Phillies Release Pedro Feliz

NEW YORK - The Philadelphia Phillies will not offer a contract to Pedro Feliz, the team announced Sunday night.

The Phillies declined a $5.5 million club option on Feliz's contract for 2010.

If Feliz doesn't sign with another team, and the Phillies don't sign a new third baseman, Feliz could be back with the Phillies. But that would be unlikely, with a surplus of players as free agents available.

"This doesn't preclude us from bringing Pedro back next season," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement. "While this allows us to explore other opportunities, we will continue to keep the lines of communication open with Pedro and his representative.

Chone Figgins, Mark DeRosa and now Adrian Beltre are in the mix. Another option is Colorado's Garrett Atkins, who also happens to be Chase Utley's best friend. Atkins had an off year in 2009 and the Rockies want to start Ian Stewart at third next season.

Beltre's name is popping up a lot because he put up weak numbers playing in pitcher-friendly Safeco Park in Seattle. The same park that held Raul Ibanez hostage.

Beltre, 30, signed a big deal with Seattle after having a monster year with the Dodgers. He didn't hit nearly as well in Seattle, bur he is a great defensive third baseman.

The Phillies and former GM Pat Gillick have a strong connection to Seattle.

And Beltre would not require the Phillies to surrender a top draft pick to Seattle.

Figgins would give the Phillies a true leadoff hitter and DeRosa is a former Penn quarterback who is highly regarded as a leader, with some home run power.

Figgins would be expensive, but he is a switch hitter and excellent defensive player. Jimmy Rollins would then move down the seventh spot in the Phillies batting order.

Both Figgins and DeRosa are Type B free agents, meaning the Phillies don’t lose a draft pick if they sign them.