The Phils remaining top priority (besides finally settling that spat over $4 million with Ryan Howard) is to pick up a trusted right-handed hitter, said General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr.
One guy on the radar has a major pedigree and could fit perfectly into the Phils lineup.
Nomar Garciaparra and the Phillies may be the perfect marriage for the 2009 season.
The Phillies would like to bring Garciaparra to Spring Training, Amaro told Philly.com.
No-Mar (as he was called back in his playing days with Boston) played last season in a part-time role with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Phils fans might remember his at bats during the 2008 NLCS (he went 3 for 7).
Signing No-Mar comes with some risks.
There is a lot of wear and tear on Garciaparra's 35-year-old body. He has never played more than 156 games in a season and hasn't broken the 122 mark since 2003.
He was especially hampered by injuries in 2008 only appearing in 55 games for the Dodgers.
Garciaparra couldn't be expected to be more than a part-time player -- but that is all the Phillies are really looking for right now. They need a righty who can spell the regulars in the infield (Nomar played at third base, first base and shortstop last season) and offer a bit of pop off the bench (eight homers, nine doubles in 163 at bats last season).
Phils fans shouldn't expect that same guy who lit Boston on fire batting better than .300 for six out of seven seasons but they should be happy if the Phils sign No-Mar.
It almost always makes sense to take a chance on a guy with a career average of .314. Add his .525 career slugging percentage, 226 home runs, 362 doubles, 920 RBI and .974 fielding percentage and it's hard to argue his upside.
Garciaparra is still "considering all his options," said his Agent Arn Tellem.
That could mean many things but don't be surprised to see No-Mar in Phillies pinstripes this spring.
