Rollins, Madson, Oswalt are Type A free agents

Shortstop Jimmy Rollins and pitchers Ryan Madson and Roy Oswalt have officially been assigned Type A free-agent status by the Elias Sports Bureau rankings, which means the Phillies will be eligible for draft compensation should any of those players sign elsewhere.

In order to receive compensation, the Phillies will have to offer each player salary arbitration by Nov. 23. That scenario is not guaranteed, especially in the case of Oswalt. It's unlikely the Phillies would want to risk Oswalt accepting arbitration and receiving a hefty one-year salary. It seems likely, on the other hand, that will offer salary arbitration to Madson and Rollins.

Under the current collective bargaining agreement, which expires Dec. 11, if a Type A free agent declines arbitration and signs elsewhere, the team losing the player is compensated with one pick from the team that signs him and a compensatory pick between the first and second rounds.

Reliever Brad Lidge and left fielder Raul Ibanez were classified as Type B free agents, but it's highly unlikely either will be offered salary arbitration, which means the Phillies will not be eligible for a compensatory pick for either player.

Minnesota's Michael Cuddyer, who we earlier suggested should be targeted by the Phillies in free agency, (http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/phillies_zone/132916963.html) was also classified as a Type A free agent.

Interestingly, Aramis Ramirez, who opted out of his option with the Chicago Cubs, is a Type B free agent, which means the team that signs him will not have to forfeit a draft pick.

Here's the full list as posted on MLB Trade Rumors web site: