Rosenthal: Phillies, Giants Going After Pagan

The Phillies pursuit of B.J. Upton failed when he signed a five-year, $75.25 million deal with the Atlanta Braves.

But the Phillies pursuit of a starting centerfielder is far from over. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that the Phillies are interested in free agent Angle Pagan, having offered him a four-year deal.

The Phillies aren’t alone. Pagan’s former club, World Champion San Francisco, has also offered Pagan a four-year deal.

Rosenthal writes:

Pagan’s injury history concerns Phillies officials, sources say — he has played in more than 123 games only twice in his career, including last season when he appeared in a career-high 154.

His speed, athleticism and offensive ability, however, are all enticing.

Pagan last season batted .288 with a .778 OPS and stole 29 bases in 36 attempts. His numbers out of the leadoff spot — a .290 batting average and .829 OPS in 338 at-bats — were even better.