Blanton signed, Victorino about to follow

Written by Mike Mariano | 21 January 2010

Joe Blanton just inked himself $24M over the next three years.  Big Fat Joe avoids arbitration this year to add on the next two years of free agency after.  I'm still upset with Joe for being the $8 million dollar reason that the Phillies couldn't retain Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay, but we've been over that already.  Blanton was a solid piece in the World Series run and pitched great last season.  This contract is deserved for a good middle of the rotation guy and eats innings on a team that desperately needs it.

More importantly/excitingly(?)/significantly, Craig Calcaterra of NBC's Circling the Bases writes that a source reports a 3 year, $22M extension for Shane Victorino.  Shane avoids arbitration and gets a raise that acknowledges his strong play over the past few years.  Not only was he a great player, he made Mets fans absolutely crazy which is worth half that salary alone.  Carlos Ruiz will be the only arbitration guy remaining for the Phillies if this move indeed passes through.