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Phillies make aggressively questionable moves in offseason's infancy

The Phillies have been one of the busier teams of the early offseason, though their moves have hardly been blockbusters and often debated.

11/10: Phillies in on Bronson Arroyo

The Phillies were one of the first teams listed as having interest in the 36-year-old Reds low velocity starter, along with the Giants and Twins.

11/12: Phillies sign Marlon Byrd

In one of the offseason's first moves from the GM Meetings in Orlando, Ruben Amaro jumped on 36-year-old outfieler Marlon Byrd, whose breakout season in the twilight of his career gave him a jump in pay from $700,000 to $8 million.

11/16: Phils in on Mujica?

The 29-year-old Cardinals setup man was rumored to be in the Phillies bullpen targeting reticle, but the idea that Amaro was willing to offer a reliever a three year deal quelled enthusiasm, despite Mujica's documented effectiveness. Also, the Cardinals are one of baseball's most well-oiled machines; if they're willing to let a guy go without a fight, something may be up with him.

11/18: Team still likes Peter Bourjos

The Phillies' interest in right-handed Ben Revere, Peter Bourjos, was again noted by Ken Rosenthal, who explained that if they hadn't signed him after this much time, they wouldn't at all, and the more fitting option remains Grady Sizemore.

11/18: Chooch re-signs with Phils

The catching question was answered, after rumors swirling about the Rockies or Red Sox swooping in for Carlos Ruiz, and the Phillies' backup plan including A.J. Pierzynski. Chooch reunited with the only team he's ever played for a three year deal with a fourth year option for $26 million, a debatable deal for a catcher who will be 34 on opening day 2014.

11/19: Phillies grab Reid Brignac

Former highly-touted prospect Reid Brignac was snagged by Amaro on a minor league deal to provide furhter infield depth from Lehigh Valley. The 27-year-old has become more renown for his defense than his .221 lifetime BA, and will likely fill a utility role throughout the season.

11/20: 2014 lineup set?

MLB.com's Todd Zolecki pointed out that with the Byrd and Ruiz signings, the Phillies major offensive holes could be filled, thus giving them a theoretical 2014 lineup.

11/20: Phillies don't excel in AFL

Baseball America produced a Top 20 prospects league, based on performance in the Arizona Fall League, and neither it, nor the list of five subsequent runners-up, included any of the Phillies prospects.

11/21: Final decisions made on 40-man roster

The Phillies brought in four prospects to their 40-man roster, including Tommy Joseph (22, former catcher with concussion issues), Aaron Altherr (22, outfielder who underperformed in the Arizona Fall League but remains a high ceiling prospect), and Kelly Dugan (23, Australian-born outfielder whose breakout offensive numbers from Clearwater and Reading in 2013 caught some attention), and Rob Rasmussen (24, lefty acquired in Michael Young trade with the Dodgers).

11/22: Phillies hire their pitching coach

Bob McClure, former Red Sox pitching coach and MLB pitcher, was brought in to fill Rich Dubee's shoes.