Phillies Interested In Nationals Josh Willingham

The Phillies, looking to repeat as World Champions appear to be very active at this year's deadline. They have been hot-and-heavy in the Roy Halladay sweepstakes, and now it appears they are also looking to add another big right-handed bat. Could the Nationals Josh Willingham be that bat?

According to Chuck Hixson of PhillyBaseballNews.com, that just very well might be the case.

Hixson reports that the Nationals have been scouting nearly every level of the Phillies minor league system lately, and more specifically they've been looking at the Phillies young pitchers.

The 30-year-old Willingham has been a very solid hitter throughout his career with the Nationals and Marlins. This year Willingham is batting .284 with 12 home runs in 246 at-bats with the Nationals.

One scout said Willingham would be a nice addition to the Phillies.

"He's a solid player and could fill a nice role in Philadelphia. They really need that big right-handed bat and Willingham would be one of the better ones out there."

Willingham is an extremely versatile player; he's played several positions in his career that include both left and right field, first base and catcher. He could have great value for a contending team that is looking to provide some relief for their veterans down the stretch.

Additionally, Willingham comes at a very affordable price. He's making just under $3 million this season and is eligible for arbitration for two more seasons before he becomes a free agent.