MLB Trade Rumors: 25 Prospects the Phillies Could Consider Dealing

There is a chance that the Philadelphia Phillies will be buyers at the July 31 trade deadline, but it is a shadow of a chance—and that may be a little optimistic.

But hey, this is the United States of America, right? This country was built on hopes and dreams, so its national pastime should operate in the same manner.

Okay, enough with the mushy stuff. It’s time to get serious. As things stand right now, the Phillies won’t be doing any buying come the end of this month. But the club has remained adamant that if they can get on a roll with all of their big names healthy—and Roy Halladay’s start on Tuesday was the final domino to fall—then maybe, just maybe, they could stave off selling.

Again, that isn’t likely.

However, if the Phillies do become surprising buyers, they won’t be in the mix for the game’s top targets. They just don’t have the payroll or prospects that some of those deals would require.

But this much is a guarantee: If the Phillies sell, they will deal from positions of depth in their farm system. That means that they’ll move pitchers and outfielders with some authority if it comes down to it.

With that being said, the Phillies probably won’t be moving any prospects this July, unless it is a move with an eye on the future as well (a la Chase Headley of the San Diego Padres.)

The following slideshow will attempt to identify some of the prospects the Phillies would be willing to move, along with a scale of just how willing they would be to move them, with one being the lowest and 10 the highest.

Begin Slideshow

10 Philadelphia Phillies Who Will Have to Sweat out the 2012 Trade Deadline

Sitting at 13 games back in the National League East and 9.5 back in the Wild Card, it seems that the Phillies are in position to be sellers at the trade deadline.

The season has been filled with disappointment and injury; come August, we may be seeing a much different-looking Phillies team.

Players like Cole Hamels and Shane Victorino wouldn’t necessarily be a surprise if they got dealt.  The rumors have been circulating all year, and at this point it will be more surprising if they didn’t get traded.

Other players—like Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay—could be dealt, but it isn’t expected.  The value is there, but would the Phillies get enough in return to part with these aces?

Here are 10 Philadelphia Phillies players who could be getting called into Charlie Manuel’s office at the trade deadline.

Begin Slideshow

MLB Trade Rumors: B/R’s 5 Potential Cole Hamels Deadline Blockbusters

As the Philadelphia Phillies begin the second half of the regular season, the team’s record of 57-35 puts them 10 games up in first place in the National League East.  Now, as the trade deadline approaches, the Phils are scanning the trade market for that one final piece to add to their World Series chances…

…wait, that’s not right.  That’s how this season was supposed to go.

Instead, the Phillies have remained in last place in the NL East for much of this season and have yet to make a serious run in the wild-card standings.

And to add to the season’s list of woes, the Phils are coming up on a dangerous combination: Cole Hamels has yet to sign a long-term extension, and the trade deadline is less than two weeks away.

Speculation involving Hamels has ranged from reports that the Phillies are asking for four to five prospects in return in a trade, to news that the team is preparing to make their All-Star a long-term contract offer.

Just in case the Phils do decide to make a deal, I contacted featured columnists on Bleacher Report in order to get a look at the potential blockbuster deals involving Hamels at the trade deadline.

Begin Slideshow

How the 2012 Philadelphia Phillies Compare to MLB’s 10 Latest ‘Bust’ Teams

It will take more than three wins against the terrible Colorado Rockies and the very injured Los Angeles Dodgers to save the Phillies‘ season from being a bust.

Five straight National League East titles, three megastar aces returning—the Phillies were ticketed everywhere to get back to the postseason.  No, they probably were not going to win 102 games again, but with a second wild card in play, it seemed nearly impossible that a team of this pedigree could lose its way.

Well, their recent three-game win streak brought them all the way back to…40-51, 13 games out of the division lead and four games out of fourth place in the division.  That tempting second wild card?  Ten games away.

You can call this season anything you like.  I am calling it a bust.

The Phillies have a lot of company in decimating the hopes of fanbases.  Meet the devastating bust teams of the past decade.

Begin Slideshow

Jimmy Rollins Trade Rumors: Latest Updates on Dodgers’ Interest & More

Jimmy Rollins is on the trading block.

Regardless of the fact that he’s been on the block for a couple of years now, it’s hard to imagine the only team Rollins has ever known trading him.

Still, it’s understandable that the Phillies will do what’s best for the Phillies, regardless of what player is in the conversation.

Just look at Cole Hamels.

This year, Rollins is hitting .262 with nine home runs, 34 RBI and 14 stolen bases.

He’s signed to a $33 million contract that runs through 2014, although there’s a vesting option for 2015.

So, where does he go, if he’s traded at all?

That’s where Bleacher Report and I come in.

No longer will you need to search out multiple sites to find the latest and greatest rumor. It will all be here.

So, here’s a look at the latest rumors on Rollins.

Note: This will be updated on a regular basis—often multiple times per day—so while the post date will always show as July 17, come back to see the latest rumors on where Rollins might go.

Begin Slideshow

Phillies Trade Rumors: 3 World Series Stars Who Could Be on Their Way out

The cellar-dwelling Philadelphia Phillies might be on the verge of moving three stars from their 2008 World Series team.

According to various reports, pitcher Cole Hamels, shortstop Jimmy Rollins and centerfielder Shane Victorino could be reaching the end of their storied careers with the Phillies.

Although the three cornerstones boast a combined eight All-Star appearances, the Phillies sit 13 games behind division leader Washington Nationals and have been underachievers in 2012.

Moving Hamels would be the biggest shakeup as the 28-year-old southpaw has been one of the few bright spots on a team riddled with injuries.

Pitching in the large shadows of Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, Hamels has been a rock solid No. 3 starter, but with the duo rendered ineffective this year, Hamels has anchored the pitching staff. 

At first glance, Hamels’ career mark of 85 wins in six-plus seasons doesn’t seem ace-worthy, but his 8.50 strikeouts per nine innings and 3.36 ERA suggest he’s more than capable of being an impact guy in someone else’s rotation.

So why is the kid who went 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA during the 2008 playoffs possibly on the move?

Money.

Philadelphia has already committed hundreds of millions of dollars to Halladay and Lee, and Hamels is more than worthy of his own long-term contract.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that the Phillies plan to offer Hamels a deal somewhere in the neighborhood of $120 million, but members of the organization aren’t optimistic they can hold onto the three-time All Star.

If the Phillies can’t reach an extension with Hamels, there should be a long line of potential trade partners.

Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly reported that scouts from over a half dozen teams attending Hamels’ dazzling performance on Sunday.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are among the teams that could be interested in acquiring the lefty, but Danny Knobler of CBS Sports writes that the Dodgers may not have the trade chips to orchestrate a deal.

 

Jimmy Rollins

While the possibility of moving Hamels looms, two key position players are also on the trade block.

Rollins, a longtime fan favorite and face of the franchise, has been a major disappointment this year after signing a three-year, $33 million deal in the offseason.

The former NL MVP is batting just .262 with a .317 on-base percentage and 14 steals thus far.

Knobler writes that the Dodgers could also be in the market for Rollins after starting shortstop Dee Gordon hit the disabled list with a torn ligament in his right thumb.

However, there are a couple hang-ups in a potential Rollins deal. 

The 33-year-old has a vesting option for a fourth year for $11 million, a hefty price tag for a severely declining player who hasn’t hit above .268 since 2008.

In addition, Rollins also has 10-and-5 rights, giving him the ability to veto any trade.

While I tend to think Rollins has always been a severely overrated player, he has been a good shortstop and above-average hitter at times, and it only takes one team’s interest to get the action flowing.

 

Shane Victorino

Hawaiian sensation Shane Victorino could be the last Phillies star to be on the move.

The high-flying, energetic sparkplug has developed into one of the game’s better centerfielders since becoming a starter in 2006.

However, after batting .290 between ’06-’09, Victorino has only been a .263 hitter since.

The 31-year-old has only scored 36 runs in 90 games and his .707 OPS would be his lowest mark as a starter by 51 points.

According to Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports, one high-ranking MLB executive predicted Victorino will be the first big-name player to be moved.

The Dodgers are once again among a group of interested teams that also includes the Rangers, Tigers and Giants.

Whether all three of the Phillies trio gets moved, or just one, it appears likely there will be a shakeup in The City of Brotherly Love this summer. 

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Philadelphia Phillies: 5 Reasons They Can Make a Run in the Second Half

It’s been said time and time again: The 2012 season hasn’t been in the Philadelphia Phillies‘ favor.

Throughout the season, a myriad of worst possible outcomes have occurred for the Fightin’ Phils. Cliff Lee only won his first game just before the halfway point of the season. Roy Halladay, one of the game’s most durable pitchers, went on the DL for the first time in years.

The bullpen, on the whole, has been horrendous. Freddy Galvis, a ray of hope at times for this team, got hurt, then got slammed with a 50-game suspension for PEDs. And what do you know, the team sits at 40-51, good for last place in the NL East and 13 games behind the first-place…Washington Nationals.

There have been a few reasons not to give up on this team, though.

Carlos Ruiz finally got his national due as he made the NL All-Star team and is one of the league’s top players. Cole Hamels, though an impending free agent without a contract extension, has pitched admirably for the Phils. And aside from a couple of exceptions, Jonathan Papelbon has been great as the team’s closer (if only he had more save opportunities).

While a majority of fans have given up on the season for the Phillies, there is still reason to believe that this team can come back. For now, at least. But there is hope. The team’s just a good winning streak away from being in the NL wild-card hunt.

Whether or not that can happen is a different story, but this team is known for being a second-half team in recent years. It’s possible.

Here’s five reasons why a magical playoff run is still possible in 2012.

Begin Slideshow

Philadelphia Phillies: Roy Halladay’s Return Will Spark Phils Winning Streak

With Roy Halladay set to make his first start since May 27, the Philadelphia Phillies have to be optimistic as they make a push for a spot in the 2012 playoffs.

Although they have put themselves in an unenviable position and will be playing from behind for the rest of the season, Halladay coming back could not have come at a better time.

Currently sitting at 40-51, the Phils have gotten off to a solid start in the season’s second half. After losing their first game against the Colorado Rockies, the team has been on a three-game winning streak which featured back-to-back eight-inning starts from Cole Hamels and Joe Blanton. 

It may not seem like much, but the Phillies picked up a game on the Nationals during this streak and are currently only 13 behind them for the division lead. The Phils have also gotten closer to reaching the .500 mark as they recorded their 40th win Monday night against the LA Dodgers.

Right now, the team is doing exactly what they need to do and that is to win games. With Halladay back, this winning streak should no doubt continue and, as he takes the mound Tuesday night, that is exactly what the Phils are going to need him to do.

 

The Anchor of the Rotation

If there is any question at all over how much Halladay means to this team, just ask a guy like Juan Pierre, who even though he has only been his teammate for a few months, easily expressed the impact Halladay has. 

“Everybody looks to him (for leadership). He doesn’t say much, but you know what he can do when he goes out there because of his work ethic. (Cole) Hamels and (Cliff) Lee are both tremendous guys, but Roy’s the anchor.” – Juan Pierre courtesy of the Washington Post

Pierre’s comments are just a few in the long line of amazing credit that players, both opposing and teammates, have given Halladay over the years. His impact in a staff can truly never be overstated.

 

Hello Halladay, Goodbye Kendrick

There is no question that Halladay is an ace and that he is the Phillies’ ace. With his presence back in the rotation, the Phils will once again have a formidable pitching staff that can compete with the rest of the division.

On top of him coming back to pitch every fifth day, Halladay’s return to the lineup means the Phillies are able to put Kyle Kendrick back in the bullpen. This offers two benefits, as Kendrick was not having a great season from the rotation and now the bullpen will have much needed help.

Over recent years, Kendrick has proven a valuable asset for the Phillies from the pen. This season, the Phils’ pen has faltered and, on several occasions, has cost the team valuable games. The only way they even have a shot at the playoffs begins with fixing the pen. With Kendrick back, short of a trade, this gives the Phils the best chance to fix the bullpen and to have some sort of stable reliever to go to late in games.

 

The Much Needed Ace

Halladay is a guy that can give this team eight innings most of the time he goes out to the mound. Since he is just coming off the DL, it might take a few starts, but once he feels ready to go there will be nothing stopping the Phils from riding Halladay for the rest of the season.

Hopefully, this will mean the bullpen is not even a factor. It has been proven this season that the formula for this team’s success is for the starter to hand the ball off to closer Jonathan Papelbon. With Halladay back on the mound, the Phils have one more pitcher with the capability to do this and to do it on a regular basis.

In addition to this, Halladay is a guy that more often than not will keep a team in games. Although he struggled earlier this season, it can be said that some of that could be attributed to his injury. A healthy Halladay, which the Phils expect to be getting, won’t have this problem. As a result, whenever he is on the mound, the Phillies will have a chance to win the game.

With each game as important as the last, this seemingly small matter will ultimately prove to be very important.

 

Championship Drive

It has been said by many that this Phillies team does not possess the desire needed to win a championship. Most of the core have been there and won it before, so it is understandable if the drive to win wouldn’t be as strong.

Halladay however is a completely different story and more than anyone else on this team right now, he has the strongest desire to win a World Series ring.

This is the one item missing from an otherwise wonderful major league career. Hall of Fame aspirations aside, Halladay wants this more than anything else as it is the ultimate accomplishment.

For this reason, Halladay is going to fight for a ring. He is going to show up for the second half of the season dedicated and determined, perhaps more so than ever. Having him back gives the Phils someone who will push for success and demand nothing less. If there is any hope of the Phillies reaching the postseason, it will be because Doc is back and because he is ready to take control of this staff as only he can.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Report: Los Angeles Dodgers Have Interest in Jimmy Rollins at Short

The Los Angeles Dodgers have some interest in Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, “sources said Monday,” Danny Knobler of CBS Sports reports.

The topic is surely going to generate some controversy among Phillies fans.

On one hand, Rollins is the emotional leader of the club. He has always shown confidence and swagger. He began his career when the Phillies were just beginning to get their act together, and he has been a part of all the success since then.

Since Rollins is a homegrown talent, it would obviously be difficult to imagine the shortstop hole filled by anyone else at Citizens Bank Park. However, Rollins is not without critics. Most of this negativity stems from his contract, which many people feel is far too high for what he has produced.

This past winter, Rollins signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the club. For a team with such a huge payroll already, this move was somewhat controversial, as many believed the money would be better spent elsewhere (particularly, getting younger).

In exchange for this contract, Rollins has hit .261 with eight home runs, 33 RBI and 14 stolen bases thus far in 2012. Those aren’t bad numbers, but for an average of $11 million a season, Philadelphia was hoping for a little more production.

Now, keep in mind that the only thing that we have heard is that the Dodgers have “interest” in the shortstop. The Philadelphia Phillies have not addressed this story or situation, and Rollins has been absent in the rumor-mill flurry thus far.

However, if there is legitimate interest from Los Angeles and the Phillies decide to become sellers, these rumors will surely intensify. Currently locked in a battle with the San Francisco Giants for the NL West crown, the Dodgers need offense, and the Phillies may want to cut payroll and begin building anew with younger talent.

 

Whether you think I know everything or nothing about Major League Baseball, you should follow me on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook and keep in touch. I love hearing what you all have to say!

Follow @spinkickers

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia Phillies: Know Your Ballpark

First Game at the Park: April 3, 2004
Location of Park: One Citizens Bank Way
How Many Seats: 43,651

Notable Titles and Players:
2 World Series Titles
7 NL Pennants
11 East Division Titles

About the Ballpark:
Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies, opened in 2004 and was designed to be a part of the fabric of the city of brotherly love. There are four entrance plazas to the park. When a home run is hit, the Liberty Bell lights and rings throughout the park. Also unique to this ballpark is arguably the best mascot in all of baseball—the Phillies Phanatic. The Phillies are also unique in that they are the only single-team and single-city franchise in all of professional sports.

About Don Julio and Know Your Ballpark: This summer, Bleacher Report and Don Julio have teamed up to get you to “Know Your Ballpark” and know your tequila! You can learn about all thirty ballparks by clicking here.

*Baseball stats compiled from http://www.baseball-reference.com

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

« Previous Page — Next Page »