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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy has retired from the Dayton Daily News after covering the Cincinnati Reds for 37 years. Hal's blog, though, will continue to be a must-read for Reds fans. He'll share his thoughts on the team this season and will file updates from Great American Ball Park. You also can catch Hal in print every Sunday in his popular Ask Hal columnHome > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2008 > February > 14 > Entry
Long-term deal for Phillips
Brandon Phillips and the Cincinnati Reds have agreed in principle to a long-term deal, a source close to the negotiations told the Dayton Daily News on Thursday night.
Terms and length of the deal were not available, but the long-term deal is done and an arbitration hearing between the Reds and Phillips has been canceled.
Phillips was asking for a one-year contract worth $4.5 million and the Reds were offering a one-year, $2.7 million deal. The long-term deal wipes that all out.
Phillips, 26, had a breakout season in 2007, blossoming as a star both offensively and defensively.
The Stone Mountain, Ga., resident, acquired from the Cleveland Indians during the spring of 2006 for right-handed pitcher Jeff Stevens, hit .288 and was a 30/30 player - 30 home runs and 32 stolen bases (in 40 attempts). He also drove in 94 runs and scored 107. He was the team’s clean-up hitter most of the second half.
On defense, he was spectacular and probably should have won the Gold Glove. He led the National League in fielding percentage for a second baseman (.990) and made only eight errors.
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Comments
By Kristen
February 15, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
its great that they BP to a long term deal he deserves to become team cap. he brings heart and emotion to the team something they’ve been lacking for years. Now lets get some good pithers in cincy!!!!!!
By weshouldhiredtonylarussa
February 15, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Its great Phillips in signed.However the last time I check he doesn’t pitch, the Reds need pitching, starting pitching to contend the the division. Mr.C give pscho Krivsky the ok to obtain a frontline starter then I may start thinking of playoff tickets.
By mikebekly
February 15, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
great defense starts up the middle thats good manement good job.
By Joe Monte
February 15, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
When Robinson Cano signed a 4 year deal at $30 million, the Reds had no chance of winning the arbitration case at $2.7 million vs Phillips’s demand of $4.5 million. It’s a smart move by the Reds front office by locking up an elite player at 2B.
By tom
February 15, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Good news. We’ve got a team leader to build around. He plays with passion and also has a great smile.
By mixmaster mike
February 15, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Phillips is an elite player who would be a Gold Glove/Silver Slugger winner if he played in Boston or NY. But that won’t happen now that he is signed long-term. It is great news because, at the very least, they avoided arbitration and the bitterness the process can bring. I am thrilled that management has locked up our best position player. He is young, fast, hits for average & power, and plays great defense. Oh yeah, he has matured a ton since his Cleveland days and should be the face of the franchise for years to come. I love the passion he shows and his emerging leadership in the clubhouse.
By sinsinnati
February 15, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
well heres another example of the reds signing people too early. phillips still has a few years before he can be a free agent, the reds would have won the arbitration. i’m glad to see them put the effort into keeping this talent, but i hope the long term contract isnt over priced.
By Sean
February 15, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Great move regardless of what the ownership shelled out. BP has all of the makings of a leader. Further I hope he is named the team Captain. THANK YOU BOB!!!!!
By Chris
February 15, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
I don’t know how anyone can say “great news” (or “terrible news,” for that matter) until we hear the dollars and number of years.
By Brett
February 15, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
Hal…Thanks for the great news… Thank You Reds and Thank You BP for staying in Cincy….
By Mo
February 15, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this
As always, Hal, you are THE MAN!
By deuce
February 15, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
BP is awesome! The most solid all around player on the team. Plays all-out every game. Always comes through with a big play one way or another nearly every game. Barry Larkin-esk.
By Joe in Virginia Beach
February 15, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this
Excellent news, strong up the middle is how you win consistently. Now let’s see if our young guns can pitch!
By Gary Matney
February 15, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this
Very good idea to lock him up before his value exceeds the Reds willingness to spen.
By Dennis C
February 15, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this
Great news, they really needed to lock this guy up. I don’t even think he’s hit his prime yet.
By kas4474
February 15, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
he will have another great year for the red then they will trade him to rebuild like they have been doing since 99
By matty boy
February 14, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
awesome, I love to watch him play. He seems to have great passion and character!
By Scott Deaner
February 14, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
This is great news! Thanks for the info Hal.