Report: Phillies Trade Victorino and Pence, Take Cliff Lee off Trade Market

The selling has begun for the Philadelphia Phillies. Today is MLB‘s trade deadline, which officially ends at 4 pm ET, and Ruben Amaro, Jr., has swung two deals to clear up cap space and replenish the farm system.

The first trade sends outfielder Shane Victorino to the Los Angeles Dodgers. In return, the Phillies get Ethan Martin and Josh Lindblom.

Martin was a highly-regarded prospect in the Dodgers organization. The right-handed pitcher is 23 years old and could be in the majors by next season. Lindblom was a top-10 prospect in the Dodgers system. He’s a reliever, which the Phillies sorely need, so it looks like Amaro, Jr., did well on this deal.

Pence was apparently dealt very soon after the Victorino trade was finalized. Pence has reportedly been sent to the San Francisco Giants, who gives them a big boost on offense.

In exchange for Pence, the Phillies receive Nate Schierholtz and Tommy Joseph. Schierholtz is a decent MLB outfielder, but Joseph is the real key part of the deal. Joseph listed as a 1B/C, was San Francisco’s second best prospect.  

The moves are interesting, sending two good outfielders to rival NL West teams. But Amaro, Jr., is probably not done today either. Cliff Lee could be on the move, and Juan Pierre will almost certainly be dealt. Joe Blanton has also been linked to the Baltimore Orioles. 

Stay tuned as more action should occur over the next few hours.  

UPDATE: ESPN is reporting that the Phillies have taken Cliff Lee off of the trade market. The Texas Rangers had been rumored as a possible destination for Lee, but the Phillies reportedly wanted too much in return.  

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