THE PHILLIES have not ruled out signing both Ryan Madson and Jimmy Rollins, although they have given indications that they view Madson as more of a priority. Parting with Rollins would increase the need to upgrade their offense at leftfield and third base. Here are five hitters the Phillies could target:
1) David DeJesus, 31, OF/LHB: When Ruben Amaro detailed the change he would like to see in his lineup's approach, he might as well have asked DeJesus to send in his resume. He's a contact hitter who hits the ball to all fields. He is a good baserunner, puts together good at-bats, is a solid defensive player, and, oh by the way, has a career .284 batting average and .356 on-base percentage. He is also coming off the least productive season of his career, having hit .240 with a .323 OBP and 86 strikeouts after an offseason trade from Kansas City to Oakland. Maybe he is getting old fast, but DeJesus hit .318/.384 in 2010 and may have been affected by a thumb injury last season. Either way, he could provide a perfect fit at a good value in leftfield, although he can play all three outfield positions.
