Reds sign Phillips to 4 year deal

In this season of political headlines and sound-bites, let's also remember some of the other important news!

After the season that Phillips had last year and his progress in the recent past, this is a BIG off season bright spot for the Reds!

from the Cincinnati Enquirer

The good news for Brandon Phillips: He has a new, multiyear contract. The bad news: He's fighting a rough case of the flu.

Phillips and the Reds today confirmed his new deal, which runs through 2011 and includes a club option for 2012. Financial terms were not immediately announced. Phillips hit .288 with 30 home runs, 94 RBI and 32 steals in 2007.

While happy about the deal, Phillips said he's "sicker than a dog."

Still, the second baseman will be in Sarasota on Saturday. He'll join players including Ken Griffey Jr., Kent Mercker, and Aaron Harang, who showed up in Sarasota today. Pitchers and catchers officially report Saturday.

Outfielder Jay Bruce is also in Sarasota already, and says he's there to make the club."Absolutely, no doubt about it," he said. "It's my goal. I'm going to show them what I can do."