Phillies, Victorino agree on 3-year deal

All signs point to the Phillies wrapping up their arbitration cases well before hearings are set to begin on Feb. 1.

Last night, according to the team's Web site, the Phils agreed to a 3-year deal for $22 million with centerfielder Shane Victorino, leaving catcher Carlos Ruiz as the lone unsigned arbitration-eligible player.

Ruiz asked for $2.5 million and was offered $1.7 million.

Victorino, general manager Ruben Amaro and assistant GM Scott Proefrock could not be reached for comment last night, but Proefrock sounded optimistic earlier in the day.

"The negotiations are continuing," he said. "We hope to have them done well before we go to a hearing, in both cases."

Victorino passed a physical yesterday, paving the way for a news conference today to announce the deal, the Web site said.

The two-time Gold Glover, who had requested a raise from $3.175 million to $5.8 million, hit .292 with a .358 on-base percentage, 13 triples, 25 stolen bases, 62 RBI and 102 runs last season.

- David Murphy