Philadelphia Phillies: Why They Shouldn’t Even Think About Selling Yet

According to one rival official, Philadelphia Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. has “zero” interest in trading either Cole Hamels or Shane Victorino.

Jayson Stark of ESPN reported this earlier today in a statement that seems contrary to all of the rumors that have been swirling around the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies are in last place and all last-place teams need to sell.

Right now, the Phillies are sitting four games behind the division-leading Atlanta Braves with approximately three quarters of the season remaining. They are obviously not living up to the high standard that they have set over the past several seasons.

Apparently, many people think that this is a cause to panic and that the Phillies should immediately start selling.

After all, if the Phillies aren’t going to do anything this season, why not try to cut your losses and bring in some talent before Hamels and Victorino might depart on the open market with limited compensation?

However, there is a problem with this line of argument. Who exactly says that the Phillies aren’t going to do anything this season?

A four-game deficit is really not that much when you look at the entire season in perspective and the fact that it is only a quarter complete. Bigger deficits have been overcome in shorter periods of time.

The bigger concern is probably rooted in the fact that the Phillies are not playing that well. The bullpen has not been able to hold on to leads, and, outside of Carlos Ruiz, the offense has not been nearly as productive as it has been in the past.

However, that concern is also somewhat suspect.

The bullpen needs to be fixed, but at the same time, there are some bright spots. Jonathan Papelbon has pitched very well when he has been given the opportunity, and Antonio Bastardo hasn’t missed a beat since his breakout in 2011.

In terms of the lineup, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley are coming.

I know that many people doubt whether or not they will make an immediate impact since recovery does take time. Nevertheless, given their previous track record, it is hard to believe that their returns would not bring about an overall increase in run production.

The degree of that increase is harder to quantify, but Howard and Utley should make a positive change in the lineup.

When looking at these two major concerns of being in last place right now as well as some poor performances by the Phillies themselves, it is easy to think that the Phillies should sell.

However, at this point in the season, that discussion should not be happening whatsoever. Ruben Amaro Jr. is absolutely right to not be thinking about selling right now.

The season is too young and the Phillies are still too close to start waving the white flag yet.

 

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