1987 Donruss #165 Juan Samuel

On June 18, 1989, the Phillies traded Juan Samuel to the Mets for Lenny Dykstra, Roger McDowell and a player to be named later.  A few days ago, over 21 years later, Sammy returned to his original organization as the Phillies' new third base coach.  (Sam Perlozzo, the Phillies' third base coach for the past two years, will move over to first to accommodate Samuel.)  Sammy was always popular here in Philly, and it was a sad day back in 1989 when then GM Lee Thomas executed back-to-back trades to unload fan favorites Samuel and Steve Bedrosian.  The Phillies have a habit of bringing back their old alumni, and if the past is any indication, I predict an influx of ex-Phillies from the '80s and '90s making their way back into the fold in the coming years.  Speaking of which . . .

Rumored to be In:  It looks as if another former Phillie, Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, could be returning to the organization as well.  Sandberg recently parted ways with the Cubs when they decided to go with Mike Quade as their new manager instead of him.  Sandberg has been mentioned as the possible new manager for the Phillies' AAA team in Lehigh Valley.  Mickey Morandini's name has also come up recently as it's possible the former second baseman could join the Phils in some sort of player development capacity.

Definitely In:  The Phils signed a trio of players to minor league deals this week - right-handed reliever Eddie Bonine, catcher Erik Kratz and infielder Pete Orr.  They also resigned catcher Dane Sardinha, who appeared in 13 games with the Phillies in 2010.

2010 Topps Update #US-95

Probably Out:  At the conclusion of this year's World Series (remember that?), five Phillies automatically became free agents - relievers J.C. Romero, Chad Durbin and Jose Contreras, first baseman Mike Sweeney and right fielder Jayson Werth.  They joined third baseman/pinch-hitter Greg Dobbs and starting pitcher Jamie Moyer on the lengthy list of free agents hoping to find homes for 2011. 

Three former Phillies also became minor league free agents - catcher Paul Hoover, first baseman Andy Tracy and infielder Cody Ransom.  Of these ten players, it seems as if Durbin and Contreras have the best shot at re-joining the team.  Werth seems headed for big money (probably with the Red Sox), although there are indications this weekend that the Phillies are still trying to work out something with him.  Moyer recently left a game in the Dominican Winter League with elbow issues, so sadly 2011 isn't looking that promising for the soon-to-be 48 year-old.