The Phillies are not a team that likes to go to the arbitration table. They’d rather settle before “attacking” a player in front of a arbitrator. Last year, the team avoided the process by agreeing to terms with all ten players who filed for arbitration.

This year, the team had four players file and they’ve already come to terms with one — relief pitcher Chad Durbin. The two sides agreed to a one year, $2.1 million deal today.

Durbin, who is 32, went 2-2 with two saves and a 4.39 ERA in 59 appearances last year.

Chad Durbin hopes to find himself in the midst of more celebrations this year.

Three others submitted desired salaries on Tuesday, and we’d be surprised if at least two of them weren’t settled before the two sides appear before the arbitrator.

Catcher Carlos Ruiz is requesting $2.5 million, while the Phillies offered $1.7 million. We can’t imagine them not reaching a middle road.

Additionally, All-Star outfielder Shane Victorino wants $5.8 million and the Phillies want to pay $4.75 million. Again, they’re not far apart and rumors suggest the Phils want to sign the Flyin’ Hawaiian to a multi-year deal before he becomes a free agent at the end of the 2010 season.

With him and Jayson Werth both scheduled to be free agents after this season, it’s vital the team signs one to a long-term deal. Victorino seems more likely since Werth is a corner outfielder and the team has Dominic Brown in the pipeline. That’s not to say the Phillies won’t also try to work out a deal with Werth, but if push comes to shove, they’d rather have Victorino locked up for the long haul.

The other player to exchange numbers on Tuesday was starter Joe Blanton. Blanton wants more than $10 million a year while the Phils want to pay $7.5 million.

This case will be heard by an arbitrator because the Phillies can not pay him as much or more than the $9 million Cliff Lee is scheduled to make this year.