BY SCOTT LAUBERLAS VEGAS -- Just came out of our meeting with Ruben Amaro Jr., and there isn't much to report. Amaro and his lieutenants -- we're calling them "Amaro's Eleven," in honor of being at the Bellagio -- held internal meetings this morning, then talked with the agents for several free agents as well as a few of their own arbitration-eligible players and execs from other clubs about possible trades. Amaro didn't discuss many specifics -- or confirm many of the things we've been hearing all day in the lobby. Here, though, are a few highlights:
--There has been no progress on the Jamie Moyer front. Amaro didn't talk with Moyer's agent today, and that agent, Jim Bronner, refused to comment on the negotiations. From what I can tell, the major stumbling block is, in fact, money. It seems the sides differ on Moyer's value for 2009 because of his complex 2008 salary terms. Moyer's base salary was $3.5 million. It rose to $4.5 million when he reached 170 innings in 2007. Then, it rose to $5.5 million when he hit the 180-inning mark. And with performance bonuses for 165, 175 and 185 innings in 2008, his salary climbed to $7 million. So, should Moyer get a raise from $7 million in 2009? Or should he get a raise from the base of $3.5 million or $5.5 million? That's where the sides may disagree.
--Randy Wolf is one of the free-agent pitchers the Phillies would consider, even though he rejected their offers in each of the past two offseasons. Amaro, it seems, isn't holding that against Wolf, but I'm sure the Phils don't want to be turned down a third time.
--Contrary to reports in the Japanese press, Amaro said the Phillies haven't made a contract offer to Tadahito Iguchi, even after Chase Utley had his surgery. They have, however, talked to Nick Punto.
--Haven't been able to get any confirmation on the Delmon Young rumor with the Twins. But the Phillies are in no rush to trade Jason Donald.
Got to start writing for The Paper. More later.
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