The only question is whether the Reds can find another team willing to take on the 32-year-old and his large contract. He is owed about $50 million over the next four seasons.

The Reds are eager to dump Phillips' contract, but there is more to it than that, reports Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News. They want to "rid themselves of a troublesome personality in the clubhouse," McCoy writes.

Specifically, the team's brass was upset by controversial comments Phillips made to Cincinnati Magazine during the season. Phillips was quoted as saying he is "still scarred" that the front office gave fellow All-Star Joey Votto a 10-year, $225 million extension in 2012, when the first baseman still had two years left on his contract.

Phillips said he was surprised that Votto got such a big deal based upon what general manager Walt Jocketty and owner Bob Castellini had been telling him while negotiating the second baseman's deal.

"Do I feel like they lied to me?" Phillips said. "If someone tells me they don't have no money and you find $200 million somewhere, what does that sound like? You tell me."

He caused further trouble in August. Unhappy with a tweet from a Cincinnati media member that pointed out his low career on-base percentage, he twice went off in the Reds clubhouse before a game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

So, who might be willing to trade for Phillips, who hit .261/.310/.396 with 24 home runs and 103 RBIs in 2013? The Atlanta Braves might have some interest in Phillips, who is from Stone Mountain, Ga.

But they would be looking to unload a problem contract of their own: second baseman Dan Uggla. Uggla had a brutal season at the plate (.179/.309/.362) and was left off the team's postseason roster. Uggla, 33, is owed $26 million over the next two seasons.


A-ROD LAWYER SPEAKS OUT


One of Alex Rodriguez's lawyers wants Major League Baseball to release testimony about whether Commissioner Bud Selig knew Anthony Bosch distributed banned substances to teenagers.

Rob Manfred, baseball's chief operating officer, testified last week during the grievance filed by the players' union to overturn Rodriguez's 211-game suspension.

A person familiar with the hearing, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press on Saturday that Manfred testified the sport wasn't concerned whether Bosch distributed performance-enhancing drugs to minors because MLB's interest was his relationship with players under investigation.

Baseball suspended 13 players last summer following its investigation of Bosch's now-closed Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic. Rodriguez received the lengthiest penalty and was the only one in the group to contest his discipline.

Manfred said he explained during his testimony that MLB's focus was on whether players violated the sport's drug agreement or labor contract. He also said MLB had been a leader in preventing steroid abuse by youth.


CRAIG SAYS HE'S RECOVERED


Cardinals cleanup hitter Allen Craig says he's recovered from a foot injury and ready to be put on St. Louis' World Series roster.

"I'm happy with where I'm at," Craig said Sunday. "No complaints. I'm happy to be on the roster and give it a shot, so I'm really excited."

Craig hasn't played since Sept. 4 because a left mid-foot sprain. He anticipates being the designated hitter in Wednesday night's Series opener at the Boston Red Sox.

"I think all indications are pointing that way," Craig said. "I haven't been told, 'Hey, you're on the roster,' but given my progress, I think I'm in a good spot."

It's basically a no-lose proposition because the Cardinals could replace Craig if he re-injured the foot. General manager John Mozeliak said doctors believe Craig is progressed to the point he's not risking a major setback.

"He's such a prolific hitter it's definitely worth the chance," Mozeliak said. "My understanding is he's swinging the bat pretty well. If nothing else, he adds a little pop off that bench."

St. Louis worked out at Busch Stadium, two days after beating the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL pennant

Craig hasn't tested the foot on defense yet, but he wouldn't have to play first base until the Series moves to Busch Stadium for Game 3 on Saturday. Craig is wearing an orthotic device in his shoe and said there was "nothing super-special" about precautionary measures.

Contributors: Justin McGuire, The Associated Press