The Deroit Free Press is reporting that the Phillies are one of the final five teams in the hunt for free agent pitcher Derrick Turnbow.  Turnbow got baseball’s attention in 2005 when he went 7-1 with 39 saves and a 1.74 ERA for the Milwaukee Brewers.  Since then Turnbow struggled with control and had horiffic seasons in 2006 (4-9, 6.87 ERA), and 2007 (4-5, 4.63), before being sidelined with a muscular imbalance in his throwing shoulder after appearing on only 8 games in 2008.

Turnbow did not have surgery on his shoulder, but it’s said he’ll be 100% by the start of spring training.

The other four teams in the Turnbow sweepstakes are the Tigers, Pirates, Marlins, and Rays.

A healthy Turnbow would be an excellent addition to already one of the National League’s best bullpens.  I’m just not sure if the Phillies are a legitimate home for Turnbow.  Prior to his injury, Turnbow expressed the desire to close again, and with Brad Lidge cemented as the closer, he will not get that opportunity here in Philadelphia.  Detroit or Florida might be a better fit for him.  Should he be willing to accept a role as a seventh inning reliever, the City of Brotherly Love would welcome him with open arms.