The Phillies have avoided arbitration trials with the signing of outfielder Ben Francisco and pitcher Kyle Kendrick.
Francisco, who signed his deal yesterday, will make $1.175 million, with the chance to earn some more money via incentives. He will earn an extra $25,000 if he achieves 400, 450 and 500 plate appearance.
The 29-year old has a chance to start in right field if the Phillies decide to place Domonic Brown back in the minors.
Kendrick, on the other hand, signed a $2.45 million, one-year contract and could very well be the fifth starter in the rotation considering that the Phils are expected to part ways with Joe Blanton and his $11 million contract.
Over his four-year career, Kendrick has amassed a record of 35-24 with a 4.69 ERA.
With Francisco and Kendrick locked up, the Phillies’ payroll has risen to $164.825.
But that number should decrease once the Phils find a suitor willing to take on some, if not all, of Blanton’s salary.
A deal for Blanton will most likely surface when free-agent pitcher Carl Pavano makes up his mind. He appears to be leaning closer to a re-signing with Minnesota, which means that all of the teams who missed out on him would get in on the Blanton sweepstakes.
The Phillies, who have 21 members on their roster, still need to fill up their vacant bench spots. We most likely won’t see them sign anyone until Blanton departs, which would make spending money available.
Great opportunity for both these players who are still young to go out and have good seasons for
a contending team which helps themselves out for a bigger contract in the future.. They should have all the motivation they need to play hard,play smart and do their best to succeed…