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Philadelphia Phillies sign IF Placido Polanco

He previously played for the Phillies from 2002 to 2005. From ESPN-

Placido Polanco is returning to the Philadelphia Phillies, signing a three-year, $18 million deal, with a mutual option for a fourth year.

The 34-year-old infielder arrived in Philadelphia on Thursday morning to take a physical, and told NBC-10 TV’s John Clark that he’s “excited to join a championship team.”

Before Wednesday, the Phillies appeared to be locked in on three potential free-agent third basemen — Polanco, Adrian Beltre and Mark DeRosa. But talks intensified with Polanco’s agents Wednesday, a day after his old team, the Tigers, declined to offer him arbitration.

Polanco is a Type A free agent, so the decision to not offer him arbitration means the Phillies signed him without losing their first-round draft pick.

Polanco played for the Phillies from 2002 to 2005. And their mutual familiarity appeared to be a major force driving their pursuit.

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The Phillies declined the option on third baseman Pedro Feliz last month to see if they could find a righthanded-hitting offensive upgrade who could help balance their left-leaning lineup. They envision Polanco hitting second behind Jimmy Rollins, a move that would drop Shane Victorino lower in the order.

Polanco batted .337 at Citizens Bank Park while with the Phillies, with more walks (23) than strikeouts (20).

Philadelphia likes Polanco’s plate discipline. I think the signing was a good move. Polanco a more than solid Major League Baseball player.

 
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