Would Kevin Youkilis make sense in Philly?
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Would Kevin Youkilis make sense in Philly?
David Murphy
We are approaching the point of the season where the trade speculation will begin its gradual increase to full-blown insanity as general managers begin to make phone calls and dispatch talent evaluators and media members begin to report things that an NL scout told them. For Phillies fans, the trade deadline might as well come with an advent calendar, as the last four seasons have each brought a shiny new gift from jolly old St. Ruben Amaro Jr. In 2008 it was Joe Blanton, followed by Cliff Lee in 2009, Roy Oswalt in 2010, and Hunter Pence in 2011. At this point, the biggest need is power, both in the lineup at in the bullpen. But it is way too early to formulate an educated guess on how these needs might be addressed, since there are still two big unknowns that must reveal themselves:
1) How much power will Chase Utley and Ryan Howard provide when, or if, they return to the lineup?
2) How much power can Antonio Bastardo, Jake Diekman and Jose Contreras provide in the seventh and eighth innings?
Second question first: Contreras had another rocky outing yesterday. He's struggled mightly since returning from the disabled list. The Phillies keep saying that he just needs to work out some kinks and find some consistency after a one-year layoff. But he is 40 years old and coming of significant elbow surgery, so it is fair to wonder whether he will ever look like the pitcher who bordered on dominant during his first season in Philadelphia. The good news is that Bastardo has looked a lot better in recent days. I haven't noticed a significant change in his gun readings, but his fastball just looks like it is bearing down on hitters quicker and confusing them the way it did last season. Bastardo is at his best when he gets hitters to chase high fastballs above their chest, resulting in pop-ups or strikeouts. That's been the case in his last few appearances. He also has shown good slider command recently.
Diekman has yet to appear in a game since his callup, but that will obviously change at some point. Whatever happens, you can bet the Phillies will be in the market for a right-handed reliever with strikeout stuff. Such players are usually plentiful around the trade deadline, and the cost is usually not overwhelming.
Now, back to the lineup. Howard and Utley are question marks, but even if they return at a level of production close to what they've shown over the last couple of years, the Phillies can still use an upgrade (Utley and Howard were both healthy for last year's 1-0 Game 5 loss to the Cardinals).
The two obvious openings for a power bat: left field and third base. John Mayberry has begun to put together better at-bats, and he is making noticably better contact now than he was a week or two ago. Still, late in yesterday's game he got a great pitch to drive and instead lofted a routine fly ball to right-center. At this point, there is little harm in running him out there every day to see if he might suddenly transform into the player who was so productive in a rotational role last season. But if Mayberry does not making significant strides over the next month or so, left field is a position the Phillies should circle.
The second option is third base. It is the second option because the available supply is more limited, and because Polanco is an excellent defensive third baseman, and because he is hitting .355/.375/.452 over his last 16 games. But Polanco could get injured at any time, and even if he stays healthy, he does not bring any semblance of power to a lineup that is in dire need of it. So we have to at least consider the notion that the Phillies could look for an upgrade at third.
The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo recently floated Kevin Youkilis' name as a potential fit for the Phillies. The Red Sox have gotten excellent production out of rookie third baseman Will Middlebrooks, and there is some feeling that both Youkilis and the Red Sox would be well served by a change of scenery for the veteran.
If the Phillies could get him on the cheap, Youkilis would certainly be a worthy addition. He is currently on the disabled list with a back injury and is hitting just .219/.292/.344 with two home runs and 20 strikeouts in 64 at-bats. But he got off to a slow start last year and still ended up hitting .258/.373/.459 with 17 home runs. Such a batting line would be worhty of the cleanup spot in the Phillies lineup at this point.
Of course, trading for Youkilis now would not be the same as trading for him two years ago. He is a banged up 33-year-old veteran who has had trouble staying in the lineup over the past few seasons. But adding him to the mix would give Charlie Manuel a number of different personnel options, from playing Youkilis at third base and moving Polanco to second, to playing Youkilis at first. Given the time off that Utley, Howard and Polanco all figure to need, Youkilis could easily play every day if Manuel was comfortable rotating positions.
But the Phillies are not going to want to give up anything of future value for an aging, banged-up third baseman who will be a free agent after the season. Which is why you have to wonder how teams are feeling about the fast start that Joe Blanton has gotten off to. Trading away pitching depth is very rarely a good idea. I wrote in spring training that the Phillies should hang on to Blanton when there were rumors flying about possible trades. But we are at a different juncture than we were in spring training. Vance Worley has given no indication that he was a one-year wonder. The three aces are once again living up to their billing. The Phillies have shown that they can live without a consistent fifth starter. The year they won the World Series, Kyle Kendrick and Adam Eaton spent the entire year in the rotation. Adding power is the biggest priority at this point. Manuel keeps shaking his head at the number of baserunners the Phillies are stranding -- eight, yesterday -- but that is going to happen if you don't have players who can drive in chunks of runners with one swing. The odds of hitting a single are, at best, 1 in 3. Asking a unit to string enough singles together to score a clump of runs is asking them to defy the odds.
Youkilis, for all his question marks, would certainly bring power to the lineup. What if the Red Sox proposed a straight Blanton-for-Youkilis swap? Two guys with similar salaries who will be free agents at the end of the season, both of whom fill holes for the other side (similar is relative, of course - Youkilis actually makes $4.5 million more than Blanton, along with a $1 million buyout next year). Just something to think about.
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I thought about Youk when someone mentioned Middlebrook. Red Sox less likely to trade young player. Reportedly Youk and Valentine have had their problems. Dont think Phills have much trading material for Sox.— Don w- Throwing Kendrick out there every day is giving away the game. Phillies don't score enough runs to make up for what he will allow. Rather bring up Cloyd or May and see what you got. Leave Kendrick where he is. Trade Blanton for Youklis and don't sign Youklis after season, no matter how well he does. Gotta get younger.— dfc5632
- If the price is right give him a shot. I wouldn't hesitate to give up Blanton, but the whole infield is a mess other than catcher. Rollins shouldn't be hitting leadoff..he can't get on base.— lazyboy
- umm...no. Gut it and start over. We should look to pick up younger players with the trade chips we have...if we even have any.— Hammer859
- Youk represents what the Phillies already have in spades - an early-to-mid-30s player, with slightly-above-average production, who is on the decline, and who can't stay healthy. We've already got enough payroll on the DL, we don't need to see how high we can get that number. Any effort and/or money should be spent right now on getting healthier and younger players, not doubling down on what we've already got.— thefonz37
- Come on, you are crazy, another old, beat up, injured, expensive, over-the-hill player?????? Let's go younger not older. This year is shot anyway, start preparing for a comeback for next year.— chucksf
- Youkilis has a team option at $13M for next year. If he comes around physically and contributes in the second half, he'll be better than any of the free-agent options available at 3B. If not, you cut bait and pay him a $1M buyout. I doubt Blanton's going to yield a top prospect in return, so this might be the best chance they have to cash him in for something useful to the 2013 Phils. — ColonelTom
- If Boston throws another player, I'll do the trade. Youkilis looks shot to me. A veteran corner infielder with back problems is a very bad combination. He hit .259 and struck out a 100 times last year in a very good line up in only 120 games. He has failed to hit 20 HR and drive in more than 80 runs the previous two years. This year his numbers look worst. He's eligible to come off the DL today but he has yet to do any baseball activity. Blanton, in the other hand, has looked pretty good lately. No way you do that trade even up right now.— EL Zorro
- How the Phillies could give Kendrick a 2 year extension at 3.5 million per, or whatever it was, is beyond my comprehension. What was Amaro thinking?— SteveS11
- this is ludicrous. i know people hate joe blanton for some reason but he's a solid pitcher. those are hard to find. think about who would be replacing him in the lineup (Kendrick most likely)...not worth it to get a failed Red Sock.— kilo_005
- I've never understood it either. Joe's outings range from slightly less than average to well above average. Philly fans should really appreciate what he's given this team. Sure, he's got his rough outings, but even Halladay has been known to cough up 8 runs in a start every now and again. And while Joe's best might not touch on Halladay/Lee/Hamel's best, he's still got a much bigger upside, than say, KK, who continues to baffle me in how he still even has a job, let alone a $7.5 million, 2-year contract. — thefonz37
- Its interesting that with all the offensive holes, Dom Brown's name hasn't been brough up. Is he that far gone at this point and, if so, it would be interesting to see what he could bring back in trade to bring some pop. Just an idea...— nyphillyguy
- Blanton for Youkilis.....do it in a second!!!!!— Bill S
- Because he was going to make more in arbitration, Steve. KK was on line to get a raise to more than $4 mil this year by arbitration standards and more next year. That's how arbitration works. Remember, he had a pretty good season last year.— EL Zorro
- Polanco and Kendrick for Youkilis and a prospect.— zeke128
- NO WAY...Phils need to get younger, not older...besides we already have Wigginton, who is the same as Youkilis.— phil500
- Pass on "Youseless"...— Buck Dharma
- Philadelphia seems to becoming the retirement community for aging ball players. The older the better. Contreras and Kendrick have to go.— eaglesman1
- I agree with other comments re: we do not need another aging, injury prone player. I think the Phils need to seriously consider moving what chips we have to upgrade third base. I thought we should have made a run at David Wright last year instead of Hunter Pence. Now the Mets are less likely to trade him. Regardless, get a young third basemen in here with some pop, and use Polanco as a super utility player. If that means moving one of our three aces, so be it. We have too much invested in pitching anyway. Finally, we need to call up Domonic Brown. He offers more upside than Mayberry/Pierre.— phillypatrick3
- For help strictly in 2012, I'd say Youkilis is worth a shot. I wouldn't expect miracles from him either, but it is a reasonable gamble for one year if you do not have to give up much to get him. In general, however, I sincerely hope Amaro's not looking to add another aging player that will continue to haunt the Phillies daily for another two-three years down the road (like Rollins will).— MrPhillie
- The way Blanton is pitching right now and with the condition Youkilis is in, I'm not biting. I'd certainly entertain all offers for Domonic Brown, the JaMarcus Russell of MLB.— dasher
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- Blanton for Youkilis? Yes! (HTML deleted)
- Nice analysis, Murph. But no way do you trade Blanton for Youkilis. Maybe Kendrick.
The Phils made their bed: we're going to live or die on pitching.
I agree about Mayberry - he's starting to find his stroke, as is Vic. Polanco is finding his groove but the idea of spelling him consistently so he doesn't break down in August makes a lot of sense, only find somebody inside the organization to do it.— Cameiros - This is a no-brainer. NO! Youkilis is washed up. Let's stay with Polanco and Mayberry. Wigginton can play 3rd if Polly goes down, maybe not as well but as good as Youkilis. You can get far more for Blanton in a trade than straightup for Youkilis. Re "living without a consistent 5th starter" like Blanton is questionable. Who will do the job? Kendrick? PLEASE! He cannot be trusted to be the long man in a game when we have what seems to be an insurmountale lead. Contreras is a real question mark. More work on that 40 plus year old arm is not what he needs. I'd release him at the trade deadline if we can pick up a consistent RH reliever.— 1republican
- Amen to all the comments about getting younger, not older. But, the only way they get a early to mid 20's guy with some power is trading yet another pitcher. I doubt if Blanton or Kendrick would attract that kind of player via trade though. I hate the thought of it, but the Phillies might be forced to trade Hamels to get a stud or studs in return. Apparently he is asking for $3-4 million more per season than Doc and Lee. I believe he might be worth it, but unlikely the Phillies will cave to that. It feels like this dynasty is slipping away right now. That sucks !— jakenepa
- Blanton for Youk is a terrible idea. I'd rather trade Blanton for prospects and punt this year, then have to watch that dumb batting stance for half a season.— Vote for Dickie
- At this point in time, how does Dom Brown offer more than Pierre? Yeah, Dom has higher potential, but potential doesn't get base hits. Pierre and Chooch are the only legitimate hitters on this team right now. I agree with the post that Youkilis is just another washed up guy that this team has plenty of. Don't make that trade. Blanton is worth more than that.— dirttracker
- Blanton looks damn good right now... So if the Phillies aren't trying to do something they are dropping the ball. I like Youk but we need to get younger not older.— Apollo Creed
- First of all, there is a flaw in this article, unless written 2 weeks ago. Polanco's average is up near his career average again. Power was not Polly's strong suit, it was hit contact hitting and glove (for which he is doing now). Only way to trade for Youk is for Beantown to eat most of his contract. No way do you deal Blanton for a 33 year old broken down player. Only guy I'm moving is Kendrick. If we are worried about Utley/Howard's health, isn't Youk just as bad?— drhoffman
- absolutely not! Both Blanton and Kendricks are very good, back of the rotation guys. I've never understood the hate they seem to generate among some Phillie's fans. We have too many aging players already. I'd much rather see some the younger kids brought up and played.— high alpine
- Are Youk serious? No way! Keep Blanton unless you get a solid player for him. Blanton has proven he is a solid pitcher this year even though he gets no run support.
- Are Youk serious? No way! Keep Blanton unless you get a solid player for him. Blanton has proven he is a solid pitcher this year even though he gets no run support.
- Adding Youk to an aging injury prone team? Well he would certainly fit right in! Ah;NO. Anyone know what happened with Scott Podsednik as I no longer see him on the Pigs roster?— Jiminfl
- I wouldn't do it. At this point I'd try Poly at 2B for a while and see if Luna looks like he did in the spring. When, not IF Chase and Ryan come back, then we can keep the hot players and send the cold ones packing.— andivalspoppop
- Dom Brown is hitting .247 at LHV with zero home runs, and 3 stolen bases in six tries. His trade value is nil. Youkilis would offer some pop and draw some walks. Two things Polanco never has. But he should be plan b or c.
The guy RAJ should be targeting is Chase Headley. He's a young, switch hitting guy with great numbers away from Petco. He, Chooch and Pence could carry the team until Utley and Howard come back as long as Rollins starts playing better. But the Phillies would have to part with some young, relatively inexpensive pitching to get him. Think Vance Worley or Trevor May.— T-Money - No way do you trade Blanton for Youk, Why the hate for Blanton? Seriously, I know we need to score runs, but the Youk of today, is not the answer. If Blanton goes, it is for someone younger, period....— PhilliefaninAZ
- Right..let's add another over-the-hill, injured veteran batting .219
Great idea....— scootch - Youk makes Polanco seem healthy.— willthethrill11
- More hurt and aging players?? Nope. Get rid of KK, Jose, Herndon and bring up 3 kids. Think about the Jays and Rasmus or even Drabek ...again. Vic is now ready to be traded and the team needs youth, not more injured players. If they think Overbeck can hit at all, give him a chance at 3rd and go with Polly at 2nd. The Pen must be changed even over another hitter.— Koons
- POlly, god bless him, should have retired the end of last year. We need a power 3B. And if Youk is only option, go get him. F it. Rent him for a year. If he does not produce, I am sure we'll pay for it w/ higher Rolling Rock prices ($8.75 for a RR. Really? WTF Monty..)
— Poppys - I'd give up Kyle Kendrick for Youklis! Actually, a bag of used baseballs and some stretched out ACE bandages would work too!— skolman
- @jiminfl: Podsednik was sold to the Red Sox last week, as the Phillies have no need for a lifetime .279 hitter who makes contact and steals bases. Not when you have Brian Schneider, Pete Orr and Hector Luna!— dasher
- I think our offense is fine, we need bullpen help.— Bruno Sammartino
- No, NO, NO! We don't need another old guy, past his prime in this lineup. He can no longer catch up to the inside fastball at or above 92 mph. Look, IF Chase and Ryan come back, the team is instantly better. Chase could hit 250 with 10 HR's and he would still be valuble, he's just a winner that plays with the right attitude. Our former MVP shortstop should be filling that role, but SKY Rollins is more of a media PR spoksman than a leader at this point of his career.
It's painfully obvious this team is going win or lose based on how their bullpen performs. I'm betting Ruben is focused on making a deal for bullpen help and not as worried about adding a bat.— AngryGregR - YOuk would work....Utley is (unfortunately) all done. Dispatching KK, and Mayberry worth it. I like Blanton and think he is a keeper.— NewMick314
- I am up here in New England where the Sox are regularly covered and although Yuk is a great guy, and was a great player (when healthy) the general consensus is that he is damaged goods at this point and even if that can change, the Phils cannot afford to give up any quality although Blanton for Yuk would be acceptable and they can throw in Contreras plus Herndon for free:-)— daystrum
- Controversial thoguth: Now that MLB has cracked down PEDs, players that are 32+ years old are OLD. They get injured, they don't recover fast or at all. It's becoming like the old days when a player retired in his mid 30s because of injuries and dimished skills. That means most of the players we have are in that category and we can't expect them to be injury-free and have a career year.
— Barneyboy - Some random trade thoughts...
-Dom Brown traded for another "top prospect" that hasn't panned out. Sometime a change in scenery is just what is needed. There has to be another club who has their own version of Dom Brown we can trade for. Dom will never be able to turn it around here.
-Trade Shane and Cole. Remember what happened when we traded abreu? We actually made an unexpected push. I say trade those two for a top tier prospect or two and some other pieces.
-I wish we could trade Jimmy. I was really hoping that once he was signed and he knew Utley and Howard were out he would at least try to lead by example and he has but in a negative way. He's been better in the leadoff spot and I didn't expect his MVP numbers but we need the Jimmy with some swagger back.— TheFansVoice 
Potential rerun. See David Bell.— RAS- Leave Youklis where he is, we already have enough old, sucky, players with no power! If they trade for Youklis, I'm going to spring training next March and make the team!— phillynupe4
- Not sure how he is any better than Wigginton, and I don't see how the roster works out. No spot for another infielder once Utley & Howard come back (let alone Thome who I think may be cut). I wouldn't take him, let alone trade Blanton for him.— Phils Phan 28
- Youkilis would be the stabilizing, high OBP guy the Phillies are lacking. Historically, he always gets on base and works pitchers, something the Phillies desperately need especially if they make the playoffs. If Ryan Howard can come back and play (a big IF in my opinion), they need to get the front line pitchers out of there. Howard crushes middle relievers and 4th-5th starters, but the Phillies see them less and less as they have kept adding free swingers.— jtj10
- El Zorro, they didn't have to keep Kendrick and go to arbitration. If they can replace him with someone who makes $700K, I think they could given the role he plays, they could just release him and replace him with a cheaper model.— jtj10
- God no, heck no, h___ no! Youk is viewed as a me-first cancer in that clubhouse rivaled by only Josh Beckett. And, Youk hasn't managed 120 games or more since 2009. And, he's a major downgrade defensively from Polanco. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
— eman - I live up here too. Youk a great guy? No way. He gets into a fight with Manny Ramirez. He badmouths Jacoby Ellsbury when he went down in 2010. He's a pariah in his clubhouse and the media hold him in disdain. Bobby Valentine even called him out this season. You asleep up here?— eman
- I think they should try to get somebody good but give away very little.— neddyflanders
- Am I the only one who actually watched Kendrick pitch last year? What's with all the hate? The guy totally earned that contract with the way he performed. He doesn't have an easy job, jumping back and forth from starter to bullpen. He handles it better than most would. It's only May. Judge him at the end of the season, not now.— vvvmetallicavvv
- Bad deal due to durability and age. We need to get younger and more athletic!!— Northcountry
- Blanton for Youk?!??!? Are you high? A guy hitting .219/.292/.344 is "worthy of the cleanup spot in the Phillies lineup"?!??!? Have you been smoking crack, meth, and heroin all at once? I've heard a lot of bad ideas for how to fix the Phillies lineup, but this one takes the cake.— cctiger09
- Wigginton and Youklis are the same player. This trade makes no sense. I'm more amazed that with 50 freaking draft picks/ year all we do is draft pitchers and guys that never amount to much. And don't mention Rollins, Utley or Howard as homegrown talent. That was the past. We haven't brought up a successful position player in years.— cheesesteak17
- getting an old very injury prone player who's fading fast would not be one of the smarter moves they could make.— JBS67
- Here is a decent article regarding the thinness of the 3B position and the rest of the squad guaranteed $$ through 2014. I am all in on David Wright, since he is a free agent next year. I'll pass on Youkilis.
http://www.thegoodphight.com/2012/1/3/2678485/phillies-possibilities-for-2013-2014-contract-analysis— Jay25 - Exactly the kind of thinking that got the Phillies to where they are right now, getting washed up guys on the cheap and hoping they can stumble upon some kind of fountain of youth. This article represents the same shortsightedness as Phils management
- is it ever possible to talk about getting a player UNDER 30?— farley
- Dave: c'mon, there are no less than a half-dozen guys on the 40-man who need to go. Youk is not gonna make a significant difference unless RAJ adds at least 5 other pieces. Emphasis on a lock-down bullpen and a Buddy Ryan defense primarily, then tweek the gaping holes in the offense. Initial moves without different players: drop Rollins to the bottom of the BO, plug Mayberry into the 4-hole/1B, Pence back to the 5-spot or 3rd, Pierre or Vic leading off, Chooch Malooch 5th or 6th...— Seegs
- Bring it... Thome, Wigginton, Nix. A fouth for slow man's pinochle.— Rabe56
- Youkilis is 33; hasn't played in over 136 games since 2008; Has seen his production drop each of the last two seasons...make a deal...he'd fit right in.— slovak34
- By all means, let's sign another old, oft-injured player instead of looking for youth that can continue to get better with the team. Why even write an article like this?— ehpvirgo
- Blanton for Youkilis??? I'd hope the Phils could do better than that in a trade for a legit starting pitcher who'd be no worse than a 3 on most teams. The other article about Amaro needing to make a "Gillick like trade" makes more sense.— dlivesay
- jtj10, Why would you want to trade a 27 year old pitcher with already 135 ML games under his belt, who was coming into his own last year going 8-6 with a 3.22 ERA? Some people have short memories. He did pretty good feeling for Oswalt last year and as a long man. What guarantees you have that by releasing him you could get a guy at $700,000 who could do what the did last year of capable of doing? Brian Sanches, Mike Stutes, Mike Schwimer? The 2-year $7 mil deal was not a bad signing. Now the J-Roll signing, that is going to haunt the Phillies for the next 3 1/2 years. Enough with the KK hate.— EL Zorro
- If you look at Blanton's numbers and KK they are similar. Blanton is older, made $10 mil last year, is making $8 mil this year and already has two injuries in the last 2 years. You just don't release a young pitcher with ML experience. Look at the Yankees signing Pettitte out of retirement after Michael Pineda went down.— EL Zorro
- I cannot believe I am advocating for keeping Joe Blanton but I am. Especially in this ridiculous scenario. So far (fingers crossed, knock wood, add any talisman of note) Polanco is playing pretty well. WHY ON EARTH would we add another aging, injury prone player to this line-up and trade away a pitcher who thus far has been doing pretty well??!!!!
Try again Murphy. Per usual your analysis is lame. - I cannot believe I am advocating for keeping Joe Blanton but I am. Especially in this ridiculous scenario. So far (fingers crossed, knock wood, add any talisman of note) Polanco is playing pretty well. WHY ON EARTH would we add another aging, injury prone player to this line-up and trade away a pitcher who thus far has been doing pretty well??!!!!Try again Murphy. Per usual your analysis is lame. (HTML deleted)
- too old; too much money— marckahn
- no no no no. This article is ridiculous.— Owatagoofiam
- What about Reynolds with the Orioles?
— philsfansince1946 - youk for jroll... move polly to 2nd and galvis to ss.— nyphilliephan
- filling for Oswalt.
— EL Zorro - There are a bunch of indield prospects in the majors, including some catchers. We have three aces and two very good end of the rotation starters plus plenty of pitching prospects, not to mention Victorino and Pence. We can get one or two of these kids.
Triple A
Will Middlebrooks, 3B, Boston Red Sox
Alex Castellanos, 3B, Los Angeles Dodgers
Josh Phegley, C, Chicago White Sox
Travis d’Arnaud, C, Toronto Blue Jays
Double A
Matt Davidson, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks
High A
Evan Gattis, C, Atlanta Braves
Nick Castellanos, 3B, Detroit Tigers
Those are just a few. There are a bunch of 1B and OF prospects, we are cover pretty much in that are. Nats prospect Anthony Rendon, who’s blocked by Ryan Zimmerman and just started his first season is another one. In High A. He’s batting .500 in two games with a 1.917 OPS.
Face it, Polanco is here to stay for the rest of the season. I find hard to believe he could be trade it. Teams don’t acquired singles hitter at the deadline, specially when they have no speed. They are looking for different makers. I rather trade Blanton and a pair of prospects or one of the Aces for prospects. RAJ have to plan for the future.
— EL Zorro - Good post EZ. I would add the Nats aren't doing biz with the Phleas right now. Polanco has no value to anyone but the Phleas, and Blanton, given where two of the three aces started off this year, and Kendrick (OMG), well, while I thought he should be traded over the winter and early this spring, now I think they have to keep him until it is 'sale time' according to RAJ - which will be never this year.
— 24sDad - Of course everyone's intial repsonse is "NO we need to get younger" and while I agree its not time to close the window on this team just yet. Still think the Phils are a bullpen arm and 1 bat away from being a 100 win team they were a year ago. Plus the NL east will implode by late July. Bravos the only team that looks to be a long term threat.— JuanSamuel4prez
- 100 games? are you insane — kurzie23
- Blanton for Youkilis makes a ton of sense for both clubs, if (big if) the medicals on Youkilis are okay. Either the Sox have to send cash to even out salaries, or maybe the Phils could also send Wigginton to Boston in the deal for something useful (maybe Aviles?).— ColonelTom
Comment removed.- By the time the trade deadline approaches on July 31st, the Phillies figure to be SELLERS not buyers!— johnpaulcpa
- Bourne hitting over 300, the rest of Braves offense seemingly on all cylinders, a killer bullpen, why is it that Frank Wren has so massively outmaneuvered Amaro? Sure, the Phillies got by while the Braves choked last year but its Wren's Braves who have built a potential second NL East dynasty without trading away any of their top prospects. Wren has judiciously protected his top prospects and made key trades with surgical precision, at least as compared to Amaro's BIG splashy, Sports Illustrated worthy trades, but in the end, who's going to have the last laugh? Amaro is either inept, or being controlled by Giles and Montgomery, and it doesn't take Holmes & Watson to narrow this one down.— daystrum
- D'Oh~ Two guys giving us decent years, and you are ready to dump them.. Blanton and Pierre. Someone please tell me how the Cards are doing so well with Pujols and Berkman gone.— Homersez
- I didn't realize we were in the Social Security League. I want an exclusive contract for supplying canes and wheelchairs.— 4thand10
- Trade for another over-the-hill injury prone big salary infielder makes absolutely no sense to me. Isn't this the thing that got us in trouble in the first place? We need to get younger and more agressive in our play calling.— walt1
- Comment removed.
- No one player is going to make a significant difference in this mangled lineup.The Phillies run had to eventually end. But from TOPS straight to FLOPS? That's what bad planning can do?— gentian
- we are in LAST PLACE. this team is in NO POSITION to buy. the phillies seriously need to think about selling, especially if they're at an impasse with hamels. the window has closed; some people refuse to believe it.— AlexSp
- A capable starter for an injured 33 year old who 'came back' to hit .258?
And it would cost US $5.5 million?
We've hit bottom.— smfree31 
Manuel said it two years ago: Don't give me more of what I already got!!!— John621- Youkilis will be a perfect fit if the self-proclaimed "hitting guru" can guarantee to cut 25 points off Kevin's BA. How about a manager, instead? I'd say new manager but that would imply the Phillies have one.— Wilhelm Von Humboldt
- RE: Youkilis: No. No more old, beat up guys.
Is it just me, or are the starters running higher pitch counts through 6-7 innings than last season? Right now the bullpen seems to be the #1 issue, really having someone to pitch that 7th inning. Bastardo and Qualls should be OK for 8th and Papelbon is solid. If they don't blow 4 of those 6 games in the late innings, despite all the offensive woes, they're close to the top. Maybe right after the All-Star Break package Blanton and Victorino for some hitters.— ijj - How about sending Mayberry to Houston for Carlos Lee and have Houston swallow most of that $18 million. Lee kills the Phils in CBP and gives a big right handed bat to the lineup. Houston gets a guy who can help during rebuilding. They don't need (or want Lee). Make it so.— Relocator
- Where do these fans come from that want to trade for an player on the injured list and want to give up a starting pitcher????— tulsaphil
- Your idea of Youk for Big Joe works for me. I never liked Blanton because from start to start you do not know what you will get other than innings. Youk at half-mast is still better than the bench full of non-entities the Phils now have. Orr? Fontenot? Are you kidding? Galvis belongs in a utility role despite the fact that he is third on the team in RBIs. Youkilis would be good for the clubhouse as well. He is a winner and a leader no matter what Bobby Valentine says about him. He is no longer the threat he once was but I'd rather see him at the plate with 2 on than Orr or even Wiggington. He could rotate among 3rd 1st and left. And he comes with no long term contract to weigh him down.— gotedge
- Any GM who pays more than .10 on the dollar for Youk should be immediately fired. He is done.— hobski
- Everybody keep your pants on. There are still 130 games left! We aren't far enough out of first place to make the "we are definitely sellers" claim. Let's not fuel the argument that Philly fans all jump to absurd conclusions. First, lets all agree that trading Blanton for Youkilis would be ABSURD given what would happen to the back of our rotation if Heavy B got shipped, and it would be even worse if we had another injury. Let alone the fact that Youkilis is frequently (and currently) injured AND is well past his prime. I don't think we can accurately assess our buyer/seller situation until another month from now, or until we find ourselves 10 games back. Whichever happens first.— kurzie23
- I anybody who knows how to hit a baseball (which rules out about 1/2 Phils starting lineup) would be a good fit.— fmMD
- @Col.Tom: I definitey agree with the idea to include Wigginton in the deal. I didn't want him in the first place, and if we can deal him along with someone else(even if that someone else is Blanton), I am all for it. If Youk is healthy(Big IF), he is MUCH more valuable than Wigginton. @daystrum: While I agree with your general line of thinking, I am not sure if the Braves have actually recovered from last year; keep in mind, they haven't been tested yet, Chipper isn't hurt, and the season is a long season. In addition, the manager is the same. I am also not certain that we are seeing the reincarnation of Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddux. Smoltz, in particular, was a BIG GAME pitcher. I do agree, that Amaro has to stop being Ed Wade Part II, and has to be more Gillick, Paul Owens, or even Lee Thomas like - hey, it was Thomas who hired Arbuckle, who brought in Wolever and others. What is discouraging about the current situation, if Utley and Howard remain hurt, is the danger that the Phils could become the late 90s/2000s Orioles. After all, I believe that is where the Phils hired Proefrock and Jordan from.— 76erfn
Youk's problems started when they moved him to 3rd. The injuries followed by his slump at the plate. I wouldn't take him as a replacement for Poly but he was a GG 1st baseman in 2007. He is in his contract year so he has incentive to have a good year. The Sox could use any thing that looks like it could pitch. If it is a deal like the rest with them paying most of his salary he might be worth a shot especially if Howard has not progressed by then but only as a rental and not for any of our current starters.— DUDESKINS- forget about youkilis too broken down and slow bring brown up put him in left field, trade kendricks for a single A player keep blanton trade halladay or lee can get prospects for them, get younger don't bring another 32yr or older player to this team amaro/manuel.— only 9
- Do people on here realize that Pat Gillick signed stiffs Adam Eaton, Geoff Jenkins, Dave Delluci, Sal Fasano, Abraham Nunez, Rod Barajas, Tom Gordon, Arthur Rhodes and made quite possibly one of the worst trades ever.....Gavin Floyd AND Gio Gonzalez for FREDDY GARCIA!!! AND he EXTENDED BRAD LIDGE AND CHASE UTLEY DURING THE 2007 and 2008 SEASONS!!!!! Get your head(s) outta your butts!!!!
The Lidge trade, the Abreu trade, the Rowand trade, the Moyer trade and the Blanton trade all worked out great for him but seriously the guy won the 2008 World Series by using all homegrown talent - Burrell, Rollins, Utley, Howard, Hamels, Kendrick, Madson, Myers, Coste, Victorino (Rule 5 Draft), and Ruiz. He made THREE good trades for Blanton, Moyer and Lidge by giving up prospects drafted un the Wade/Arbuckle regime (albeit draft picks picked high in the 1st round during the Phillies pathetic run during the 90's) and he signed Werth and Feliz. Three good trades and two good free agent signings don't equal out Freddy Garcia, the Lidge extension, Geoff Jenkins, Rod Barajas, Adam Eaton, the Utley extension, etc.....— michael2_19030 - I continue to like the idea of picking up Youkilis for this year, but I don't know if Blanton is necessarily the right pitcher to trade. Kyle Kendrick would be more appetizing for the sox and may bring an additional low minor league prospect. Sure Blanton is a free agent at the end of this year and Kendrick is controllable but there are a few mid to late rotation type guys available and don't forget there are going to potentially be some starting pitching coming up.— tony bell
- I have the same reservations about trading Blanton for Youk. However, the the man gets on base he's selective and would bring leadership to the table. If the sox kick in some money to make it close to even I'd call it a good deal. I would prefer Cloyd or May to try out at # 5 over Kendrick if the deal happens. We wouldn't get younger but if we don't trade youth to get him it's a wash blantons not gonna get us any stud young guys in return.— Phillyphan26
- We need to really need to keep in mind that the idiot press is the one proposing this trade, not Amaro.— Steve Jeltz
- @michael2: To me, giving Lidge an extension was the same as giving 76ers' players Aaron Mckie and Eric Snow extensions - rewarding quality players who fit in well, and played very well for a winning team that looked like it would win some more. Your point about the Garcia trade is on point, as are Tom Gordon, So Taguchi, Barajas(who is still in the majors, btw)etc. To me, guys like Wes Helms, Jenkins, and Eaton were more Wade-like signings, particularly Eaton, who was a Phils' draft pick. No way Wade or Amaro trades Abreu and David Bell, or lets go of Lieberthal. Gillick isn't perfect, and right now a guy like Hunsicker would be better, but Amaro/Wade is a bad combo, and the reason they look good is because of Arbuckle, who is now with KC.— 76erfn
- yeah, schwimer's been sent back down, there's now room on the roster for a member of the tribe (and i DON'T mean cleveland). plus he's only 33. mazel tov, youk!!— bubba church & granny hamner
- Youkilis? Kidding right? Just say no.
Make it worth it: Polly, Kendrick and whatever money it takes for David Wright. If you are going to do something, DO IT WRIGHT.— Sackbutt - seriously, folks...blanton is pitching another fine game as i speak. (and they've even got him a couple hits so far! howz that for support!?) the guy seems to do really well for 6 innings around 70% of his starts. what more can you ask from your number five starter?— bubba church & granny hamner
- I'd keep Blanton. He'll account for more wins than Youkilis.— p-diddy
- Hamels and Victorino for Adam Jones?
Hamels and Victorino for Travis D'arnaud and Kyle Drabek?
Trevor May for Josh Hamilton?
The problem isn't the Phillies line-up being old and declining, the problem is there is no one to deal for. There is no power bat at third or left. There is no upgrade over Victorino in center.— JoeinSouthPhilly - This proposal is so dumb that Amaro might fall in love with it.— HeelYes
- No. Bad trade. And I like Youkilis, but he's injured and the Phillies don't need any more good, injured players in their early 30's especially not at that price. The fact is, if they really want Youkilis, they can probably get him cheaper later. And if they can't get him cheaper later, they probably don't want him.— aintnorep
- Youk is old, injured, past his prime...so, yes, he would "make sense" on the Phillies. I hope the Phillies stay clear away.— road515
Judging by the Shirts in the Stands, Utley is likely the Phillies most popular current player. If he can no longer play second, he'll have to be moved to first a la Ernie Banks. Since Howard cannot play any other position, he may have to be moved and a power hitter signed for left field or third base duty. In any event, the trade values of guys on the D/L have to wait until they can demonstrate on the field what they can still do.
With pitchers routinely spending time on the disabled list the Phillies will have to consider carefully the likely hood they'll regret moving Blanton, Kendrick or a top pitching prospect. Remember'79 and the pitchers on the D/L? Whenever the Phillies decide to start plugging holes so they can make it over the top, I recall the 1965 season.
But, this club is not getting any younger. Perhaps it it time for the Phillies begin a serious effort at rebuilding. After winning their first World Series, the Marlins promptly traded off most of their stars for top prospects. The result, of course, was a second championship, a few seasons later. But, determining whether it is not time require an insider's perception based upon close,but unsentimental,observations and an understanding of the medical reports plus a detailed knowledge the needs,etc., of other clubs.
That said, I'd personally consider three players as untouchables: Hamels, JRoll, and Thome. Hamels would be the centerpiece of and rebuilt club. JRoll, who has spent his entire MLB career with the Phillies and whose statistics compares quite favorable HoF SS's, such as Reese, Rizzuto, Aparicio. If moved without his agreement, Thome would likely retire. If not, perhaps he'll sport a Phillies cap on his HoF plaque.
Graybeard- Youk should easily hit 280 to 290 in this park and if healthy would be a piece that Cholly is looking for,.....with that being said i'd rather see that Texas Ranger that we almost got last year that can play second, third and OF but it might just take Big Joe and a player now that the kid is hitting 330— SyddBarrett
- As this article says...he is a banged up 33 year old. This article also says he hits with power. Can 17 home runs be considered hitting with power? I for sure WOULD NOT trade Joe for Kevin straight up. It's for sure Boston would be salivating if they think they are close to making this deal. IMO, forget about Kevin. Joe is looking pretty good right now and i think we should keep him. If we trade him i think we can get somone better than Kevin.— associate
- Yep, let's get a banged up, over the hill 3rd baseman to replace our banged up, over the hill 3rd baseman. I get the logic there; it's so obvious!— JBinPA
- Zero interest in another aging player with declining production and an inflated salary. 28 year old Youk, yes please, but no thank you for the 2012 version.— CosmoK
- Journalism, let's repeat some rumor with no basis in fact that another "journalist" made up! Your Pulitzer is on the way! How about trying to write articles based in factual information, not rumors?— JBinPA
- yeah right! perfect fit...cannot run as he used to ... can not hit like he used to ...the manager questions his work habits .... I used to like him.... sure why not ...he can join the other over paid "hitters" on this team.— MooseBreathMints
- how about our "5-tool" guy DB for Youk? Does anyone think Dom could find his way to beantown?— stoky
- In 2010 Youk had his 3rd over 300 avg. in a row. His lifetime OBP is 389. Youk has not been very good last 2 years. How much of that is due to injuries? Then again 2010 not to far removed from today, If healthy Youk would or could be middle of order batter Phills need. A free agent at the end of year and with production down it shouldn't take much to get him. He also plays positions that would fit Phills 1B-3B. Then again Mayberry starting to look good and Youk could cut into JMJs playing time....Ruiz, Pierre and Blanton all have produced.— Don w
- You're too young to remember losing Phillie's teams David. Trading for Youkilis is what those teams would do.— Ron
- since losing out on M Cuddyer,...Michael Young is the one available player that is the perfect fit for this team,...especially if Uttley comes back and is clamoring for playing time,...Young plays 2nd, 3rd and OF and is perrenial 300 hitter that doesn't get hurt and has tons of post season experience should Uttley not work out,.....shouldn't cost much more than Big Joe straight up since Texas is actively shopping him— SyddBarrett
- Are you nuts......... Trade Blanton why you can to Texas for young. IMove palanco to 2b and galvis to ss. Send Jimmy (I am to special to bat your way) to Oakland for anything— Kcsplash
- How about Kendrick instead of Blanton?I 'll go for that.— Plc
- The fans who want to trade Blanton for Youkilis need to pass a drug test with those comments!— tulsaphil
- IMHO the Phillies don't seem to have that spark since J-Roll has quieted down, so I think a guy like Youks could be what they need.
On the other hand they aren't going to do much without quality relievers.— Phils_World_Champs - I think it would be great idea to get another guy for the Phillies disabled list.— chops10
- here is my solution...of josh willingham from the twins...minnesota a disaster in need of pitching, phils almost got willingham at trade deadline but got hunter pence instead...as for middle relief look for aaron crow and jose mijares of kc or luke gregerson from sd...— vegasphllyfan
- red sox fans i know say they simply wont trade Youk even if it makes sense. The Red Sox arent looking like contenders so what would they want with Joe Blanton? and if Worley's problems are serious, there goes that idea. If you get Youk and play him at third, who is taking Polanco off your hands? i dont think he can play second anymore..of course you dump him, Youk's back goes out and you've got wigginton playing third. this doesnt fit to me.— jim715
- rangers arent trading michael young, and he is a glove of stone wherever they play him. he's a first baseman only at this point. Willingham signed a 3 year contract and is the twins only good hitter this year- why would they trade him, and what could the phils give? why would oakland take on a 39 million dollar contract in rollins? dont you think if Polly had any ability to play second base they would have tried that by now? he's got no range anymore. reading this stuff drives me insane.— jim715
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