Todd Zolecki reported Thursday that the Phillies have signed utility player Chris Coghlan to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training.
Coghlan, 31, the 2009 National League Rookie of the Year (I didn’t realize so many people were still unhappy that JA Happ didn’t win that award that year), hit .188/.290/.318 with 20 extra-base hits in 300 plate appearances last year between Oakland and the Cubs. He was much better with the eventual world champions – .252/.391/.388 in 48 games – and even got in a couple postseason games (0-for-7, BB).
An outfielder who can also play middle infield positions, Coghlan will likely have an upper hand against veterans like Daniel Nava, Pedro Florimon, Hector Gomez and Taylor Featherston for a bench spot out of spring training.