Nov. 15 -- HELMS ON HIS WAY?

He's not Alfonso Soriano, but it seems the Phils are close to signing IF Wes Helms.

Here's a preview of the story I'm filing for Thursday's paper. As usual, I'm curious to get your thoughts. Is this a good move or not?

By SCOTT LAUBER
The News Journal
Before he left this week for the annual GM meetings, Pat Gillick said the Phillies need "more depth" at third base.
Gillick may be about to add just that.
Multiple reports Wednesday night indicated the Phillies were on the verge of signing infielder Wes Helms to a two-year, $5.5 million contract. The Phillies and Helms' agent were discussing an option for a third year that could hike the contract to about $8 million.
Phillies officials wouldn't confirm that a deal had been reached, but indications are it may be finalized by today.
The Phillies opted not to bid on Japanese third baseman Akinori Iwamura. They were interested in signing Mark DeRosa, but the former University of Pennsylvania quarterback instead signed a three-year, $13 million deal with the Chicago Cubs this week.
Aramis Ramirez, the best third baseman on the free-agent market, re-signed with the Cubs for five years and $75 million. The Phillies aren't interested in San Francisco Giants free-agent third baseman Pedro Feliz.
Helms, 30, batted .329 with 10 home runs and 47 RBIs in only 240 at-bats last season for the Florida Marlins. He played first base in 88 of 140 games, mostly in place of rookie Mike Jacobs against left-handed pitchers, but has previous experience as a third baseman for the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers.
The Phillies would split third base between Helms and defensive standout Abraham Nunez, who batted just .211 last season.
Nunez, who manager Charlie Manuel said "made a believer out of me" with his defense, batted .259 after becoming an everyday player once David Bell was traded July 28. Nunez has one year remaining on a two-year, $3.35 million contract.
Helms, a .268 hitter since breaking into the majors with Atlanta in 1998, batted .371 with four doubles, one home run and four RBIs in 35 at-bats against the Phillies last season. He notched a career-high 23 home runs and 67 RBIs with Milwaukee in 2003.