PHILLIES NEWS

The Phillies continued their offseason today by signing catcher Rod Barajas to a 3 year deal. Barajas will likely share time at catcher with rookie Carlos Ruiz who saw some action with the Phillies last season. Mike Lieberthal recently signed with his hometown L.A Dodgers, so he won't back this season, and Chris Coste the 33 year old catcher who broke in with Phils last season will likely spend this season as a pinch hitter, and the Phils number 3 catcher, who can also play first and third base. Also, the Phils rounded out their wheeling and dealing today by trading outfielder Jeff Conine to the Reds for minor league infielder Brad key and outfielder Javon Moran. Conine became expendable with the Phils recent acquisition of Jason Werth, so this trade should come as no surprise.