This afternoon on WIP, Anthony Gargano reported that the Phillies offered Josh Hamilton a deal for around three years, $80 million. That would be in-line with other offers to Hamilton (there were reports that the Mariners had offered three years, $60-$75 million). 

This is the first indication – from anywhere – that the Phils have offered Hamilton anything. As I wrote in the running commentary, if Hamilton’s going rate really is $75 million or so, then Rube needs to offer 80, or whatever it takes, because this is all, like, less than half of what Hamilton was originally expecting.

I'm assuming, however, that the Rangers will be given a chance to match any offer to Hamilton, especially since they missed out on Zack Greinke and the crazy money he got.

There’s also this, from Glen Macnow, Gargano’s partner in the afternoon:

We can debate CBP being more of a hitters park than the Ballpark in Arlington, but whatevs. This makes me all hot (and a little bit bothered) this holiday season. Do it, Rube.

Jon Heyman reports that the Phillies talked to the Cubs about a Dom Brown for Alfonso Soriano swap. He says Hamilton may be a tough fit for the Phillies.