Phillies Notebook: Phillies, Hamels begin talks on long-term deal

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Might Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay soon be joined by another high-priced ace?

John Boggs, the agent for lefthander Cole Hamels, is in Clearwater to begin negotiations with the Phillies on a long-term extension for his client, who is scheduled to become a free agent after the season.

The meeting does not come as a surprise; Hamels said at the start of camp that he expected negotiations to begin soon. Boggs did not immediately return a request for comment, but he told CSNPhilly.com that he is "always optimistic" when it comes to negotiations.

Asked if a long-term extension might be signed before the end of spring training, Boggs told the website, "I don't see that happening. But I really don't want to handicap it. We can continue talking by telephone after I leave."

Hamels has said he wants to remain with the Phillies, and the team has said they want to make that happen.

At 28 years old, the lefty is poised to enter free agency as the top starting pitcher available.

Hamels avoided arbitration this offseason, signing a 1-year, $15 million contract. On the open market, he likely would command a deal worth more than $20 million annually.

Halladay is making $20 million this season and $20 million next season. Last offseason, the Phillies signed Lee to a 5-year contract worth an average of $24 million annually.

Catcher Carlos Ruiz saw his first action of the spring in yesterday's 7-0 victory over the Blue Jays, and was 2-for-2.

Charlie Manuel is making a concerted effort to get some of his highly trafficked veterans some regular rest this March. Ruiz played in a career-high 132 games last season but has spent time on the disabled list in each of the last three seasons. In 2011, he missed 15 days with a lower-back injury. He also missed a few games after being struck in the groin area with a foul ball in August.

In 2010, he missed 21 days with a concussion. In 2009, he missed 22 days with an oblique strain.

The only regular other than Ryan Howard who has yet to play is second baseman Chase Utley. Manuel said on Monday that he still does not know when he will get Utley into a game for the first time.

Righthander Kyle Kendrick and lefthander Cliff Lee both pitched two scoreless innings and relievers Jeremy Horst, Michael Schwimer, J.C. Ramirez, Raul Valdes and Jake Diekman combined to hold the Blue Jays to four hits and one walk with five strikeouts in the final five innings of play. Ty Wigginton, Scott Podsednik and Freddy Galvis all doubled, while Shane Victorino hit a two-run single. Righthander Vance Worley will make his Grapefruit League debut today against the Astros at Bright House Field.