Phillies rumors: Still seeking veteran corner outfielder

The Philadelphia Phillies are still on the hunt for a veteran outfielder so that the club does not have to rely solely on mostly young, unproven players in the corners, reports Todd Zolecki of MLB.com:

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. continues to make calls and send text messages and emails in search of a veteran corner outfielder...

"We've had several talks with free agents, although they're limited now," Amaro said Friday. "We've also talked about some possible trades. We're staying active as far as that is concerned. We're still trying to improve, depth-wise, in our outfield, if we can.

"We don't have proven everyday Major League players on our corners right now. If we can create some depth there, if we can create some competition, I would like to do that."

Philadelphia has been tied to free-agent outfielder Scott Hairston and veteran Vernon Wells -- who is owed $42 million by the Angels over the next two seasons -- in the last few weeks, both of whom remain possibilities, according to Zolecki. The Phillies nearly acquired Hairston in a trade with the Padres in 2009, but San Diego backed out at the last minute.

As it stands now, the Phillies have long-time prospect Domonic Brown, John Mayberry, Laynce Nix, and Darin Ruf as their primary options in the corner outfield spots. Brown may finally get his shot to start in the Citizen's Bank outfield even if the Phillies sign the veteran they are looking for, leaving Mayberry, Nix and Ruf to fight for the fourth outfield spot.