Outfielder So Taguchi has signed a 1-year contract with the Phillies. Taguchi played in 130 games last season for the Cardinals and he was 89 for 307 (.290 avg, .718 OPS) with 48 runs scored, 3 homers, 30 RBIs and 7 stolen bases. Taguchi has now played in 578 games in his major league career and he is 359 for 1,267 (.283 avg, .727 OPS) with 178 runs scored, 19 homers, 174 RBIs and 36 stolen bases. This was a good move by the Phillies as Taguchi is a solid backup outfielder.

The Phillies have signed outfielder Geoff Jenkins to a 2-year contract. The 33-year old lefty swinger played in 132 games last season for the Brewers and he was 107 for 420 (.255 avg, .790 OPS) with 45 runs scored, 21 homers and 64 RBIs. He has now played in 1,234 games in his major league career and he is 1,221 for 4,407 (.277 avg, .843 OPS) with 661 runs scored, 212 homers and 704 RBIs. Look for Jenkins to have a really good season in the potent Phillies attack in 2008.

The Phillies have signed righty starter/reliever Chad Durbin to a 1-year contract. Durbin pitched in 36 games last season for the Tigers and he was 8-7 with 1 save, a 4.72 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP. Durbin has now pitched in 114 games in his major league career and he is 25-37 with 1 save, a 5.75 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP. The Phillies need help in the rotation and they hope Durbin will grab a spot in Spring Training. But, don’t expect Durbin to put up big numbers as last season was a career year for him and the numbers weren’t that great in Detroit.

The Phillies have released Julio Mateo. He didn’t even pitch for the Phillies after they acquired him from the Mariners at the trade deadline. The 30 year old righty reliever was 1-0 with a 3.75 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP last season for the Mariners. He has now pitched in 219 games (1 start) in his major league career and he is 18-12 with 2 saves, a 3.68 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. He will hook on with someone for next season because he’s a talented pitcher despite his off the field issues.