Joe Blanton

As the arbitration deadline quickly approaches, the defending National League Champs still have three players to come to terms with. Carlos Ruiz is asking for $2.875 mill, while the Phillies are offering $1.85 million. Centerfielder Shane Victorino is asking for $5.8 million, while the Phillies are offering $4.75 million. Finally, we have righty Joe Blanton, with whom the Phillies remain the farthest apart with. Blanton is asking for $10.25 million, and the Phillies are offering $7.5 million.

CSNPhilly.com is also reporting that Victorino’s agents and the Phillies are in serious discussions over a multi-year deal that would essentially cover the rest of Victorino’s arbitration eligible seasons. Even without a multi-year deal, the Phillies have a good chance of winning the cases with Victorino and Ruiz, and are almost certain to win the case with Blanton. His request for $10.25 million is extremely inflated and is unlikely to be honored by the arbiters.

The best case scenario for both sides would be to come to deal before the February 1 deadline, as the arbitration process can be touchy. The club has to present a case to a panel of arbitrators as to why the player does NOT deserve the salary they are requesting and this can sometimes alienate a player. This was a big concern when Ryan Howard went to arbitration, and eventually won his case, receiving a record $10 million. Hopefully all three players can come to terms before the deadline and the team can begin to focus on the 2010 season.

News and Notes: Last week the Phillies made a huge splash in the free-agent market, signing former Phillie, Brandon Duckworth. In his time with the Phillies Duckworth appeared in 65 games, compiling an ERA of 4.87. Following the 2003 season, he was a part of the package traded to the Houston Astros for Billy Wagner. Coming off a 3-season stint with the Kansas City Royals, he received a minor league deal from the Phils and is unlikely to see any time in the big leagues. The Duck Pond will be back in Lehigh Valley.

Tags: Arbitration, Baseball, best case scenario, billy wagner, Blanton, brandon duckworth, Houston Astros, Joe Blanton, league champs, MLB, phillie, Phillies, Ryan Howard, season news, Shane Victorino., unsigned