Phillies OF trying to recruit Jake Arrieta

Chicago Cubs free agent pitcher Jake Arrieta is getting a wining-and-dining of sorts from a representative of one National League counterpart.

CSN Philly’s Jim Salisbury reported this week that Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Williams is working out daily with Arrieta this offseason in Austin, Texas and has been selling the ex-Cy Young winner on Philly.

“He loves it here [Austin],” Williams was quoted as saying of Arrieta. “He has told me he likes working with young guys. I’m like, ‘All right, come on up.’

“But I’m not writing the check,” added the 24-year-old Williams. “I don’t know what he wants. I don’t really dig into that because I’m not really in his position. I hope to be one day.”

Indeed, the Phillies are one of the younger teams in the MLB, which puts them further away from contention than, say, this recently-emerged Arrieta suitor. But a roster populated with young players on affordable contracts also gives them one of the lowest payrolls in baseball — perfect for throwing the bank at a big free agent fish like Arrieta. Thus, the former All-Star righty definitely has reason to at least listen to Williams’ sales pitch, especially since he would immediately become Philadelphia’s No. 1 starter.

H/T HardballTalk