Despite the Phillies’ recent eight game losing streak and what many consider to be a sub-par season thus far, the Philadelphia Phillies were inactive today as the clock struck 4 PM Eastern Time. Over the last week and a half, the rumor mill had been turning more and more each day about players who may have been on the move as today’s trade deadline approached. Names such as Michael Young, Jonathan Papelbon, and Carlos Ruiz have been thrown around in potential deals that would help the Phillies prepare for the future, but neither will have to change their addresses just yet.
Earlier this week a report surfaced that the Phillies had made most of the roster available besides Chase Utley, Cole Hamels, and Domonic Brown. Many insiders around the league believed that Amaro and company would trade aging veterans for prospects to help improve the bullpen and the long-term void in the outfield.
The Phillies have players that could have made an impact on a contending team, but several factors affected their trade value. Closer Jonathan Papelbon had garnered interest from teams around the league who were looking for bullpen help including the Detroit Tigers; however, his contract and his inability to close games consistently this season led to Detroit trading for Houston’s Jose Veras, a cheaper option with better statistics this season.
Cliff Lee, the Phillies’ top trade chip, was close to untouchable due to General Manager Amaro’s extreme price tag. Amaro made it clear that it would take a package of top prospects as well as taking on Lee’s entire remaining contract. The Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals had talks with Philadelphia, but both balked at the asking price.
Third baseman Michael Young was considered the most likely Phillie to move today since he is a free agent at season’s end and the recent call up of top prospect Cody Asche. Sources say that multiple teams inquired on the availability of Young, but due to his no trade clause, it became extremely difficult to find a decent suitor that he would approve of. Over the weekend, Young had stated to the front office that he would waive his no trade clause to return to the Texas Rangers. Once Texas cooled on their interest, Young added the Red Sox and New York Yankees to his list of acceptable teams.
The Phillies and Yankees engaged in talks for Young up until the deadline but a deal could not be hammered out despite the obvious trade match up between the two teams. For now, Young will remain on the Phillies and play first base and third base while providing a right-handed power bat.
Young, Papelbon, and Ruiz could still be moved in August through the process of the waiver wire. The waiver wire allows a team to place a player on waivers, which allows other teams to place a waiver claim on that player. If another team claims a player, the two teams can work out a trade or simply allow the team to take the player. Teams can also pull a player off the waiver wire if he is claimed. Last season, the Phillies caused a stir when Cliff Lee was placed on waivers and claimed by the Dodgers before being pulled back. The Phillies could be very active this August if they choose to place Young and others on the waiver wire.
One player the Phillies will not be placing on waivers is second baseman Chase Utley. CBS and other sources have reported that the Phillies and Utley are engaged in extension talks that could keep the franchise cornerstone a Phillie for life. The extension could reportedly be worth $13 million annually for the next two or three years.
General Manager Ruben Amaro has a tough decision to make over the next month after not making a deal before today’s deadline. If he chooses, the Phillies could wave the white flag and prepare for next season by trading veterans. Another option could be to try to acquire players who could help the team win now and make a run at the second wild card spot.
One thing is for sure, these next thirty-one days will be very interesting for the Philadelphia Phillies and their fans.
[Photo: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports]Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
