New Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon signed to a four-year, $50 million contract as a free agent on Nov. 14. It's the largest total deal for a player at his position. Papelbon has the third-most saves in baseball since 2006.
Dontrelle Willis has a few key stats that make him appealing to the Phillies. Chief among them may be the fact that lefties have hit only .200 against Willis in his career, and .127 against him last season.
Initially expected to help fill in for Ryan Howard at first base, Ty Wigginton also can play second and third. That could come in handy if Chase Utley or Placido Polanco gets hurt again.
Laynce Nix will provide the Phillies insurance in leftfield behind John Mayberry Jr. and provide power as a lefthanded hitter off the bench. He can play all three outfield positions.
Jim Thome is back with the Phillies, and back with the man who turned him into one of the best sluggers in recent years: Charlie Manuel. This time around, he'll be expected mostly to pinch-hit.
The Phillies will return seven of eight position players - once Ryan Howard recovers - and four of their five starters from last season. But that does not mean the team has not undergone important changes this offseason.
TRUSTS CHOOCH IN A PINCH
