pitchers and all three are seeking contracts in excess of three years. It's a move that may prove short term value, but it's a long term hindrance.

In addition to the cash, if the Phillies were to ink either Lynn or Cobb the move would cost the club a draft pick as both players were offered qualifying offers. The Phillies already lost a draft pick by signing Carlos Santana.

Signing any of the remaining prized free agent hurlers will likely improve the Phillies win total from a year ago, but is improving to, say, the 86-win mark enough to compensate for adding contracts that'll weigh the club down when it truly expects to contend?

Probably not.

The Phillies are content waiting, and if nothing goes the way they want via free agency they have no qualms moving forward with the crop of pitchers already in camp.
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Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PGordonPBR

BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com

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