New News is Non-News

It's been a pretty dull hot stove league for Phillies fans although a little thing called a World Series Championship sure does go a long way in tiding us over.  Today, however, brought news that the Phillies have contacted free-agent pitchers Derek Lowe and A.J. Burnett.

At first glance, this news makes you wonder if negotiations between the Phillies and Jamie Moyer aren't going very well.  What many thought to be a quickly done deal between the two sides has been anything but.

After greater consideration though, there is probably very little that will result from the Phillies contacting the two pitchers.  Each pitcher reportedly wants a five-year deal, something the Phillies are typically reluctant to offer anyone not named "Utley".

But at the same time, the long the Moyer negotiations drag on, the more it makes you think something is going on the the two sides just can't get past.

From everything we hear, Moyer will more than likely be back with the Phillies for next year, but I have to say, I'm going to feel a lot more relieved when the signing is announced than I thought I would be a couple of weeks ago.