Meet the Philadelphia Phillies New Third Baseman: Pedro Feliz

Pending a physical that signifies he's healthy enough, Pedro Feliz, who became a free agent this year after several years with the San Francisco Giants, will be the newest member of the Philadelphia Phillies. According to Associated Press sports writer Rob Maaddi, Feliz will sign an $8.5 million contract with options and bonuses that could make the total package worth $15 million (over three years). An anonymous source reports that Philadelphia will have a team option for 2010 as well.

Hitting 20 homers four years in a row, Feliz finished last season with a .253 batting average and 72 RBIs. The 33-year-old is expected to strenthen the Phillies hitting and bat low in the lineup, possibly sixth or seventh, according to Phillies manager Charlie Manuel. Along with Feliz, the Phillies also added outfielders Geoff Jenkins and So Taguchi, as well as pitcher Chad Durbin, all free agents this offseason. In a trade with Houston, hey acquired utility man Eric Bruntlett and releif pitcher Brad Lidge.

Feliz, who has played his entire career with the San Francisco Giants, became a free agent at the end of last season. Feliz had remained in San Francisco for another year to hopefully make his stock rise. Philadelphia, winners of the Natioanal League East last year, had three third basemen last year who combined for a total of 11 home runs, 76 RBIs, and averaged .255 hitting. Of the three, Greg Dobbs and Wes Helms are still on the roster. Philadelphia declined a $2.5 million option on the other third basemen, Abraham Nunez in October. The Phillies are also at their 40-man roster limit, which means that at least one of their existing trio of third basemen will be subject to a trade or demotion to minor league.

San Francisco will now have to fill the void that Feliz leaves at third base. The Giants were looking at Scott Rolen and Joe Crede, but Rolen signed with St. Louis on January 16 and Crede re-signed with the White Sox on January 17.

Sources:

Associated Press, "Phillies Decline on Rod Barajas and Abraham Nunez", ESPN.com

Scott Lauber, "Philles close to deal with slugging third baseman Feliz", Delawareonline.com