Source: Phils favorite for DeRosa — 5:38 a.m.

Of the dozen or so teams that have expressed interest in free-agent infielder Mark DeRosa, the Phillies loom as the favorite, according to a major-league source.

DeRosa attended the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. His hard-nosed style would fit that of the two-time defending National League champions. And his price range might be realistic for the Phillies, too.

The Phillies, who declined their $5 million club option on Pedro Feliz, want to spend between $4 million and $6 million on a third baseman, a second source said.

DeRosa, 34, is coming off a much lower salary ($5.5 million) than two other prominent free-agent candidates at third, Miguel Tejada ($13 million) and Adrian Beltre ($12 million).

The Phillies considered DeRosa before the 2007 season, but opted for Wes Helms in free agency instead.

The Mariners could be another possibility for DeRosa, who played for the M’s manager, Don Wakamatsu, when Wakamatsu was the bench coach for the Rangers.

The concern with DeRosa is that he underwent surgery in late October to repair a torn tendon sheath on his left wrist. However, he is expected to be ready for baseball activities by spring training.

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