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Game chat: Phils aim for series sweep in Washington

With first place back in their possession, Kyle Kendrick (8-5, 4.70) and the East-leading Phillies battle John Lannan (6-10, 3.33) and the last-place Nationals tonight at 7:10 ET.

With all the trade deadline hoopla, we didn’t get a chance to mention how money Shane Victorino has been in July. The Flyin’ Hawaiian is hitting .327/.370/.624 with seven homers and 17 RBIs this month, with six of those homers coming in the last 13 games. He put Randy Johnson in his book twice on July 12, and also Johan Santana on July 22. He started in yesterday’s game, going 3-for-5 with a homer and three RBIs. Readers also sang the praises of Chad Durbin, who pitched a scoreless eighth to preserve the win for Jamie Moyer. Durbin has had another fine month, holding hitters to a .163 average in July.

Manny to the Dodgers? SI.com's John Heyman says the Dodgers, Red Sox and Pirates have agreed on a three-way deal that would send Manny Ramirez to Los Angeles and Jason Bay to Boston. Details are limited. [Link]

Midday report: Feliz diagnosed with mild disc bulge

Phillies third baseman Pedro Feliz underwent an MRI and was seen by a back specialist. The diagnosis: mild disc bulge, according to the beat writers. Feliz has been suspended from baseball-related activities until next week, they report.

Beerleaguer: This isn’t a crippling blow, but it’s still a setback, especially against left-handed pitching; Feliz is hitting .291/.339/.555 against left-handers. There’s been no mention about third base, but it doesn’t mean they're content to head into the stretch run with Mike Cervenak as the top infield reserve. Feliz could be out for a while, so they need help. That help is likely to come off the scrap pile, possibly after the non-waiver deadline. These types of deals are very hard to predict. Guys like Washington’s Ronnie Belliard and San Francisco’s Jose Castillo come to mind, but I’m stabbing the dark.

Rumor roundup: With the non-waiver deadline just minutes away, only one potential deal to report. Pirates outfielder Jason Bay is headed to Tampa, according to MLB.com. The Buccos will receive shortstop Reid Brignac and left-hander Jeff Niemann in exchange for Bay. If it happens, obviously the three-way deal involving Pittsburgh, Boston and Florida is dead and done.

IronPigs update: Kris Benson allowed one run on five hits through seven innings today in Norfolk, making that three straight quality starts for the rehabbing right-hander.

That’s good news, but if you want something better, look no further than Benson’s teammate, 31-year-old southpaw Les Walrond, the International League’s best pitcher over the month of July. Walrond threw eight shutout innings Tuesday, making it three-straight shutouts for the journeyman left-hander. Earlier in the month, he struck out 17 in a complete-game shutout. For July, he’s 4-0 with a 1.00 ERA and 43/12 K/BB ratio.

Thursday: A defining day in the Pat Gillick era

The previous GM departed with a legacy of missed opportunities at the non-waiver trade deadline, which occurs today at 4 p.m. Will the current boss suffer the same fate?

Isn’t if funny how history repeats itself? Presenting the Florida Marlins, world champions in 1997 and 2003, serious contenders again in 2008, locked in discussions with the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates on a three-way megadeal to import Manny Ramirez for the stretch run. A game-and-a-half separate the Phillies, Mets and Marlins in the National League East. It’s very likely that such a deal would shift the balance of power to the Marlins, who will be getting 24-year-old right-hander Anibal Sanchez back on the mound tonight, joining a rotation that is healthy, young and on the rise. Sounds like the '03 Marlins all over again.

While Florida is thinking big, in Philadelphia, the Phillies are talking small. “Everybody wants a No. 1 pitcher,” Gillick told the Inquirer. “Everybody wants a No. 1 hitter. But sometimes you can't get them. Sometimes you can't take a giant step. Sometimes you have to take a small step.”

Beerleaguer: And sometimes you have to take the big step, like the Marlins are trying to do. If the Manny deal goes down, and the Marlins win it in a nose, it will define the Philadelphia legacy for Gillick, who is set to retire after the season. It would also be a crying shame. This could be the Phillies' last, best chance at post-season baseball. Florida's pitching staff will only get better, and the Mets will open the wallets to coincide with the opening of Citi Field.

“Big” doesn’t always mean “right,” but the Marlins have the historical edge in making smart, small deals, too, like the 2003 acquisition of closer Ugueth Urbina, followed ten days later by a Phillies’ trade for Mike Williams. The trade helped Florida snare the Wild Card and eventual world title, while the Phillies watched from home.

Game chat: Phillies-killer Redding, Moyer clash in D.C.

The Phillies have not scored a run in two games against tonight's starter Tim Redding this season. The Nationals’ ace is 4-2 with a 2.34 ERA in eight career starts against them. Jamie Moyer, who’s been nearly as tough on Washington, goes for the Phils. First pitch is 7:10 ET.   

Rumor roundup: It’s safe to assume the Phillies are working the phones as tomorrow’s non-waiver trade deadline approaches. Around the Web, the latest reports view Manny Ramirez as a longshot. Yesterday, Jayson Stark floated a trade scenario involving Kansas City reliever Ron Mahay, but no new information has surfaced since this morning. Meanwhile on MLBtraderumors.com, Tim Dierkes picked up on a report from ESPN radio involving Jayson Werth. The Rays plan on scouting the Phillies’ outfielder. A scout for the Rays, who are in heavy talks about "Correct Spelling of Jason" Bay, believes Werth could be had in the right deal. One would assume the Phillies' acquisition of an even bigger right-handed bat would be a prelude for any deal involving Werth.

Wednesday: Jen Utley says hubby is not hurt

The wife of last night’s hero, Chase Utley, told the 610-WIP Morning Show that her husband suffers from the typical bumps and bruises all players have this time of year, but tried to settle conflicting reports on the nature of her husband’s hip.

Utley accounted for all of the Phillies’ runs last night, going 2-for-4 with a two-run shot in the third, his first home run since July 7. A few days ago, Phillies GM Pat Gillick said the All-Star second baseman was playing through a sore hip, which Utley denied, but also acknowledged why reporters would inquire about his health. Utley went hitless during the Mets’ series in the midst of an 0-for-17 skid, and his numbers have been in steady decline since April.

Phillies 2, Nationals 1: I didn’t see it. Let’s just say it was a “dark (k)night” for the Weitzel family. No “joking” around. No baseball, but still near a “bat,” man. So readers have the floor on Brett Myers’ night in Washington.

“Myers used his fastball and located it. The few hits he gave up were over the middle. He primarily used his fastball and pitched a much needed good relatively flawless game. You gotta hope that pitched this well on Sunday Night Baseball.” -- Reed

“Myers didn't pitch in a single situation tonight where he faced any kind of pressure or really had to pitch from the stretch at all.  He benefited from a generous strike zone (as did the Nats' starter) and the Nats sat as Myers got ahead in the count with fastballs early.” -- MG

“The Phillies played well enough to win and Myers didn't allow an earned run. You can't discredit everything just because it's Washington. They've lost plenty of times to that team. If you would have preferred a lively 8-7 loss, that's your problem. And it is big for Myers to know that he can pitch deep in a game and get outs. It's been a long time since he had a game like that. It could make a big difference mentally to take that into his next start, instead of the pressure and negative focus of carrying a string or poor starts into it.” -- RSB

Game chat: Happ recalled; Feliz placed on 15-day DL

As expected, the Phillies recalled left-hander J.A. Happ from Lehigh Valley, but the team also made an unexpected move, placing third baseman Pedro Feliz on the 15-day disabled list and recalling corner infielder Mike Cervenak, according to the Morning Call.

Transaction summary: Happ went 7-6 with a 3.30 ERA in 20 games for the IronPigs and made two starts for the Phils earlier this month. Cervenak, a minor league journeyman who can play first and third sparingly, was up with the club before the All-Star break and only got one at bat. With Lehigh Valley, the 31-year-old was hitting .320/.343/.443 with seven home runs. Feliz did not appear during the Phillies’ homestand, at which time the club revealed that he had been playing through a strained back for weeks. He was hitless in his last four games. Greg Dobbs and Eric Bruntlett figure to platoon at the position while Feliz recovers, with Cervenak becoming an emergency reserve. As for Happ, the club intends to add him to the bullpen in a long relief role.

Game summary: The Phillies resume play tonight when Brett Myers (3-9, 5.82) faces Collin Balester (1-2, 5.75) for the first of three from our Nation’s Capitol. Myers makes his second start since being recalled from the minors July 21. Balester will be facing the Phillies for the first time; the Phils have not faced the Nats since May 21. Washington comes into the series owners of the worst record in baseball (38-67, .362)

Phils, Royals get serious about Mahay, Donald swap

ESPN baseball writer Jayson Stark says the two sides are having “extensive conversations” about a deal that would send Kansas City left-hander Ron Mahay to the Phillies for Double-A shortstop Jason Donald.

Mahay, 37, is signed through next season at $4 million and is 5-0 with a 1.81 ERA and 42/21 K/BB ratio in 54.2 innings, holding left-handed batters to a .213 batting average. Donald, rated as the Phillies’ 15th-best prospect by Baseball America before the season, is hitting .304/.380/.506 with 14 homers and 9 SB with Double-A Reading. The 23-year-old shortstop will represent the United States in the Olympics.

Beerleaguer: Although his stock is on the rise because of his successful jump to Double-A, Donald, who bats from the right side, projects as a utility infielder with the Phillies because the middle infield is obviously blocked. He’s a little old for Double-A and scouts have questioned his range and arm strength. As a player, he’s considered a student of the game in the mold of Cal Ripken. For a team like Kansas City, he would become a regular player sooner rather than later. Donald, who's value might actually go down the longer he's stashed in the farm system, would be a nice little pickup for the rebuilding Royals.

Kansas City taxed Mahay for a ton of innings already this season (54.2). The left-hander has bounced around the league since 1995, with all but a few months service coming in the American League. A former replacement player and former outfielder, Mahay has had a very good career as a middle reliever and is having a fine campaign for the Royals, although he generally will not pitch on consecutive days. According to the reports, he’ll throw a low-90s sinker, slider and splitter. As a second left-hander out of the bullpen, you can’t do much better than Mahay.

Donald for Mahay would represent my idea of a fair trade between a rebuilding club and playoff hopeful. If it comes to fruition, this might be it for the Phillies before Thursday's non-waiver trade deadline.

With Fuentes off the table, Grabow targeted by Phils

Five teams are lined up for Pirates left-handed reliever John Grabow, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. With the Rockies emerging as contenders, Colorado has reportedly pulled back closer Brian Fuentes.

The Rays, Cardinals, Phillies, Red Sox and Angels have called about Grabow, who is 5-3 with a 3.25 ERA and 44/22 K/BB ratio in 52 2-3 innings with Pittsburgh. The 29-year-old southpaw is holding left-handed hitters to a .229 BA this season. The downside, according to the Post-Gazette, is that Grabow missed nine days earlier in the month with arm fatigue.

It’s a buyer’s market for mid-range left-handed relief, and more teams, like the Marlins, are joining the hunt. MLBTradeRumors.com lists Arthur Rhodes, Jack Taschner, John Grabow, Eddie Guardado, George Sherrill, Will Ohman, and Alan Embree as available goods.

Manny Ramirez + Phillies + rumors = traffic gold

For almost two years, a rumor involving the potential trade of Bobby Abreu for Manny Ramirez accounted for the highest traffic day on Beerleaguer. With the disgruntled left fielder connected to the Phils in hot-stove reports yet again, we shamelessly open the floor for the latest Manny speculation with the non-waiver trade deadline just days away.

Yesterday, sources for the New York Post said the Phillies had the best chance to trade for Ramirez because Charlie Manuel has perhaps the strongest relationship with him of anyone in the majors. The Phils have also confirmed to the local papers internal discussions about bringing Manny aboard. FoxSports writer Ken Rosenthal floated a deal that would involve Geoff Jenkins and Double-A catcher Lou Marson to Boston, but views the Phillies as a longshot for his services. Most writers seem to share the same view.

Fuentes: In his latest piece, Rosenthal reports that the Rockies are seeking a ready, young starter in exchange for Brian Fuentes, mentioning J.A. Happ as a possibility.

Breaking news: Eaton demoted to minor leagues

(From a Phillies news release): Adam Eaton has accepted an optional assignment to the Phillies' minor league system, Senior Vice President & General Manager Pat Gillick announced today. No specific classification has been determined as the Phillies work out his schedule.

A corresponding roster move to fill Eaton's spot on the 25-man roster will be made prior to Tuesday's game against the Nationals. Eaton, 31, was 4-8 with a 5.80 ERA in 21 games (19 starts) for the Phillies this season. His last two appearances came in relief.

Beerleaguer: The revolving door ushers another veteran to the minors, only this time, the current could make it more difficult for Eaton to spin his way back into the Majors. Best case scenario for Eaton, he performs well an earns his way back when rosters expand in September, but I wouldn't necessarily count on it.

Monday: Time to tell Adam Eaton to take a hike

The Phillies took the three-game series from a thoroughly second-rate Atlanta Braves team yesterday, but questions about the makeup of the pitching staff linger, including the future of a failed starter.

There's nothing like watching live baseball to appreciate the nuances of the game. For example, the fury unleashed upon two grooved Adam Eaton pitches in the fourth inning. You can’t appreciate that on television. Watching Kelly Johnson and Omar Infante's blasts carve through the storm-soaked air left little doubt. It’s time for the Phillies to free Philadelphia from the Eaton burden.

The back-to-back jacks left an impression on the front office, too, and one can only hope that it’s the final impression Eaton is allowed to make in a Phillies uniform. According to the Inquirer’s Bob Ford, the team brass met with the displaced right-hander behind closed doors following the game. Meanwhile in Richmond, left-hander J.A. Happ was pulled from his Triple-A start early, lending to speculation that a roster shift is coming. Happ could either be on his way in or on his way out as part of a deal for outside help.

A two-hour rain delay threw a wrench into the Phillies’ plans, but even before that, the pitching staff was skewed out of whack. They were using a valuable roster spot just to hold a player in limbo, but Eaton isn’t the only pitcher who isn't performing. Rudy Seanez’s tenure may have run its course. The veteran served his purpose at the beginning of the season, but is not cut out for the stretch run, where he’ll need to pitch back-to-back games once in a while. Seanez allowed four runs, one earned, in allowing the Braves to climb back from the dead yesterday.

These are questions that could be resolved between now and Thursday’s non-waiver trade deadline. I’ve been saying for months that despite their performance for most of the season, additional bullpen help wasn’t a bad idea. Now, they need to do it.

As for Eaton, if I was in his shoes, I wouldn’t accept a minor league demotion. But if I was Pat Gillick, I wouldn’t give him the option. There's nothing to resurrect. It’s time for the relationship to end, plain and simple.

Pitching stuff: It was a crazy, high-scoring game, but Clay Condrey's fifth and sixth innings shouldn't be forgotten. After the Phils tied it up, Condrey kept Atlanta off the board for two innings, earning the win as a result of Pat Burrell's fifth inning homer. Condrey is alright by me; he's done a very nice job in myriad situations this season. ... I would be fine with Happ becoming the new long man and second left-hander out of the pen. His minor league training is over - there's nothing left to prove or learn. Many other teams ease starting pitchers to the Majors this way.

Atlanta: For what it's worth, my opinion of the Braves isn't very high. There's no doubt whether they should be buyers or sellers. They have no chance at the post-season. None.   

Game chat: Blanton makes home debut for Phillies

The Phillies try to convert game three into a series win by sending Joe Blanton (5-12, 5.08) to the mound against Atlanta’s Jorge Campillo (5-4, 2.83). First pitch is 1:35 ET. The Phillies, tied with Florida for second in the NL East and trailing New York by one game, are going for their first series win in three tries. Blanton tries to rebound following a shaky start at Shea Stadium. With Oakland, he was a much better pitcher at home, but in this case, it's hard to judge how that will apply.

Phillies call out the reserves, rally to win 10-9

Greg Dobbs’ three-run pinch homer capped a seven-run fifth, erasing all nine runs allowed by Cole Hamels during a fourth-inning debacle. Adam Eaton (4-8) earned the win in his first appearance from the pen.

Dobbs’ homer tied the Phillies’ all-time single-season mark for pinch hits with 20, set by Doc Miller in 1913. Dobbs is now hitting .435 (20-46) with two homers and 14 RBIs as a pinch hitter. The game also saw a 3-for-4, three RBI afternoon from Chris Coste, who put the Phillies on the board first with a two-run line single to center in the second and was part of the big rally in the fifth.

The Phillies spotted Hamels three early runs, but it wasn't nearly enough cushion to overcome the mess he made in the fourth. The left-hander now has a career 4.66 ERA in day games. After Hamels was lifted, the relievers (Rudy Seanez, Adam Eaton, Ryan Madson, Chad Durbin, J.C. Romero, Brad Lidge) combined for 5 1-3 shutout innings. After making 11 starts before notching his first win in the rotation, Eaton earned his first vulture win on his very first try as a reliever. For Lidge, it was his 23rd save to remain perfect on the season.

Notes: Pedro Feliz sat out for the third time in the last four games with tightness in his lower back and told MLB.com that he may also sit Sunday. Assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. revealed Friday that the third baseman has been playing hurt for weeks. Eric Bruntlett replaced him at the hot corner yesterday. … According to the Inquirer’s Bob Ford, Jimmy Rollins “blew off reporters again yesterday.”

Saturday thread: Another listless night for the bats

It took 26 outs before the Phils exploded for two runs in an 8-2 loss.

Fragments today instead of cohesive sentences. A game this bad deserves nothing better. It deserves primal grunting actually, but it’s difficult to translate grunting to the page.

Three whole hits off Jair Jurrjens through eight innings. Jurrjens (which sounds like primal grunting) is a good, young pitcher, but the “good pitcher” excuse grows tired. There’s good pitching in the league, so step it up. Chase Utley (pictured right with wife Jen and kittens) might have been the worst hitter in the lineup. The biggest, RISP ABs fell in his lap again yesterday and he couldn’t come through. He’s hitting .225/.294/.380 since the 20-run explosion June 13. Short, compact swings replaced by big, sluggish, looping cuts.

The Vizquel-esque season for Jimmy Rollins continues. J-Rolls went hitless. He’s not on base, not in the mix and he’s not the power-hitter of a year ago, certainly. They were counting on that. Ryan Howard homered with the game out of reach to pad his shallow pool of RBIs and HRs. The team’s long search for someone to step up when the key players don't continues. Unreal offense from the star players masked a multitude of sins over the years. Guys like Ruiz, Jenkins and Feliz are pure lineup poison, while Dobbs continues to be a big-time platoon option in theory.

The name Aaron Rowand is coming up more and more in conversation. Do they miss the leadership? Probably, but they're missing that bat even more. If this game was played a year ago, they're not silenced through eight innings because someone like Rowand, or Rollins, goes deep.

Offense remains numero uno on the list of problems, but make it three-straight games where the bullpen has blown it. If Lidge keeps it 1-0, the Phils still have a chance in the ninth. Lidge has been shaky since signing the contract extension.

Accolades: OK, here's some good news. What do Chase Utley, Pat Burrell and Jason Weitzel have in common, besides the obvious good looks? We’re all Best of Philly winners in the latest issue of Philadelphia Magazine. Utley and wife Jen won best champions for a cause, Burrell won Best Phillie and Weitzel won … best sports blog? No. Best blog? Guess again. In the upset of the season, best sportswriter in the city of Philadelphia.

“(A) great mix of analysis, detailed info that obsessive Phillies fans die for (including coverage of the minor league system and fairly intelligent comments from die-hard fans).”

Fairly intelligent? Must have been written during a Mets series. My sincerest thanks to the good folks at Philadelphia Magazine. Look for the latest edition, pictured above, on newsstands now.

Game chat: Mike Hampton makes his first start since 2005 against Cole Hamels and the second-place Phillies today at 3:55 ET. The Phils enter today two games back of the Mets and tied with Florida in the National League East. Discuss it here.

Game chat: Phils face tough customer in Jurrjens

Twenty-two-year-old right-hander Jair Jurrjens (9-5, 3.22) faces the Phillies for the second time this season when the Braves visit Citizens Bank Park for the first of three games. First pitch is 7:05 ET.

Preview: Jurrjens, who allowed four runs in seven innings in his only other start against the Phils, tries to rebound from a five-run, six-inning loss to the Nationals his last time out. That’s nothing compared to Kyle Kendrick (8-4, 4.87), who let up a career-high seven runs on 10 hits in Saturday’s ugly 9-5 loss to Florida.

Lineups are posted: Charlie Manuel goes with the left-handed order, including Greg Dobbs at third and Geoff Jenkins in right. Carlos Ruiz does the catching. After yesterday's benching, Jimmy Rollins returns to the lineup.

Remaining schedule less burdensome for Phillies

Tonight begins the easiest stretch for the Phils all season, with the average, nightly opponent holding a .480 winning percentage as of today’s standings.

If there’s any call for optimism following their second series loss to a divisional foe, it's that the remaining 60 starts to lighten up for the Phillies starting tonight with a visit from the Atlanta Braves (.475). The Phils are 8-1 against them and match up nine more times. After Atlanta, the Phils travel to Washington (.373) for a three-game set, the first of four-remaining three-gamers with the Nats. The Dodgers, Pirates and Padres round out the sub-.500 opponents the rest of the way. The hardest spots include a pair of four-game sets, the toughest is at Chicago (.588) and then another one at home with the Brewers (.578). The Phils and Florida (.520) have nine more slated, while the division-leading Mets (.539) match up with the Phils just five more times. How huge does that last series look now?

Undone in the daytime: With yesterday’s loss, the Phillies fell to 12-20 in day games.

Beerleaguer for breakfast: Falling on deaf ears

Yesterday saw the second rule violation from Jimmy Rollins, just days after a fly ball, no-hustle play over the weekend, the same reason he was benched on June 6. Does it pay for Charlie Manuel to be such a stickler?

If winning is the desired effect, there’s some evidence to the contrary that the strong arm of the law hasn’t worked for Sheriff Manuel this season. Since J-Roll's first benching, the Phillies have gone 19-22. A handful of players have struggled, including J-Roll (.250/.332/.415), Chase Utley (.243/.322/.414.), Carlos Ruiz (.189/.333/.257) and Geoff Jenkins (.143/.221/.299). Highest average during this span, if you ignore ABs, would be So Taguchi's .364. That's .75 points higher than your first regular, Jayson Werth (.289).

It isn't just performance. There's been dissention in the ranks. We've read the reports about Cole Hamels' disapproval of his handling after the All-Star break. We've read about Pat Burrell's displeasure over being taken out of games early. Yesterday, J-Roll became the latest player to publically denounce a Manuel decision. Jamie Moyer would then defend it.

It’s not to say the offense has been weakened by a dictatorship. Much of this can be laid at the feet of Brett Myers and Adam Eaton, and a lot of it has to do with the quality of the opposition. But if playing the game right, performance and winning were the desired effect from that first J-Roll benching, it hasn’t happened for Manuel’s second-place club.

Better to keep it in-house? On the subject of artificial motivators, it worked in the past at least once. Last season, after the Phils started 4-11, they held a team meeting before a game in Cincinnati. Team leaders, including Moyer, Aaron Rowand and Utley, reportedly spoke out. They turned it around.

One of Manuel's greatest traits is that he's been able to keep problems inside the clubhouse. By all accounts, he's balancing many different personalities. Writers connected to the team maintain he's the only man who could make it work. In his fourth season, some of those seals are starting to crack. 

Mets overtake division with series win over Phillies

Carlos Delgado's two-run double broke an eighth-inning tie, and Oliver Perez struck out a season-high 12, as the Mets dumped the Phillies 3-1 to take over sole possession of first in the National League East.

On a day that ended with the Mets making it their division to lose, Jimmy Rollins was scratched for showing up late to the game, according to multiple reports. That’s twice this season that the reigning MVP has been benched for disciplinary reasons. Are you kidding me? Not even the purveyor of bold, 100-win predictions could have projected that one. His fortune-telling ability must be slipping, along with his interest, apparently. 

So much for leadership. It's not what the Phillies wanted from their off-the-field and on-the-field leaders in a crucial series, the on-the-field leader being Chase Utley, the man who would’ve been MVP two months ago. Utley went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, completing the 0-for-11 series no-show.

This team has problems, brother. Do they ever. Chief among them: the New York Mets, who were better than the Phillies in approximately 26 out of 27 innings this series. Perez becomes the latest pitcher to set a season high against the vaunted Phillies offense. A close second: the vaunted Phillies offense, past the point where dysfunction can be blamed on "pressing." Third, the Marlins. Or the pitching. Take your pick.

So is it inappropriate to use the word "collapse" in July? Because this one is starting to mix in all the wonderful ingredients (comfortable lead followed by controversy, dysfunction, underachieving) that sunk the Mets in '07.

Or do we skip all that and say the Phillies just aren't good enough?

Game chat: Mets, Phillies finish huge series at Shea

Beerleaguer guest opinion: 'Myers has totally lost it'

Senior correspondent Martin Smith, the only fan who stayed the course with So Taguchi, provides his take on the struggling right-hander.

“I think Myers has totally lost it. With control like last night, he can’t even be a reliever. He was 1-3 in the minors, which means he didn’t beat minor leaguers. Big deal he had some strikeouts. So did Les Walrond. And if it was about mechanics, why didn’t he stay at one rehab assignment with one coach instead of a three-city road trip? The minors gave him a break, a breather, but what else did it accomplish?”

Beerleaguer: The first thing you notice is the release point. He’s flying open and the flight of the ball is all over the place. He’s not driving to the plate like the old Myers. When he does this, you wonder if he's trying to compensate for injury. Rich Dubee wants him to establish his fastball when everyone, including Myers, knows it’s no good. No location, no good. The Phillies keep feeding us simple answers about getting his head on straight. There's obviously more to it.

Absence of Gordon creates domino effect in bullpen

Injured reliever Tom Gordon may not have been sharp before his June 6 trip to the DL, but his absence means more innings, more mismatches and more heat on the back of the Phillies’ bullpen.

Lost in the Brett Myers shuffle was Ryan Madson’s three-run sixth inning, which put the Mets ahead for good 6-3. Madson served up a level pitch for Jose Reyes to wail on for a three-run jack, equaling the number of runs Myers allowed through five, no-control innings.

Before last night, Madson had been steadily working his way back into Charlie Manuel’s good graces; he had not allowed a run in his last nine appearances and was seeing action in something like a set-up role. The numbers show that his best work has come in high-leverage situations, so last night was definitely something of a rarity, not just for Madson, but for the entire bullpen. We haven't seen many of those "losses directly attributable to the bullpen" we've complained about in previous seasons.

Realizing it’s only one game and the bullpen has been solid, take heed. One of the main dangers of Gordon's absence is that J.C. Romero will continue to be thrust into mismatches. Right-handed batters are hitting .304 against him, and his WHIP is 2.37. We’re also starting to see Clay Condrey creep into games like last night, with the outcome still in question. Condrey is fine at what he does, but he doesn't classify as a high-leverage reliever. Meanwhile, Rudy Seanez has become a non-factor, just like his ’07 second half with the Dodgers. At 39, Philadelphia will likely be the end of the line for the journeyman right-hander. And it would take a blowout for Manuel to test Adam Eaton.

Wake up, Utley: Pioneering Beerleaguer GM-Carson gives us Chase Utley’s month-by-month AVG/OPS. It's not pretty:

April- .352/1.168
May- .259/.891
June- .266/.857
July- .257/.725

Utley has yet to get a hit this series and last homered on July 7. During the game chat, readers asked “What's up with Utley?” It’s a good question. Yesterday, I was asked the same question for FoxSports Radio. The host suggested that he looks worn down. I agreed.

Game chat: Myers returns to Major League Baseball

After a head-clearing, soul-searching, location-finding, fastball-reviving demotion to the minor leagues, right-hander Brett Myers rejoins the starting rotation against the rival Mets tonight at Shea Stadium. For New York, John Maine, who’s also struggled lately, tries to reverse the momentum swing from last night’s dramatic comeback. Should be another good one. First pitch is 7:05 ET.

Rumor: Pirates' Nady, Dodgers' Kemp on Phillies' list

FoxSports senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal is reporting that in addition to Colorado’s Matt Holliday, the Phillies have inquired about right-handed hitting outfielders Xavier Nady and Matt Kemp.

Beerleaguer: These are two of the National League’s top five leaders in batting average on balls in play (BABIP), which measures the number of batted balls that fall safely for a hit, not including home runs. That’s normally a red flag suggesting luck is involved. Nevertheless, both of these guys would provide a boost to the offense. Nady and Kemp are also two of the top six line drive hitters in the league, with Nady having an extreme career year (.327/.382/.528, 140 OPS+). Kemp's at .287/.340/.461, 106 OPS+.

Nady qualifies as one of the league's most overlooked players, but it's Kemp who intrigues me more. It’s a longshot to get him, however, but we'll play along. I never quite understood why the Dodgers insisted on impeding his progress. He’s an impressive, young, bluechip player. They’re finally letting the 23-year-old get after it this season in a full-time role.

An offensive upgrade would be nice, but there’s also a chance, with the weakest part of their schedule ahead of them, that the Phillies' offense will be fine. So if they set out to acquire help, let it be a young player they could build around. Nady, who's 29, gets hurt a lot, for whatever reason. This is a team that needs to start injecting fresh bodies into their starting lineup, particularly at the power positions.

Wednesday: Blanton will make his defense work

Based on one start in red pinstripes, the scouting reports on Joe Blanton appear to be accurate. The big right-hander pitches to contact with a four-pitch mix and won’t miss many bats.

Blanton’s start can be dissected like this. He located his breaking ball well in the first two innings. He started to miss in the third, committing the cardinal National League sin of walking Jose Reyes to start an inning. The Mets would follow by scoring three runs on three hits, the big blow coming on a 3-2 breaking ball down and in, right near the spot where Carlos Delgado likes it. It was a questionable decision to go inside breaking ball with a base open. Afterward, Blanton was reportedly stunned that Delgado tagged him. After Marlon Anderson opened the fourth with the third infield hit of the ballgame, Blanton induced a big double-play ground out, his 13th of the season. He appeared to settle in until two outs in the sixth when another untimely walk was followed by Ramon Castro’s two-run homer on a hanging slider. Unglued and tired, he nearly hit the next batter, Johan Santana, but issued a free pass instead.

Blanton’s final line read five runs on eight hits and three walks over six innings. He could have easily let up six or seven runs had it not been for Endy Chavez getting gunned down twice at home with nobody out – something that should never, ever happen. Blanton’s lone strikeout came against Santana.

It wasn’t the debut the Phillies were hoping for, but they emerged victorious, so no harm, no foul. First impressions: He needs to locate or he’ll struggle like yesterday, and his supporting defense must be sharp. None of his pitches appear to qualify as an out pitch, although his curveball does carry some nice, tight action. He's also tough to run on.

Phils stun Mets with dramatic 9th inning comeback

The Phillies pulled off an astonishing 8-6 shocker by roaring back for six runs off the Mets' bullpen, which blew another dominant start by Johan Santana. Unlikely hero So Taguchi delivered the game-saving blow with his first pinch hit of the season.

With the bases loaded and nobody out, Taguchi fought off several two-strike Pedro Feliciano pitches before gashing a double to right, plating two runs to tie it 5-5. Then, Jimmy Rollins followed with the game-winner, a two-run double past third baseman David Wright. The Phils would add an insurance run to make it 8-5.

The Phillies offense remained ice cold through Santana’s eight innings, managing just two runs, including a Shane Victorio solo homer in the seventh. The game appeared to be in the bag for the Mets, who scored five runs off Joe Blanton in his Phillies debut. Blanton allowed two homers and three walks on a night that featured a few too many hanging breaking balls and untimely mistakes.

But it didn’t matter. With Santana gone and three outs to play with, the Phils worked a series of good at bats against Duaner Sanchez, filling in for injured closer Billy Wagner. Jayson Werth started it with a single, followed by a two-strike, pinch hit by Greg Dobbs. Shane Victorino would then single to load the bases and knock Sanchez from the game. With Sanchez out, Joe Smith in, and the pressure on, Jose Reyes botched Carlos Ruiz’s high bouncer and the runners were safe all around. Taguchi would follow with the greatest hit of the season, and at that point, the Weitzel family dog ran and hid from the screaming.

Beerleaguer: Like a wise man once said: “There will come a time when So Taguchi will help the Phillies.” For months, we wondered, doubted and questioned, waiting impatiently for the veteran to deliver. "What purpose does he serve?” Ah, yes. Of course.

Rumor: Phils could look to reacquire Arthur Rhodes

According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, rival executives speculate that Phillies GM Pat Gillick could make a move to add the current and former Seattle left-hander, who also pitched for Philadelphia in 2006.

In 18 2-3 innings, Rhodes, 38, is 2-0 with a 2.89 ERA and 21/8 K/BB ratio, holding left-handed hitters to a .194 average. Olney speculates that Rhodes would likely serve as a second left-hander out of the Philles’ bullpen.

Beerleaguer: Why can’t GMs let go of the past? They love “their boys.” Rhodes and Gillick have crossed paths in three different cities (Baltimore, Seattle, Philadelphia). This move would set a poor precedent, just like Jose Mesa last season. Rhodes has done okay for Seattle, but look at the circumstances. The Mariners are 38-61 (.384). They’re completely out of the running. Here, he’d be thrust into a pennant race in a city that's still trying to forget he ever played here. He stunk at Citizens Bank Park (7.32 ERA). If it happens, does anyone think he'd settle into a comfortable role? What would Charlie Manuel do with him? This isn't Rheal Cormier we're talking about. Rhodes was his set-up man two seasons ago, and late in life, Rhodes has actually been weakest against left-handed batters.

Mets-Phils: A lightning rod for momentum swings

The Mets have been firing on all cylinders since their last series with the Phillies. It’s not the first time a meeting between these fierce rivals was followed by a massive momentum shift. 

Before we preview this series, a little news to pass along. According to the New York Post, Mets closer Billy Wagner was diagnosed with an inflamed pitching shoulder by the team orthopedist and will undergo a cautionary MRI this morning. So far, it’s unclear whether Wagner will be ready for tonight’s game. According to the Post, Wagner had difficulty getting loose Sunday in Cincinnati, even though he would go on to strike out the side.

The teams begin a three-game series tonight at Shea Stadium locked in a tie for first in the National League East, with Florida just one game back. The last time these teams opened a series, the Phils squeaked out a 3-2 win on July 4th to extend their lead over the Mets to 5 1-2 games. The Mets would rebound the next night for the first of 10-straight wins.

The Mets view this as a brand new season. They've fought their way back into it, while the Phillies' own inability to score runs has certainly played a part. The Mets have put the first-half drama behind them and fans are feeling very good about their team for the first time since Omar Minaya traded for Johan Santana.

People have talked about their pitching, but the heart of their lineup has also turned the corner. Carlos Delgado, left for dead, is hitting .419 in July. Jose Reyes, another streaky player who felt the heat early, exploded for a big game Sunday and has his average back over .300. Carlos Beltran and David Wright are hitting again.

Their pitching has been the key to their resurgence, and Santana, who starts tonight's game, has obviously been in that mix. Although the wins aren’t there, he’s been excellent, and tonight’s game – a battle of division leaders – is the reason the Mets emptied the farm system for the dominant left-hander.

Aside from a pair of hiccups this weekend in Cincy, the Mets are riding high, while the Phils have basically reached their darkest hour. But if we’ve learned anything from this rivalry, it’s to expect the unexpected. Remember, it's a brand-new season for the Phillies, too.

Beer nuts: Maybe it's time to reshuffle the catchers

With fresh faces on the way for their series in New York, could a catching move also be in the cards for the Phillies?

Aside from injuries, teams usually stay the course behind the plate. Heck, if Sal Fasano, Mike Lieberthal and Rod Barajas hadn’t been hurt at various points the last few seasons, Chris Coste would have never been given a shot.

Looks can be deceiving, but just a hunch that Coste is now the injured party. Following that train wreck collision just a few weeks ago, Coste’s numbers have plummeted, making that two catchers, Carlos Ruiz being the other, who’ve produced little in weeks.

The Phillies have said that Lou Marson’s next step is Triple-A. That was before he was selected to the Olympic team. That means Jason Jaramillo, 25, would be next in line. The switching-hitting catcher, who was named to the Triple-A All-Star team, is a brass-tacks handler and mid-range prospect, but his ascent has been slow. Unlike Marson, he’s had plenty of time to develop, and now might be the right time for his long-awaited audition.

Ruiz has gone from bad to worse. Like Myers, the struggling catcher may need to be demoted to figure out how to hit again. He hasn’t improved on the fly, and with the offense scuffling, they can’t afford the added drag.

If Coste is truly hurt – and it certainly looks that way - then perhaps it’s time for a trip to the DL. Call up Jaramillo. If Jaramillo does well, option Ruiz upon Coste’s return. Or, they could option Ruiz right now. Coste also has options.

Here’s another scenario. They could release So Taguchi, who doesn’t have a purpose, and carry three catchers, making Coste strictly a PH until he recharges the batteries. If Jaramillo works out, decide what happens from there.

Remember, Jaramillo was the one catching Brett Myers in his starts at Lehigh Valley, while Joe Blanton has a clean slate. Blanton and Myers are scheduled to pitch Tuesday and Wednesday. It wouldn't be that much of an adjustment from the pitching end. Maybe it’s time to see what Jaramillo can do. Compared to Ruiz, he couldn't possibly be worse, at least with the stick. 

Minors: Beat writer clears up Marson misconceptions

Reading Eagle colleague Mike Drago says he’s been asked by scouts for his take on Lou Marson’s defense, as the catcher is now viewed as a top chip in the Phillies’ chain. On Sunday, he set the record straight.

"When Lou Marson was struggling to crack .250 early in his career, people around the Phillies organization were quick to remind you about his defensive skills," he writes. "Now that he's among the Eastern League's top hitters, some scouts are complaining about Marson's throwing ability.

"Truth is he's been inconsistent throwing the ball to second, with some good streaks mixed in with some bad ones. A few weeks back he was throwing out nearly 41 percent of base-stealers, which is quite good. At the All-Star break that number had slipped to 37 percent. The 22-year-old catcher has plenty of arm to get the job done. At this point he simply needs to refine his footwork and he'll be fine back there." [Link]

Beerleaguer: Marson has been listed in a handful of rumors, most recently, one involving Colorado outfielder Matt Holliday and closer Brian Fuentes. With the trade of Adrian Cardenas, Marson, who's hitting .324/.440/.437 with five homers, probably defaults as the highest-rated position prospect in the Phillies' system. Coming into the season, Baseball America rated him fourth behind Cardenas, and outfielders Dominic Brown and Greg Golson. With Carlos Ruiz struggling to stay over the Mendoza Line, catching is right near the top of areas in need of immediate help.    

Monday: Manuel sounds off on situational hitting

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel rips into his struggling offense after a 3-2 loss in Florida. Read between the lines and the message is clear: Too many hitters are doing their own thing.

Following the game, a disgruntled Manual had this to say about a lineup that wasted yet another gem by Cole Hamels: "We get pitching like that, we've got to win. Our situational hitting is absolutely terrible. Absolutely off the chart, really. It's going to be hard for us to win" if situational hitting does not improve. [On Saturday], we hit all those balls down to third base in one inning - absolutely bad hitting. I'm not trying to hurt anybody's feelings, but if I do, if I'm talking about you, that's good. I mean to be talking about you."

Beerleaguer: For the record, those hitters on Saturday were Jayson Werth, Chris Coste and Jimmy Rollins, since we have no problem naming names here.

Let’s take this Manuel rant a step further and throw some players under the bus. I’m getting awfully tired watching Shane Victorino – your No. 2 hitter – sky balls to left field with a man on base. It happened right out of the chute in the first inning yesterday. Vic is somehow immune to criticism on Beerleaguer, but the fact is, for all his speed and defensive talents, he doesn’t play the game the way it should be played. The Phillies last, best No. 2 hitter was Tadahito Iguchi. He knew how to hit behind the runner. I don’t know that anyone on this team understands what that means, especially Victorino.

Maybe it’s not Geoff Jenkins fault that he’s so one-dimensional, but he is, and it’s killing this offense. Jenkins went 0-for-3 and stranded five men on base. He’s a big reason why the bottom of the lineup isn't producing against right-handed pitching, where Pedro Feliz – hitless yesterday – is hitting 240/.289/.362. This situation with Jenkins and Feliz represents my worst fears; I wasn't wild about either of these aging signees for this all-or-nothing reason. The 6-7-8 hitters went 1-for-14 yesterday, where Carlos Ruiz continues his tailspin.

Hidden injuries? Chris Coste: 4-32 in July. Big home-plate collision about three weeks ago. Just sayin’. Rollins: Coming up lame in first inning, apparently a knee problem. High ankle sprain earlier in the season. Noticeably less high-motor than 2007.

Mutual option watch: If Jenkins makes a total of 925 plate appearances in the 2008-2009 seasons or 525 plate appearances in 2009, it would trigger a $7.5 million vesting option for 2010. He's currently at 261 plate appearances. If the agreement fails to vest, he and the Phillies have a mutual option for the third year. The contract also includes a six-team limited no trade provision.

Update the shopping list: The Phillies need to start calling about any left-handed outfielder who can make contact. I'd look at San Diego's Jody Gerut, who's got some decent skills across the board, makes contact and gets on base. He'd be a cheap upgrade.

Readers weigh in: "I'm glad to see Manuel got a little testy. This team needs a swift kick in the ass even more than it needs pitching. Compared to last year's Phillies, they are totally lifeless and despite being in first place for the last 6-7 weeks, I wouldn't say it's been all that enjoyable to watch this team play. (Or read about it.) Jimmy Rollins: 'We don't get concerned until late.' Why is that, Jimmy? Sounds pretty ridiculous to me. Why not get after it now? What's with all the glib assumptions that the Phillies are always going to be able to pull out all the stops when they 'need' to in September? Really a disgusting attitude." -- RSB

"The Phillies are a good team, but they have lots of limitations and you really see them in extra innings: Feliz and Werth can't hit righties, Jenkins can't hit lefties, Ruiz can't hit anyone, Romero can't get righties out etc. etc. so Manuel is forced to make all kinds of moves. This is how you wind up in an 11th inning game that should've ended earlier, with a choice of Condrey or Eaton." - clout

Game chat: Phillies, Fish finish up in Florida

The Phillies turn to Cole Hamels (9-6, 3.15) this afternoon when they go for the series win against Josh Johnson (0-0, 5.40) and the Marlins.

It’s getting late in July and these are starting to become must-win games. This would be a crucial win on the road versus a tough division rival. This is every bit as important as Tuesday's series in New York. It’s why the ace of your staff is so important. Following yesterday’s sloppy loss, Hamels has to come through today. Transaction: Joe Blanton was added to the 25-man roster. To make room, reliever Joe Bisenius was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Game chat: Kendrick, Olsen mix it up this afternoon

Kyle Kendrick (8-3, 4.47) opposes Scott Olsen (5-4, 3.77) in the second of three at Dolphins Stadium. First pitch is 3:55. For the Phils, Ryan Howard hopes to keep up his hot hitting. Lifetime against Olsen, the Major League home run leader is 10-for-21 (.476) with two homers and nine RBIs.

Start your Saturday with a red-hot Holliday rumor

The latest from FoxSports Ken Rosenthal finds the Phillies in pursuit of Colorado outfielder Matt Holliday and closer Brian Fuentes. [Link]

"The Phillies were working multiple fronts before acquiring right-hander Joe Blanton from the A's," Rosenthal writes. "Among the possibilities that reached a standstill: A blockbuster for Rockies left fielder Matt Holliday and closer Brian Fuentes."

"The talks probably will not revive, major-league sources said, even though the teams continue to scout each other and the Phillies used different players to obtain Blanton than they would need for Holliday and Fuentes," he continues. For Holliday and Fuentes, the Phillies probably would need to part with a package of Shane Victorino, left-hander J.A. Happ, Class AA right-hander Carlos Carrasco and Class AA catcher Lou Marson. Holliday would play right field, with Jayson Werth taking over full-time in center, then return to left next season if Pat Burrell departed as a free agent. After that, Holliday, too, would become a free agent."

In addition, Jim Salisbury of the Inquirer reports Colorado scouted Carrasco last night in Bowie.

Game chat: Phillies resume season tonight in Miami

With division knotted, Phillies get back to business

The Phillies play the first of 14 more sets against the National League East beginning tonight in Miami. The Fish trail the Phils and Mets by just 1.5 games in a suddenly tight division.

The Phillies have some catching up to do. The hometown nine have played the fewest division games of any team in the NL East, and tonight is the start of 12-game stretch of divisional games. This is what it’s all about: Phils and Mets all tied, the Marlins knocking on the door and a ton of division action left to play. We’ll get to know the Marlins, Mets, Braves and Nationals like the backs of our hands by the time this thing’s through.

The Marlins haven’t been pleased to make Jamie Moyer’s acquaintance. Moyer (8-6, 3.95) has won all nine of his career starts against them and has held them to a .184 average at Dolphins Stadium. They’ll counter with Ricky Nolasco (10-4, 3.70), who’s been a major reason why the Marlins continue to hang in. The Marlins have won Nolasco’s last seven starts and he’s been tough on the Phillies before.

It's a brand-new season, starting tonight at 7:10 ET.

Friday: Readers drop the hammer on Blanton deal

Generally, the Beerleaguer peanut gallery disapproves of the Phillies' decision to trade for right-hander Joe Blanton. Have they underestimated the overall impact of this deal?

“Essentially Blanton has much more in common with Jon Lieber than the girth. He strikes me as being more or less the same pitcher. Gives up a ton of hits, pitches deep into the game. Flattering comparisons aside, the guy's 5-12 on a plus-.500 team. Don't tell me to look beyond the numbers. He hasn't even been mediocre. That just isn't worth two of your better prospects under any circumstances. They overpaid, big-time. (But) if they use this deal as a springboard to dump Myers, I will instead hail it as an unsurpassably brilliant transaction.” – RSB

“Blanton gives us a safety net that the pitching staff hs lacked all year. He can step in right now for Eaton, an upgrade, and that allows Happ to step in for Myers if they choose to shift him to the pen or if he fails again as SP. The Phillies window is closing and they needed to add a SP to make a serious post-season run. If they do so, this is a pretty good deal regardless of how Cardenas turns out. If, however, Blanton's badly deteriorated K/BB ratio is the product of a hidden injury, this trade could be a major disaster.” -- clout

“The Blanton-B list type of deal binds our franchise to mediocrity. I feel this team as constructed before the trade was good enough to make the post-season. I thought the point of upgrading was to make the team sufficiently better to actually make an impact in the playoffs. Does anyone actually feel comfortable with any pitcher beyond Cole Hamels starting a game in October? I thought Burnett or Bedard at least gave that glimmer of real playoff impact potential upside. Getting another "innings eater" is fine and dandy if the franchise was simply looking to win 85 games, but the bar should be set higher. Debating the talent level of the minor leaguers given is not the point, because regardless of how they mature- they are current trading chips, and I was hoping those chips would be traded in for real impact potential rather than steady-as-she-goes type players. These moves continue to slowly bleed the farm system without bringing back anything really substantial. The risk averse nature of the dealmaking will never bring a big enough reward.”
-- Pharmer Dan

Beerleaguer: It’s a slightly better deal than readers are giving the Phillies credit for. The best available pitching was off the table. Their farm system is limited. The A's wouldn't settle for anything less than the best minor league talent. We’ll see if Cardenas becomes a Major League star in three years. The Phillies didn’t exactly give Outman a ringing endorsement by reassigning him to the bullpen.

Aside from the benefit of replacing Eaton and adding depth, Blanton becomes another commodity for teams in the hunt. They're not locked into him the way they are with other pitchers. There’s no baggage. They could always deal him – and I’m not entirely convinced they’re finished dealing. Lefty relievers John Grabow and Brian Fuentes are reportedly on their radar. And for some reason, I can’t shake this Matt Holliday dream.

Indeed, Blanton could become Jon Lieber. RSB is correct: He's hittable in a Lieber sort of way. Or, he could thrive in Philadelphia and become a very sound middle rotation addition. He could ride off NL unfamiliarity alone for the rest of the season. I'm less enthused about 2009 and 2010. We've seen Blanton's ceiling. In reading comments from other sites, it sounds like if you give Blanton some runs to play with, he’s a different pitcher.

If Blanton and Myers can crank it up in the second half, they will win the division - and how 'bout that J.A. Happ, with his seven, no-hit, 12 strikeout innings yesterday in AAA?

Phillies acquire RHP Joe Blanton for three prospects

The Phillies send left-hander Josh Outman, second baseman Adrian Cardenas and outfielder Matt Spencer to Oakland in exchange for the 27-year-old pitcher.

From Beerleaguer news sources: Blanton, 27, is 5-12 with a 4.96 ERA at 77 ERA+ in 20 starts for the A's this season. He has a 3.87 ERA in 17 of his 20 starts and is tied for sixth in the American League in innings pitched (127.0), having gone at least 6.0 innings in 16 starts. Blanton has the seventh-lowest run support average in the AL.

Over the past four seasons (2005-08), Blanton, a first-round pick in the 2002 draft, is tied for third among American League pitchers with 752 2-3 innings pitched. Only Mark Buehrle (766 1-3) and Jon Garland (760 2/3) have pitched more in that span. Last season, Blanton went 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA in 34 starts with 230.0 innings pitched. He pitched two scoreless innings for Oakland in the 2006 American League Championship Series. Blanton is 47-46 in his career with a 4.25 ERA in 122 games (118 starts).

Outman, 23, was 5-4 with one save and a 3.20 ERA in 33 games (five starts) for Double-A Reading. Cardenas, 20, was hitting .309 in 67 games for Class A Clearwater. Spencer, 22, was hitting .249 with six home runs and 41 RBIs in 84 games for Clearwater. All three players were originally drafted by the Phillies.

Beerleaguer: The Phillies trade their top position prospect for the privilege of going season-to-season with a decent starting pitcher, one that would’ve required an expensive, long-term deal out on the open market. Following a couple misfires, the Phils are gun shy about playing that game again. Instead, they maintain flexibility and make a deal for a mid-season non-rental. The Phils pick up about $1.5M on his contract this season and he's arbitration eligible through 2010.

Cardenas goes from being the best, pure hitting prospect in our system to being the best for Oakland, where they’ll need to decide whether his future is in the infield or outfield. The redundancy at second base, with Chase Utley ahead of him, is only partially correct. Cardenas' future position is still undecided. Left-hander Josh Outman, who was converted from a starter to reliever in May, will pitch in the majors some day, but is in the midst of a lost season spent adjusting to the bullpen. He’s deceptive and he can miss bats. Spencer is a throw-in. 

The Phillies get Blanton, and Blanton, to be frank, has been rather bad this season. There are a lot of miles on that 27-year-old arm of his. He tallied 230 innings last season and he’s at 127 here in ’08. The A’s have a history of using and abusing their pitchers, and why not? They’re too expensive to keep. Some, like Tim Hudson, ended up OK. Others have not.

Statistically, Blanton's K rate is down (4.6/G) and his control hasn’t materialized like it did in 2007, when he was walking 1.6/G. As mentioned earlier, Blanton’s home/away splits are severe (4.63/5.73), and obviously, Oakland's McAfee Coliseum is gigantic. His splits were even worse last season (2.69/5.11). The A’s had begun shielding him from as many road games as possible.

When a pitcher falls into that kind of pattern, you wonder if a change of scenery isn’t the best course of action. In Philadelphia, he gets a fresh start and better run support. It also doesn’t hurt that he’ll compete against inferior competition, which is exactly what the National League will offer.

Positives: The Phillies will make the playoffs if he can become the Kentucky Joe of old. I like the timing of the deal. Wait until the deadline – an injury here, a winning streak there -- and the market could have shifted. I definitely respect how the Phils are no longer interested in screwing around with underachieving pitchers like Adam Eaton, and I like the message it sends to a scuffling club. They can afford to be patient with J.A. Happ; Blanton is a safer option than Happ during the stretch run. And depending on where they need him, Brett Myers can pitch in the rotation or 'pen now that they’ve added some depth. Or, they’re clear to trade Myers, save the money and test Happ. They could go a couple directions. I think anytime a team can trade with another contender for a capable, cost-efficient Major League non-rental, it’s to be commended, in principle. After CC Sabathia and Rich Harden, Blanton was in that next tier of marginal difference makers.

Negatives: He's a marginal difference maker. Blanton’s decline from '07 cannot be ignored, and his workload raises a red flag. His average season is an average season (100 career ERA+). He's been bombed a couple times lately (1-2, 7.41 in last 17 IP), and is now being thrust into a new, high-pressure environment. He’s been a much, much better pitcher in low-profile, large McAfee Stadium. Readers of A’s blogs are bothered by his weight. Goodbye Adrian Cardenas, who could have been used in a sexier deal, or become a starting player for the Phillies some day.