Phillies Reportedly Interested in Twins All-Star Brian Dozier
Another veteran bat has reportedly caught the eyes of the Phillies organization
According to ESPN contributor Darren Wolfson, the Phillies are in the mix for a potential trade involving Twins second baseman Brian Dozier.
Wolfson reports that the Phillies and Angels are two teams he’s heard linked to the Twins power-hitting All-Star.
The Dodgers have also been mentioned as possible trade candidates for the right-hander.
Angels interested, Phillies too, from what I've heard. Sure there's at least one other in the mix, as well.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) November 25, 2016
Adding another veteran bat along side Howie Kendrick could create a formidable line-up for the Phillies heading into 2017. Dozier hit .268 with a career-high 42 home runs for Minnesota last season, and was an MVP candidate down the stretch.
Dozier would add a proven power bat into the middle of Philadelphia’s line-up, which is currently lacking that trait. Maikel Franco and Tommy Joseph are projected to be the power catalysts for next season, combining to hit 46 home runs this season.
The 29-year-old second baseman is entering the third year of a four year deal with the Twins, and is owed $6 million this season. Next year he is slated to make $9 million, but could become a trade chip once again should the Phillies acquire him.
Any trade involving a second baseman would almost certainly involve Cesar Hernandez, whose name has been rumored to be on the trade block. With Scott Kingery playing well in the minor leagues, Hernandez becomes extendable for a young Phillies team.
At face value this trade does not sound like one Matt Klentak would make. However, he does have a history of trading young talent while with the Phillies. Ken Giles was sent to Houston last year for a package of prospects, but that is much different than acquiring a 40 home run hitter.
Klentak would almost certainly have to include another prospect along with Hernandez for Dozier. Carlos Tocci was left off the 40-man roster once again, and could be the odd-man out of the future Phillies outfield. A less-publicized prospect could also be moved in this type of deal.
Dozier has never played in Citizens Bank Park after spending his first five seasons in the American League. Nearly all of his home runs last season went to left field, a potential advantage in The Bank.
Target Field’s “power alley” in left field is 377 feet, three feet further than Citizens Bank Park. That would create just as many home runs at home, a dangerous stat for opposing pitchers.
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A potential line-up with Dozier and Kendrick could fall out as followed:
- Odubel Herrera, CF
- Howie Kendrick, LF
- Maikel Franco, 3B
- Brian Dozier, 2B
- Tommy Joseph, 1B
- Cameron Rupp, C
- Freddy Galvis, SS
- Right Fielder TBD
- Pitcher
That group looks much better than the 2016 Opening Day line-up, which included Cedric Hunter as the starting left fielder.
We will keep you updated regarding anymore potential trade rumors surrounding the Phillies and Twins.