"I think we've laid some pretty good groundwork, that we have a decent shot at it," he said. "We're still hopeful."
Reyes, who turns 34 in April, has spent the last two seasons as a lefty specialist for the Cardinals. He finished 2010 with the second-worst strikeout-to-walk ratio of his career, fanning 25 and walking 21 in 38 innings over 59 appearances. He also had some difficulty against lefthanded hitters, allowing them to hit .307 with a .409 on-base percentage and .453 slugging percentage in 88 plate appearances (he held righties to a .177/.288/.194 line in 75 plate appearances). His numbers against lefties were much better in 2008 (.202/.250/.287) and 2009 (.207/.288/.228). Over the last five seasons, he has averaged 65 appearances with a 2.63 ERA.
The Phillies also have not closed the door on re-signing righthander Chad Durbin, a workhorse for the team over the last three seasons. Durbin, who happens to be in town, dropped by the winter meetings yesterday and met with Amaro and assistant GM Scott Proefrock. According to a person with knowledge of the discussions, both sides are optimistic a deal will get done.
"We are keeping the lines of communication open," Amaro said.
One player who does not interest the Phillies is righthander Chan Ho Park, who performed well for them in 2009 before signing as a free agent with the Yankees.
