Phillies Notes: Day one wrap of the Winter Meetings

PBR - Some Phillies notes from day one of the Winter Meetings in Nashville ...

• Angel Pagan signed a four-year deal with the Giants for $40 million. A source close to the negotiations said the Phillies did in fact offer a three-year deal but were not willing to go four. [Story]
• The Pagan signing means Josh Hamilton, Michael Bourn and Shane Victorino are the leading candidates for the Phillies in center field.
• Victorino has been contacted by seven clubs and already has several three and four-year offers. He is seeking a minimum of three-years at $30 million. The Phillies have little interest in meeting those demands.
• A source with the Rockies confirmed that several clubs have asked about Dexter Fowler and various reports indicate the Phillies may have been one of those teams. The Rockies are in need of major league ready pitching and prospects. Fowler won't become a free agent until 2016 so his price likely will be high. [Story]
• The Yankees are in the market for a third baseman as Alex Rodriguez will miss a portion of next season after undergoing surgery to repair his right hip. The market was already barren so adding another team means values will likely spike - Eric Chavez and Kevin Youkilis are two possibilities for the Phillies, but the center field situation will dictate what can (or can't) be done about third base. [Story]
• General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told reporters that the Phillies didn't necessarily have a Plan A for center field entering the Winter Meetings, but rather had 10 Plan B's.
• Sources confirmed the Phillies spoke with representatives for outfielder Ichiro Suzuki and reliever Jason Isringhausen, though neither is a likely fit for the club.
• Former closer Brad Lidge announced his plans to retire this winter. [Story]

- Patrick Gordon is the editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @Philabaseball on Twitter.