Phillies and Michaels Avoid Arbitration

The Phillies signed Jason Michaels to a one-year, $1.5 million deal on Monday.  JMike will continue to play a backup role and may even see a reduction playing time with Aaron Rowand now on the roster.   Michaels played in 105 games last season while platooning with Kenny Lofton.  Also with the emergence of Shane Victorino he may even have some competition as the number 4 outfielder (and don’t forget Josh Kroeger was signed last week too).  Still, he’s a great pinch-hitter with a .399 OBP and can play the corners at least as good as Abreu and Burrell.  He definitely could be a starter elsewhere – Peter Gammons continues report that the Red Sox are interested in him as their centerfield starter.  Signing Michaels to a deal now probably won’t have much effect on his possibility of being traded.  The Sox aren’t willing to give up Matt Clement, but perhaps Bronson Arroyo.  The Sox are expected to sign him soon as to avoid arbitration, like the Phils and Michaels.  He made $1.85 mil last year, so there could be potential for a straight up trade; though Gillick has been quoted in saying, "We feel confident he’ll be able to help us a lot this season."