Park Agrees to Terms

The Phillies have reached a tentative agreement with free agent righthanded pitcher Chan Ho Park, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. just confirmed.

Park must pass a physical before the deal becomes official.

The Korea Times reports it is a one-year, $2.5 million contract with performance bonuses that could push the contract to $5 million. It quotes Park as saying, "I was a little worried about the Citizen Bank Park, the home of the Phillies, which is hitter-friendly, but as they considered me as a starter, I signed with Philadelphia."

Park's name first surfaced last week during the winter meetings in Las Vegas as the Phillies were searching for a relief pitcher who can throw multiple innings. Park is believed to be that guy, although Amaro wouldn't discuss Park's role, specifically, when he was asked about Park's quote that he would be considered as a starter. I'm sure that's not a stretch. Park has started in the past, and perhaps this is a similar situation as Chad Durbin last year, when he came into spring training as a reliever/starter. The Phillies like to have as much depth as possible. I think Park will be in the bullpen, but he obviously is capable of starting should the need arise.

I don't think this means the end to Jamie Moyer or anything like that.

Park went 4-4 with a 3.40 ERA in 54 appearances (five starts) last season with the Dodgers.

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The New York Mets haven't exactly been a strong squad in recent Septembers. A major reason has been their bullpen.

They've been brutal.

But the Mets think they addressed those shortcomings last week when they signed Francisco Rodriguez to a three-year, $37 million contract then traded for Seattle's J.J. Putz. Both are closers and all-stars. Rodriguez set the single-season record with 62 saves for the Los Angeles Angels last season. Putz had a combined 76 saves in 2006 and 2007, but struggled with injuries in 2008 -- although the Mets think Putz's last two months with the Mariners show he is back.

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Chase Utley meets with reporters today at Citizens Bank Park to talk about his hip surgery.