According to Ken Mandel of MLB.com, the Philadelphia Phillies have signed OF So Taguchi to a 1-year deal, worth around $1 million.  The deal also includes an option for the 2009 season.

Taguchi, 37, will clearly serve as a deep bench (5th OF) player for the Phils, and will probably spell Shane Victorino occassionally in CF, or Burrell in LF.  Last season with the Cardinals, Taguchi hit .290, with only 3 HR’s and 30 RBI in 307 plate appearances.

The team also signed OF Geoff Jenkins just a few days ago, who will platoon in RF with Jayson Werth. The Phillies now appear to have good depth in the outfield, just no legit stars. Their all-star infield (minus a 3B as yet) will likely compensate, however.

Filed under: Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals