Phils as Sellers

It wasn't supposed to be like this.  After 2008 and even after 2009 we saw our Phils constantly fighting for the World Series title.  Then after 2010 we brought back Lee and were ready for the Four Horseman to storm through the NL.  Injuries and aging players have all had a hand in this.

Still, as this season began, we were hopeful we could tread water until Howard and Utley returned.  Even at older ages, they would be enough to give our a team a boost.  More injuries and more aging hit us hard.  Now we're looking to be sellers at the trade deadline for the first time in years.

The following players could be traded:

• Cole Hamels
• Joe Blanton
• Jimmy Rollins
• Placido Polanco
• Shane Victorino
• Juan Pierre
• Ty Wigginton

Hamels must be resigned.  HOWEVER, if that can't be done by the trade deadline, you gotta get something for him.  The only drawback for a team trading for him is that it's probably gotta be a a team that thinks they could resign him in the off season. Victorino, as much as I love him, will be gone.  He's also an FA at the end of the year, and he's going to want five years.  Remember, Vic has played RF, so any team who sees a weakness in the OF could be interested.  Rollins has incredible low productivity, but for a team getting less than that at SS it's a fairly safe trade.  At worst you'll get a gold glove SS who bats .260 with some pop and is a base stealer.  Pierre will be gone.  He's on a one year deal and is batting over .300 and has over 20 stolen bases.  There will be plenty of interest, but the Phils won't get too much.  Someone will want Blanton as a 4th starter, but I don't see much need out there for what Polanco offers.  Wiggington has some pop and can play a lot of positions.  There'll be a need for that somewhere.

Potential landing places

• Hamels: NYY, Bos, ChW, Det, Tex, LAA, Cin, SF, LAD
• Tex and LAA seem most likely.  They both have the need and the goods.
• Blanton: NYY, Bal, ChW, Det, Pit
• Probably an overachieving team with a chance to make the playoffs who can't go after a stud.  With Baltimore fading and Bedard self-destructing, I'm thinking Pittsburgh grabs Blanton.
• Rollins: LAD
• I haven't heard any other team interested in him.  Gordon is on the DL and has been streaky.  If the price is right...
• Polanco: Bos, LAD
• Not many interested here.  With Big Papi down, the BoSox need any sort of bat to make a run, and Poli offers them another option as 2B, while LAD need some answers at third. 
• Victorino: NYY, Cin, SF
• Brett Gardner had another setback.  Get ready to see Vic in blue pinstripes
• Pierre: NYY, Cin, Pit, SF, LAD
• Pittsburgh could use a guy like Pierre for a playoff push
• Wigginton: Was, Cin, Pit,
• Wig gives Cincinnati another option while Votto heals up.

Who to get

A quick scout of what other teams have and you can see who is more likely to go where.  Below are most of the teams listed above and who the Phils should be looking at.  In alphabetical order:
Boston: Won't go after Hamels because it's too big of a risk.  They are too far behind to trade for a guy they might not sign in the off season.  If Boston buys, they might want Polanco.  In that case, the Phils should look at:

• Alex Wilson, RHP: AAA reliever with a decent arm.   He's 25 and has never pitched in the Majors.
• Junichi Tazawa, RHP: AAA Japanese reliever who is 26 with no Major League experience.
• Brandon Workman, RHP: Currently this big Texas righty is starting at High A ball in Salem.  23 years old.

Chicago WS:  Dark horse players for Hamels, might settle for Blanton to bolster rotation with a hurting Gaving Floyd.
     For Hamels:

• Trayce Thompson, OF: Has been a disappointment at High A ball so far, but the tools are there and he's only 21
• Jhan Marinez, RHP: Marinez doesn't get this deal done alone, but if the Phils send Hamels to Chicago, they need to get him as part of the package for immediate bullpen help.

     For Blanton:

• Marinez: If the ChiSox offer Marinez straight up for Blanton, TAKE IT!!!

Cincinnati:  They might make a play for Hamels.  They have a real shot at winning it all and unless you're the Yankees, that's not something that happens every year.  Victorino could help in the outfield, while Wiggington could bolster the bench.
     For Hamels:

• Billy Hamilton, SS: If I have to explain this kid to you, you clearly don't follow baseball that much.  This 21 year old was just promoted to AA.  Had stolen over 100 bases at Single A ball.
• Daniel Corcino, RHP:  Big strikeout pitcher with youth on his side.  Already taking care of business in AA.
• Robert Stephenson, RHP: This 19 year old is just starting his pro career, but in six starts at Rookie ball has an ERA just a shade north of 2.00.
• Donnie Joseph, LHP: Lefty AAA reliever who is a great arm.  Ready to help the Phils bullpen next year.

     For Victorino:

• J.C. Sulbaran, RHP: Once a top notch prospect, Sulbaran hasn't lived up to the hype nor stayed healthy.  However, he has a good arm and is still only 22.  Could help as a starter or reliever.
• Stephenson: Doubtful the Reds would give him up for Vic
• Joseph: Any trade with the Reds needs to bring this guy in

     For Pierre/Wigginton:

• Sulbran
• Joseph

Detroit: Could be the dark horse for Hamels with their third base prospect.  Doubtful they'll settle for Blanton, but possible.

• Nick Castellanos, 3B: Hamels isn't going to Detroit if Castellanos isn't a part of the deal.  He was destroying High A ball, was promoted to AA, and continued to create havoc for opposing pitchers.
• Casey Crosby, RHP: Crosby could compete for a starting spot in a MLB rotation as soon as next year.  Not nearly the type of prospect Castellanos is, but would make a good addition to the deal.
• Bruce Rondon, RHP: A big Venezuelan reliever that could be running in from the CBP bullpen by 2014.
• Avisail Garcia, OF: Potential to be a 20-20 rightfielder in a couple years.  Having a slow start to a AA callup this season, but has time to develop.

Los Angeles Dodgers:  Billingsley is on the DL and bring Hamels back to SoCal to team up with Kershaw would be a dream scenario for the Dodgers.  They are also the only reported team showing interest in J-Roll.  Poli could be a cheap pickup to help out at third and offer a pinch-hitter for the playoffs.

     For Hamels:

• Joc Pederson, OF: Some speed, some power, and 20 years old in High A ball.  In my opinion, Pederson is the best prospect in the Dodgers system.  Hamels deserves that kind of return.
• Chris Reed, RHP: Reed could join a starting rotation full time by 2014.  Could wind up a reliever, though.  He's doing well with a recent promotion to AA Chattanooga.
• Ethan Martin, RHP: Not a centerpiece to a Hamels deal, but should be someone the Phils should try to get included. 
• Shawn Tolleson, RHP: Could be in an MLB bullpen by the end of this year.  Projects as a closer.  Could be the Phils setup man for the next few years before taking over closing role.

     For Rollins:

• Dee Gordon, SS: Yes he's on the DL and yes this season has been disappointing, but there have been flashes of brilliance.  He's still only 24 and has speed to burn.  Rollins still has two more years on his contract plus a vesting option for a third.  If LA trades for Rollins they won't have room for Gordon anyway.
• Reed
• Martin
• Tolleson

     For Polanco:

• Chris Withrow, RHP: Not a terribly exciting prospect, but he's a big Texan (6'4" 220lbs) that could give the Phils bullpen some help in a year or two.
• Reed

Los Angeles Angels:  The Angels and Rangers could be in a bidding war if Hamels becomes available.  He's likely the only players on the Phils roster that the Halos are looking at:

• Jean Segura, SS: Segura is tearing up AA and could become the heir-apparent to shortstop and leadoff hitter.
• Kaleb Cowart, 3B:  It's no secret that the Phils cupboard is bare at 3B all through the organization.  Any deal with Hamels needs to bring in a star third baseman (why he's likely going to LAA or Tex).  Cowart is a top prospect at the position.
• Nick Maronde, LHP: If the Phils are going to give up a stud lefty, they might as well get a potential one back.  This 22 year-old is shutting down hitters in High A ball.
• John Hellweg, RHP: Not the first name on the lips of scouts, but it never hurts to have a young arm added to the package.

New York Yankees:  The Yankees might wind up raiding the Phils major league roster.  They could be interested in Hamels, Blanton, Victorino, and/or Pierre.  Of all teams, I see them as the most likely landing location for Victorino.  They probably won't give the Phils what they want for Hamels, but still...

     For Hamels:

• Manny Banuelos, LHP: This top prospect in the Yankees organization is only 21 and already pitching admirably in AAA.  The Phils won't find the third base prospect they are looking for in New York, so they'll need some overwhelming deal including Banuelos to get it done.
• Gary Sanchez, C: A stud 19 year-old catcher would be a good pickup for the Phils.  He'll be Major League ready about the time we might see a decline in Chooch.  Phils catching prospect, Sebastian Valle has been a disappointment this season.
• Tyler Austin, OF: Has plenty of both power and speed.  Probably several seasons away from MLB action, but could be a good one.
• Jose Campos, RHP: About to turn 20, this Venezuelan has been impressive in the lower levels of minor league ball.
• Dante Bichette, Jr, 3B: Not the best third base prospect out there, but if Hamels goes to New York, this son of the Rockie great needs to travel south to Philly along with one of the better prospects to make the deal happen.
• Angelo Gumbs, 2B: It should be clear at this point that Utley's days are sadly numbered.  Gumbs is 19 and could be the future.  Like Bichette, he's only coming if packaged with someone like Banuelos.

     For Victorino:

• Mason Williams, OF: Still only 20, Williams was just promoted to High A ball.  He's undersized with plenty of speed and a little pop.  Kinda sounds like Vic, doesn't it?
• Adam Warren, RHP:  Warren has been streaky at AAA this season, but when he's on he's been very good.  Could compete for a fifth spot in the rotation next year or be turned into a reliever.
• Zolio Almonte, OF: Another outfielder who has a mix of power and speed.  Has had a solid season in AA, but does not walk much.
• Ben Gamel, OF: Yes, Mat is his brother.  This Gamel hits for average and has speed.  Not much pop here.  Batting over .300 in High A ball.
• Campos
• Bichette, Jr.
• Gumbs

     For Blanton:

• Cito Culver, SS: Not by any means an exciting prospect, but has speed, youth, and potential. 
• Bichette, Jr.
• Almonte

     For Pierre:

• Bichette, Jr.
• Culver

Pittsburgh:  Pittsburgh has a chance to make the playoffs for the first time in two decades.  Bedard started losing steam before the ASG and Blanton would be a safe option.  Could used another outfielder of Pierre's capability, but if they trade for non-pitcher you gotta think they'll want someone with some pop, more like Wiggington.

     For Blanton:

• Starling Marte, OF:  It's highly unlikely the Pirates will part with Marte for Blanton, but GM Amaro can be very persuasive.  Marte would be ready to take over centerfield next year, making the trade or off-season departure of Victorino tolerable.  Marte won Eastern League batting title two years ago and this year in AAA is hitting right around .290 with double digit homers and steals.  With McCutchen in the way and a legitimate playoff opportunity, it's not out of the question.
• Robbie Grossman, OF: Having a rough time in AA this year, but was very impressive a level lower last year, where he scored over 100 runs and walked over 100 times.  Another centerfield prospect.
• Justin Wilson, LHP: The Buccos have three 24 year-old lefty prospects in AAA who are major league ready.  Locke has already pitched for the parent club and appears to be the better prospect, making Wilson more likely to exit at the deadline.  See the third one below.
• Rudy Owens, LHP: Having the best year of the trio doesn't make him the best prospect, but it does make him a great acquisition for Blanton.  Could round out an MLB rotation as early as next year.
• Bryan Morris, RHP: A reliever ready to go this season.  Hard to see the Buccos sending away someone who could help them this season for someone else to help them this season.
• Victor Black, RHP: Another reliever.  Black might be more likely than Morris, as he's probably two years away from being MLB ready.  Tearing it up in AA right now, though.
• Kyle McPherson, RHP: 24 and pitching in AA doesn't put me on the edge of my seat, but Blanton is gone after this season and the Phils need to get something for him.  Could eventually be help out of the bullpen.

For Wiggington:

• Grossman
• Black
• McPherson

     For Pierre:

• Grossman
• McPherson

San Francisco:  With Lincecum not being his usual freakish self, the Giants need another ace to compliment Matt Cain.  They will definitely be going after Hamels.  They could use another bat, preferably in the outfield.  Victorino or Pierre could be targets.

     For Hamels:

• Gary Brown, OF: Brown projects as a leadoff hitter with plenty of speed with a little pop and above average defense.  The best prospect San Francisco has, he could patrol centerfield at CBP for a long-time.  Currently having a great year in AA.
• Heath Hembree, RHP: Had a rough start to his season this year in AAA but seems to have settled in nicely (minus a terrible July 4th appearance).  Stormed through the lower levels of minor league ball.  Could give immediate help in the bullpen next year, potentially in a setup role.
• Chris Dominguez, 3B: Dominguez is having a wretched 2012, but remains a thirdbase prospect with power. As mentioned, if and when Hamels is dealt, there needs to be a third baseman somewhere in that package.
• Clayton Blackburn, RHP: Why do I love big Texas righties so much?  Anyway, he's 19 and having a great season in High A ball.  Blackburn has 99 k's in less than 90 innings.  Several years from being MLB ready, but would be a good pick up in a Hamels deal.
• Kyle Crick, RHP: ANOTHER big righty from Texas who is only 19.  Like Blackburn, Crick is a strikeout pitcher.

     For Victorino:

• Eric Surkamp, LHP: Having been shutdown all year with a sore elbow, and having had a very unimpressive MLB debut last year has dampened the interest here, but the potential remains very high.  Could be included in a Hamels deal, but only with Brown.  Probably a centerpiece for a Victorino deal, though.
• Adam Duvall, 3B: Not a third baseman to get for Hamels, but not a bad pickup in a Victorino package.
• Conor Gillaspie, 3B: Another third base prospect, but with less upside than Dominguez or Duvall
• Dominguez
• Blackburn
• Crick

     For Pierre:

• Charlie Culberson, 2B: Hasn't hit all that well since A ball, but might be a better option at second during the time Utley misses the first two or three months of a season.
• Josh Osich, LHP: A left-handed pitcher in the low levels who could help the Phils bullpen in a few years.
• Seth Rosin, RHP: See Osich, but make him a righty.

Texas: Like their AL West rival, the Rangers will be lusting after Hamels until a decision is made.  They have arguably the best third base prospect of any team after Hamels (Detroit might argue that).

• Jurickson Profar, SS: This Top Five shortstop prospect is absolutely devastating the opposition in AA.  Has perfect blend of speed and power for a shortstop.  Profar would be the immediate answer to who takes over short when Rollins eventually departs.
• Mike Olt, 3B:  If Hamels goes to Texas, Olt is coming to Philly.  No questions about that.  Batting just under .300 and slugging just under .600 not only solves the third base question for the Phils, but gives them their future power hitter for somewhere in the heart of the order.
• Martin Perez, LHP: Perez has been roughed up quite a bit in AAA, but he turned 21 just as the season started.  Has time to develop and could be a future All Star lefty in the Phils rotation.
• Leonys Martin, OF: Martin has seen time with Texas this year and last year.  He's tearing up AAA, but his short stint in the majors this year was disappointing.  A Cuban defector, he has some speed, but lacks power.  Doesn't walk enough to make him an enticing leadoff hitter, but the potential is there and could be packaged with Olt, giving the Phils another option next year if Victorino is gone.
• Leury Garcia, 2B: Like I've said before, Utley won't be around forever.  This wouldn't be a bad pickup to give them a future option.  Little power, but can hit for average and has speed.  Poor plate discipline this year in AA.
• Cody Buckel, RHP: On the smaller side, but has four pitches that could get major leaguers out.  Another prospect that could be paired with Olt.