Entering play today the Philadelphia Phillies sit in third place within the National League East with a record of 39-44 as they are 9.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves for first place. The Phillies haven’t finished a Major League Baseball season with a losing record since 2002 when they were 80-81. The Phillies have enjoyed recent success which was highlighted by winning the World Series in 2008, but with an aging roster could Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. listen to trade offers for some of his veteran stars? If the Phillies do indeed plan on becoming sellers at the trade deadline, there are several players over the age of 30 on this team that could command some interest on the trade market.
Phillies closing pitcher Jonathan Papelbon has 15 saves on the season to go along with a 2.05 earned run average. Papelbon is under contract until 2016 as he is still owed over $39 million, but there is always a market for closing pitchers; especially for teams that are in playoff contention such as the Detroit Tigers who recently parted ways with Jose Valverde.
After going 6-9 in 2012 with a 3.16 earned run average, Phillies starting pitcher Cliff Lee has rebounded with a 9-2 record and a 2.59 earned run average which is ninth in the NL. Lee is under contract until 2016 as he is scheduled to make over $77 million, but after Amaro Jr. gave Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels a $160 million extension prior to the start of this season, could the team be looking to free up some salary? Hamels has struggled mightily so far on the campaign with a record of 2-11. The Baltimore Orioles currently would be the second Wild Card team in the American League as it would make sense for them to trade for Lee. As good as the Orioles have been this season, they need a dominant front line starter that can carry the rotation. Lee has done it before as he helped the Phillies get to the Wolrd Series in 2009 and he did the same for the Texas Rangers in 2010.
The Orioles made the playoffs last season, but they fell to the New York Yankees in five games in
the American League Divisional Series. A solid starter at the top of the rotation could be the difference between the Orioles making the World Series this year. If Amaro Jr. were to put Lee on the market, would Orioles general manager Dan Duquette take a bite?
The Phillies acquired third baseman Michael Young from the Rangers last off-season, but with his contract set to expire at the end of this season, he could have some value on the trade market as a rental for the remainder of the year. In 76 games this season Young has a .287 batting average with 5 home runs and 21 runs batted in as he has split time between third base, first base, and filling in as a designated hitter during interleague games. At 36-years of age, Young is not in the long term plans of the Phillies, but he could be in the short term plans of a team like the Oakland Athletics.
The Athletics surprised many people last year by winning the AL West and they are right in the mix again this year. The Athletics could use a veteran infielder and it would be terrific for Young as he could compete in the AL West against the Rangers who unceremoniously showed him the door last year.
Amaro Jr. must explore all options for the Phillies. At $165 million, the Phillies have the third highest payroll in MLB. Aside from trailing the Braves in the NL, the Phillies trail the Cincinnati Reds by 7.5 for the final Wild Card in the National League.With four teams between the Reds and the Phillies in the standings the clock in ticking. Last year the Phillies battled injuries all season long as they stumbled out of the gates with a 37-51 record before they rallied to finish 81-81. Amaro Jr. was patient and he showed faith in his team. Injuries have once again slowed the Phillies down in 2013 as age has caught up with this squad.
Last year was the first time since 2006 that the Phillies failed to make the playoffs. With such a hefty payroll and long term commitments to players such as first baseman Ryan Howard it would be wise for Amaro Jr. to part with some players that have value. The Phillies will be paying into MLB’s luxury tax, but it is better to be paying the money if you have a team that is contending for the playoffs.
After losing three games over the weekend to the Los Angeles Dodgers it is gut check time for Philadelphia. The Phillies begin a three-game series tomorrow night against the surging Pittsburgh Pirates who have the best record in MLB. The Phillies will then finish the first half of the season on a 10-game home stand against the Braves, Washington Nationals, and Chicago White Sox. If the Phillies are not a .500 team by the end of the first half, expect Amaro Jr.’s phone to be busy until July 31 and the trade deadline.
Sources: Baseball-reference.com, USAToday.com
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