Moyer, Dobbs, Hoover become free agents

Jamie Moyer, Greg Dobbs, and Paul Hoover were removed from the Phillies' 40-man roster on Thursday. All three chose to become free agents.

Dobbs' move is the most noteworthy. The 32-year-old utility infielder was eligible for arbitration, and the Phillies could have offered him a contract. Instead, they took him off the roster. Dobbs chose that opportunity to become a free agent.

On the championship team of 2008, Dobbs was a key member as the top pinch-hitter. But he struggled in that role during the last two seasons and twice was designated for assignment in 2010. He still made the division series roster but was left off it for the National League Championship Series.

Moyer's move was procedural. His contract has expired, and he will be allowed to negotiate with other teams five days after the World Series is completed.

The lefthander, who will turn 48 in November, said at the end of the NLCS that he would play winter ball in the Dominican Republic. That, he said, will be to prove to other teams he is healthy after suffering elbow and forearm injuries in July. During the postseason, Moyer said he was well enough to take the mound, but the Phillies declined to send him to the Florida Instructional League.

Moyer may have to accept a minor-league deal to go to spring training in February. In 24 major-league seasons, he has 267 victories.

Hoover, a 34-year-old catcher, played in nine games for the Phillies in 2010. He has spent the last two seasons in the organization.

The team's 40-man roster stands at 38 players.

Halladay honored. Roy Halladay was named the National League's most outstanding pitcher by his peers in the 2010 Players Choice Awards. Halladay, 33, likely will win the Cy Young Award. The winner will be named Nov. 16.