Potential Pap suitors fewer after K-Rod signs with Crew

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The Phillies can remove another potential landing spot for closer Jonathan Papelbon.

The Brewers and Francisco Rodriguez on Thursday agreed to a two-year, $13 million contract, effectively making him Milwaukee's closer this season.

The Phillies have been trying to trade Papelbon for nearly two years. They had been talking seriously with the Brewers earlier this year, but the talks stalled in recent weeks. The Phillies also have been talking to the Blue Jays, although those discussions had been considered less serious than those with Milwaukee.

Of course, anything can change with one phone call.

Papelbon told CSNPhilly.com he would welcome a trade to Toronto.

"Yes, Toronto interests me -- if it interests [general manager] Ruben [Amaro Jr.]," he said. "I know some of the guys on their coaching staff. They're a good team. If Ruben can do a deal with them, I'd be interested."

Papelbon has a limited no-trade clause and could block a trade to Toronto, but the closer has indicated in the past it would not be an obstacle. He is set to make $13 million this season with a $13 million club option for 2016 that automatically vests if he finishes 48 games in 2015.