According to sources, the Philadelphia Phillies are heavily pursuing Minnesota Twins’ All-Star Michael Cuddyer.
Cuddyer, 32, can play three positions well: left field, right field, third base, and first base. He can also play a little bit of second base, left field, and center field.
He has spent his entire 11-year career with the Twins. He collected some MVP votes in 2009 when he slugged 32 homers and drove in 94. Last season, he was named an All-Star for the first time when he batted .284 with 20 home runs.
If he was signed by the Phillies, he could start at one of three different positions. He could fill the likely void in left field after 39-year old outfielder Raul Ibanez leaves via free agency. He could start over Placido Polanco (who would probably be a utility player at third, second, or even in the corner outfield positions). Or he could fill in for Howard at first base while the slugger recovers from his injury (and then he could switch to left or third when Howard returns).
Either way, he would be a tremendous addition to a club that just added his close friend, Jim Thome, yesterday night. Cuddyer is a .338 career postseason hitter but has never played for a World Series champion.
He is exactly the kind of player the Phillies need to continue contending in the National League.
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