In a piece looking at extension candidates, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports opines that Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips likely asking price is more than 12 million per season over four or five years.
It may seem like a strange comparison, but the deal that Phillips ultimately finds could help determine Shane Victorino's next contract.
Phillips is 30, Victorino is 31. Both have contracts that end after the 2012 season. Both became full-time players in 2006. Both play premium defensive positions. Both possess a blend of speed, power and exceptional fielding skills.
From 2009-11, Phillips hit .284.338.445 with averages of 19 home runs and 80 RBI.
From 2009-11, Victorino hit .277.347.454 with averages of 15 homers and 64 RBI.
During that span, Phillips had 169 extra-base hits. Victorino had 176.
Phillips scored 272 runs. Victorino scored 281.
MLB
Both players won two Gold Gloves. Both players made two All-Star appearances.
Since becoming a full-time player, Phillips has saved 8.5 runs defensively per season, according to Fangraphs. Victorino has saved 5.1 runs annually.
Speed-wise, Victorino has stolen 20 more bases since the two became full-time players. Victorino has been worth 5.3 runs more than Phillips on the bases over that time. So Phillips defensive advantage is negated by Victorinos baserunning advantage.
Even if you take it off the field, each player is a fan favorite with a gregarious personality. Despite the difference in position, the comparison is as close as it gets.
I argued on Phillies Nation TV on March 8 that Victorino should command a contract in the vicinity of four years, 62 million if he is indeed willing to take the slight hometown discount he laid out earlier in the off-season. Torii Hunter signed for 18 million per season over five years at almost the exact same position in his career. A four-year, 62 million deal would be 15.5 million over four seasons.
Signing Phillips appears to be a priority to the Reds, who have been negotiating with the second baseman, according to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
But like the Phillies, who face significantly larger contract talks with Cole Hamels, the Reds must also try to re-up Joey Votto at some point. On their respective teams, both Victorino and Phillips are the second-best players requiring quick contract attention.
Rarely do you find two players with such similar skill sets and overall stats in need of extensions. But if the Reds are able to lock up Phillips during the season, the result could be a more defined framework for talks between the Phillies and their centerfielder.
E-mail Corey Seidman at cseidman@comcastsportsnet.com.