The Detroit Tigers may prefer not to have Placido Polanco on their roster next year, opting not to offer him arbitration yesterday. But a handful of other teams are interested in signing him, now that they don't have to give up a first-round draft pick to do so.
According to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki, the Phillies have been "very aggressive" in pursuing Polanco, as they've zeroed in on him (over Adrian Beltre and Mark DeRosa) to be their third baseman next year.
Zolecki's report was later corroborated by ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, who said Philadelphia is making a "very serious" effort, and likes the idea of Polanco hitting second, between Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley. The FOXSports.com combo of Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi added that Polanco could receive a two-year deal worth between $10 million and $12 million.
(via MLB Trade Rumors)
In addition, Brian McTaggert reports on the MLB.com Hot Stove Blog that the Astros are also interested in Polanco. Houston GM Ed Wade is familiar with Polanco from their days in Philadelphia. According to Ian Browne, the Red Sox are also looking at the Tigers' former second baseman.
From all accounts, however, the Phillies may already be too far ahead with Polanco, as they've made signing him a priority.