MVN: Most Valuable Network

-The player I want the Phils to add to the OF corps, photo via Jibby7's flickr photostream Creative Commons License

While the Phillies continue to explore their options in the free agent market to fill the vacancies in their outfield, they announced the signing of a free agent pitcher. The Phillies signed Mike Koplove to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. Koplove has major league experience and pitched for the Dodgers Triple-A affiliate last season.

From 2001-2003, Koplove was an up and coming talent in the Diamondbacks bullpen. He posted a 9-2 record in 95 games over that three year span, with 35 earned runs in 109 and a third innings for an ERA of 2.88. In 2004, Koplove appeared in 76 games and was 4-4 with a 4.05 ERA. His ERA rose to 5.07 in 44 appearances in 2005. Since then, he's only appeared in seven big league games (two with the D'Backs and five with the Indians). He pitched for Las Vegas last year and posted a 2-1 record with a 3.46 ERA.

Koplove is a local product. He pitched for Chestnut Hill Academy before starring at the University of Delaware. He's not better than anyone the Phillies finished the season with in the bullpen, but he is better than Adam Eaton and can add some depth behind Clay Condrey for a callup if and when injuries strike. The Phillies were looking for another guy who can pitch multiple innings out of the pen and Koplove fits that bill. The hope is that he regains the form of his earlier years with the Diamondbacks and pitches well enough in spring training to earn a roster spot.

In additional news, the results of Utley's hip surgery revealed no complications. The Phils are taking the stance that no news is good news. They still have to pursue a temporary replacement for Utley at second base just in case he's out until June.

As for outfield, it would make the most sense to sign Gabe Kapler now as a platoon option for Geoff Jenkins and Matt Stairs.  This would also give them the right handed bat off the bench that they sorely need.  They could still bring Pat Burrell back for the right price or search for another power bat to complement the roster.  However, Kapler can fill a gap that would allow them the flexibility to upgrade the pitching staff.

Right now, the fifth starters position appears to be J.A. Happ's to lose, with the understanding that Jaime Moyer will be back and assume the third starter's spot. Joe Blanton proved to be a great addition in the playoff stretch and is slated to be the fourth starter at the moment. Whether or not Brett Myers can be the number two guy for the full season is a bit of a question mark, but one in which the Phils are confident in Myers ability to work through any struggles. After all, that's why we have spring training.