Between now and Sunday, Ruben Amaro Jr. will be attached to a cell phone. Names will be discussed. Scenarios will be talked about. It’s trading season.
Last season, the Phillies added Roy Oswalt. The year before, it was Cliff Lee.
Even though the Phillies own the best record in the majors, they’ll surely try to improve before the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline. Rumors have been floating about relief pitchers Heath Bell and Mike Adams. On offense, Houston’s Hunter Pence, New York’s Carlos Beltran and Oakland’s Josh Willingham would certainly enhance the lineup.
Before last night’s game, the Phillies GM took a break from his busy schedule to discuss the state of the ballclub. When it came to trade rumors and specific players, Amaro said, “I’m not going to discuss it.”
But Phils skipper Charlie Manuel wasn’t too shy in offering his opinions.
“I want to get better,” Manuel said. “We might wind up with a perfect team. That’s what this game is all about.”
They haven’t had that consistent right-handed bat since losing Jayson Werth.
“I want a guy who’s a good hitter, and I want somebody who can mash and definitely help our lineup,” Manuel said.
Stay tuned. Cell phones will certainly be buzzing over the next five days.
