Phillies rumors: On the market for utility guy, middle infielder

The Philadelphia Phillies are in the market for a middle infielder/utility-type player, a source tells MLB Daily Dish.

It was reported yesterday that the Phillies are one of the teams that have checked in on free agent Ryan Theriot. He would certainly fit the mold of a middle infielder/utility-type, as he’s spent most of his career at either second base or shortstop while also manning third base and left and right field.

Beyond Theriot, other free agent options that could interest Philadelphia include Alex Gonzalez, Jason Bartlett and Yuniesky Betancourt.

The Phillies interest in a player that could potentially man either second or short along with other positions likely has to do with the age and uncertainty of several veteran players. Questions continue to surround second baseman Chase Utley, while projected starting shortstop and third baseman Jimmy Rollins and Michael Young are 34 and 36 years old.

Utley missed over half the season last year due to injury, but Rollins and Young each appeared in 156 games. Still, Philadelphia would likely feel more comfortable entering the season with insurance for its aging infield.