Marlins Trade For Johnson; Braves Get LaRoche

While the Phillies were quiet today, their NL East rivals Marlins and Braves made moves. The Marlins acquired first basemen Nick Johnson from the Nationals pitching prospect Aaron Thompson. The Braves traded first basemen Casey Kotchman to the Red Sox for first basemen Adam LaRoche.

Nick Johnson is batting .295 with 6 homers and 44 RBIs and should help out the Marlins lineup. The Braves and Red Sox just swapped first basemen. I don't know the reason for that deal.

Tigers Strengthen Rotation With Washburn

The Detroit Tigers made a deadline deal with the Seattle Mariners for 34-year old pitcher Jarrod Washburn. The Mariners received Luke French and Mauricio Robles, two young pitchers with some upside. Washburn is in the final year of his contract.

Washburn is having a great year. He has a 8-6 record with a stingy 2.65 ERA. Washburn will join a Tigers rotation that already is pretty decent. Justin Verlander and Edwin Jackson have been anchoring the rotation all year and now Washburn should help them.

The Tigers AL Central rival Chicago White Sox traded for Jake Peavy earlier today. Both the teams improved their rotation but Washburn will have more of an impact on the pennant race this season. Peavy may not even pitch. This will be an exciting race that I see going down to the end.

Red Sox Acquire Catcher Martinez

The Red Sox have made a deal with the Indians for catcher Victor Martinez. Martinez is the bat the Red Sox were looking for. They were also looking at Padres first basemen Adrian Gonzalez. The Indians received pitcher Justin Masterson, a promising young pitcher. The Indians also got minor league pitchers Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price.

Martinez is batting .284 with 15 homers and 67 RBIs. Martinez will probably catch most of the time for the Red Sox because their current catcher, Jason Varitek, is hitting only .239.

The Indians will have a good team in a few years. They traded away Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez for prospects who will begin to blossom soon enough. Just because the Indians traded away two very good players, doesn't mean these aren't good moves for them too.

Peavy Traded to White Sox

Many deals have taken place today and I hope to post about all the major ones. The Chicago White Sox have made a last-minute deal with the Padres for ace Jake Peavy according to various sources including Jon Heyman, and Bob Nightengale. The Padres received a package of Aaron Poreda, Clayton Richard, Dexter Carter, and Adam Russell. Peavy is on the DL with an ankle injury.

Nobody is sure when Peavy can pitch again. He may not even be able to pitch again this season. Peavy is an ace who has been bothered by injuries recently. Peavy contract is not up until 2012 and he has an option for 2013.

Poreda is a highly-ranked prospect who may enter the Padres rotation immediately. In 10 games with the White Sox, the 22-year old Poreda has a 2.45 ERA. He is projected to someday become a top starter.

Richard is 4-3 with a 4.65 ERA in the White Sox rotation. The Padres got a pretty good return for Peavy. Peavy might not help the Sox run this season, so that's why this deal confuses me. Could they have put a similar package together for Roy Halladay? Nobody knows.

Phillies Finally Have Pitching Depth

        For the first time in years, the Phillies have depth in the rotation.  The rotation now looks like this: Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, Joe Blanton, Jamie Moyer, and J. A. Happ.  Rodrigo Lopez will start for the Philies tonight in San Francisco.  This may be his last start because I don't see him taking anybody else's spot.

        Then there's Pedro.  Pedro Martinez will make a start for Triple A Lehigh Valley tomorrow.  He will throw between 70-80 pitches, so he may be ready to join the big league club soon.  He may have to go to the bullpen and start if Happ or Moyer really start to struggle.  How he'll like that, nobody knows.  Poor Rodrigo Lopez may have to go back to the minors.

        There are some tough decisions too be made for Charlie Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee.  With all that said, this is a good problem for the Phillies to have.  

        Note:  Ben Francisco will start tonight for Shane Victorino (bruised knee) in centerfield.  This is Francisco's first game as a Phillie. 

Big Papi, Ramirez on 2003 List

        Two Red Sox who helped break the "Curse of the Bambino" in 2004 have been linked to performance-enhancing drugs.  According to the New York Times, Red Sox DH David Ortiz and Dodgers (former Red Sox) outfielder Manny Ramirez are on the lists of players who tested positive for PEDs in 2003.

        I can't say I am surprised by Ortiz being linked to 'roids.  He was cut by the Minnesota Twins in 2002 and was signed by the Red Sox.  After that, Ortiz exploded, hitting 31 homers in a season he started as a backup.  He was no longer a backup after that and established himself as one of the best hitters in the game.

        Manny tested positive this year and is already back from his 50-game suspension.  Apparently Manny has been juicing for quite a while.  That's what this report tells me.

        When the Mitchell Report came out, everyone thought that the Yankees juiced themselves to championships because of their many players in the report.  Their bitter rival, the Red Sox, weren't exactly clean either.

        Ortiz was open about the report when interviewed after the Red Sox game today.  Ortiz said he will reveal details to the public about his PED use after he gets more information.  

        Big Papi's close friend Angels outfielder Torii Hunter said this about Ortiz being linked to PEDs: "This really, really hurts.  "I don't know what to think about this. I guess you just never know what people do in the dark."

        "I still love him but at the same time it's tough to hear that. I know it's going to be tough on him and tough on his family once this gets out. It's Big Papi, man, it's the Big Dog of Boston and he helped win two World Series with those guys, with the clutch hits. And now all those things are going to be tainted."

        Well said Torii, well said.

Poor Pirate Fans

        The Pittsburgh Pirates made two big deadline moves yesterday and one move today.  First, they traded away shortstop Jack Wilson and pitcher Ian Snell to Seattle for Ronny Cedeno, Jeff Clement and four prospects.  The Pirates also traded away three-time all-star second basemen Freddy Sanchez to the Giants for pitching prospect Tim Alderson.  Today, the Pirates traded John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny to the Cubs for Kevin Hart, Jose Ascanio, and Josh Anderson.

        So, in one day, the Pirates traded away both their starting middle infielders for prospects.  The 31-year old Wilson was batting .267 with 4 homers and 31 RBIs.  Wilson is a solid hitter and a good defender.  

        The Mariners also received 27-year old pitcher Ian Snell, who was pitching in Triple A for the Pirates.  Seattle hopes that Snell can restart his career after winning 14 games in 2006.

        Cedeno will probably start at shortstop for the last-place Pirates.  Cedeno is batting average is only .167 but he does have 5 homers.  Cedeno is no where close to the hitter Wilson was for the Pirates.

        In the other deal yesterday, the Giants will receive second basemen Freddy Sanchez from the Pirates.  Sanchez should help the Giants struggling offense a lot.  He is batting .296 with 6 homers and 34 RBIs.  Sanchez must be happy to go from a last-place team to a team (the Giants) who are contending for the NL Wild card.  Sanchez will most likely play in tonight's game against the Phillies.

        The 20-year old pitcher Tim Alderson was the fourth ranked prospect in the Giants system.  He is a good prospect but he will not help the Pirates win this season or next.

         The Cubs have been looking for a lefty out of the pen and Grabow should fill that void.  Grabow has a 3.42 ERA pitching this season for the Pirates.

         If I'm a Pirates fan, I'm disgusted.  The Pirates are in last place and basically trading away any quality player on their team.  The last time the Pirates had a winning record for a season was in 1992.  That's 16 years and they are still trying to rebuild their team... poor Pirates fans!  

           

Phillies Get Lee From Indians

        The Phillies have finally made a move to bolster their starting rotation.  No, they did not trade for Roy Halladay.  Instead the Phillies went with their "Plan B" and acquired  Cleveland ace Cliff Lee, last year's AL CY Young award winner.  

        The Phillies sent Carlos Carrasco, Jason Knapp, Lou Marson, and Jason Donald to Cleveland for Cliff Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco.  The Phillies can use Francisco as a righty bat off the bench.  This is a good deal for the Phillies because of who they didn't give up.

        Lee is 7-9 this year with a 3.14 ERA with the Indians.  Lee's won-loss record may not seem impressive but you have to remember that he was pitching for a team that's 11 games back in their division.  

        In his last three starts Lee has pitched 2 complete games.  The other start wasn't too shabby either: 7IP and 2ER.

        The remarkable thing about this trade is that the Phillies didn't have to give up Kyle Drabek, J. A. Happ, Michael Taylor, or Dominic Brown.  Those four are widely considered to be their top prospects (although Knapp was ranked highly also).  

        Lee contract is up at the end of next season.  Here's what he said on ESPN 950 in Philly about whether he would definitely test free agency after 2010: "That's where every player wants to be, so honestly, the closer I get to that point, the more likelihood I'm going to be testing free agency. But I still have a year and two months 'til then, so we'll see."

        The Phillies have to extend Lee's contract before he can think about testing free agency.  While the Phils didn't give up as much for Lee, they still gave up four good, young players.  To make up for that, the Phillies need to keep Lee long term.

Phillies Talks with Jays Sour

        The Phillies and the Blue Jays have made no progress in discussing a trade involving Roy Halladay according to reports.  Apparently there has been some animosity between both teams according to some reports.  The deadline is four days away and it seems like every day opinions change on whether the Phils will get Halladay.

        Today's stories would indicate that the Philies won't get the Blue Jays' ace, but it changes every day.  Jayson Stark of ESPN is reporting that the talks between the teams are "not going well," citing a source with close knowledge of the negotiations.  Stark writes that the Jays still want both J. A. Happ and Kyle Drabek (who gave up a 1rst inning home run in a game going on right know) and the Phils are adamant about keeping one.

        The Phillies have a scout watching Cliff Lee of the Indians, who appears to be their "plan B" to Halladay.  Stark reports that Lee is "gathering steam" with the Phillies front office, citing a source familiar with their thinking.

        Toronto GM J. P. Riccardi said last week that tomorrow would be their deadline to trade away Halladay.  According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, they will take offers for Halladay all the way up to the actual trade deadline.  Sherman also reported that the Jays would want at least one player in the deal that could join the team right away.  That would mean J. A. Happ for the Phils.

        According to Todd Zolecki, the Phillies have released a statement saying their is no animosity in their point of view between them any other team they are negotiating with.  

        

        

Selig Considering Reinstating Rose

        MLB Commissioner Bud Selig is considering reinstating Pete Rose back into Major League Baseball according to the New York Daily News.  Pete Rose has the most hits (4256) in his career than anybody.  He played 19 years with the Reds, 5 with the Phillies, and 1 with the Expos.  

        Selig should pull a Roger Goodell and conditionally reinstate Rose (as Goodell did Michael Vick earlier today).  Selig should let Rose be nominated for the Hall of Fame.  Rose, however, shouldn't be allowed to earn a paycheck from a MLB team.  Rose should be allowed to attend games.

        Pete Rose was banned from baseball 20 years ago for betting on the game while he was a manager.  This makes me think: Should players who test positive for performance-enhancing drugs be banned from baseball?  Players who test positive twice or more should be banned from the game.

        In baseball's current system, a player who tests positive once will be suspended for 5o games.  A second positive test will result in a 100 game suspension.  A third positive test results in a lifetime ban from the game. 

        The MLB should have only two penalties.  In my system, a player who tests positive once should get a 100 game suspension.  Another positive test for that player should result in a lifetime ban.  You should get a second chance but not a third.

        So that means is Manny Ramirez or J. C. Romero test positive again, I believe they should be banned from the game for life.  If my plan was put in place at the beginning of testing, only Neifi Perez would have received a lifetime ban for his two positive tests in 2007.   

Jays Turn Down Phils' Offer for Halladay

        The Phillies rejected the Blue Jays offer yesterday.  This time Toronto turned down the Phillies offer for Roy Halladay.  Yesterday the Jays said they would give Halladay up for J. A. Happ, Dominic Brown, and Kyle Drabek.  The Phillies rejected that offer.  They don't want to give up both Happ and Drabek.  

        The Phillies counter offer was Happ, Carlos Carrasco, Michael Taylor, and Jason Donald.  The Jays declined the offer according to Jayson Stark of ESPN.

        Stark reported the the Jays need to be "wowed" by an offer for Halladay.  Now, most of this is just posturing.  The Phillies may eventually include Drabek and Happ in a deal for Halladay, but the deadline is still five days away and both the Phillies and the Jays are looking for the best for their team.

        In Stark's report he writes that a source told him that Blue Jays GM J.P. Riccardi told Phillies GM Rueben Amaro Jr. that the Jays are "very comfortable" keeping Halladay.  This does not mean the Phils have given up on getting Halladay.

        Stark writes that sources tell him the the Phillies front office "still wants to make this deal."  They just "want to [the Blue Jays] to consider other options."  

        The Phillies are looking at Cliff Lee of the Indians as a Plan B to Halladay.  Lee won the AL CY Young last year, but he is just 6-9 this year.  He has pitched better than that, as his 3.17 ERA would indicate.

Phillies Turn Down Jays, Still Negotiating

        The Blue Jays offer was Kyle Drabek, J. A. Happ, and Dominic Brown for Roy Halladay.  According to Jayson Stark of ESPN, the Phillies were not willing to give up that much.  Apparently, the Phillies will not give up Happ and Drabek.

        The Phillies would want to substitute either Drabek or Happ with another pitcher, Carlos Carrasco.  According to Andy Martino, a Blue Jays assistant was on hand to watch Carrasco pitch 6 innings and give up 6 runs... Not a good impression Mr. Carrasco.

        The Phillies will have to include 4 or 5 players in a deal for Halladay if they do not put both Happ and Drabek in the deal.  Those players could include Carlos Carrasco, Lou Marson, and/or Jason Donald.  We're just going to have to wait and see.

        This deal better get done.  The Phillies are in a perfect situation to aquire Roy Halladay.  They have good enough prospects to get him, and they have enough prospects that, if they get him, their farm system is still not depleted.  If the Phillies can't make this deal, they can't make a deal with anybody!

     

Phillies Pushing for Halladay

        While Matt Holliday was traded earlier today, Roy Halladay hasn't been moved... yet.  Blue Jays officials have been giving mixed signals all week, as have the Phillies.  But it now looks like that, if Halladay is moved, it will be to the Fightin' Phils.

        Halladay is starting for the Jays tonight, and Phillies representatives will be there, according to Danny Knobler of CBS.  Officials from the Red Sox and Brewers reportedly have left Toronto.  The two teams apparently still in the Halladay sweepstakes are the Phils and maybe the Dodgers.

        Also according to Knobler, a person involved said, "It's obvious they have to move him now." 

It looks like everything maybe falling into place for the Phils.

        John Heyman of SI tweeted that the Phillies will give up J.A. Happ or Kyle Drabek for Halladay.  He believes the Phils will get Halladay.

        The Phillies probably would also have to give up Michael Taylor or Dominic Brown, Carlos Carrasco (whom the Jays are scouting tonight), and infielder Jason Donald.  Hopefully, the Phillies will pull off this deal because it gives them the best chance to win the World Series this year.

Cardinals Trade for Matt Holliday

        The St. Louis Cardinals have pulled off a blockbuster deal with the Oakland Athletics for outfielder Matt Holliday.  The Cardinals traded for Holliday to protect Albert Pujols in the lineup.  Holliday will be in the lineup for tonight's game against the Phillies.

        Holliday is batting .286 with 11 homers and 54 RBIs.  The Athletics received three prospects for Holliday, including blue chip third basemen Brett Wallace.  Matt Holliday's contract is up at the end of the season. 

Vick Reinstated, Maybe With a 4-Game Suspension

        According to ESPN, Michael Vick will be reinstated into the NFL.  Goodell will reportedly announce that Vick can go to training camp if he is signed.  Goodell's decision could involve a four-game suspension for the former Falcon star.

        Vick should be reinstated.  Let me say that right now.  He paid his dues in prison and financially.  There are players who killed people driving drunk and they were allowed back in the league.  Heck, if Pacman Jones can get five chances, why can't Vick get a second?

        The big question is who is willing to sign the elusive QB.  People say a veteran team like New England should sign him to be backup to Tom Brady.  Every owner in the NFL understands that, if they sign Vick, there will be protests from animal rights organizations.  The Patriots may not want the baggage that Vick brings.

        In my opinion, nobody will sign Michael Vick.  First of all, no one has seen him play in two years.  And even two years ago, he wasn't all that good.  Vick will probably start off in the newly-formed UFL.  That way, GMs can at least see if he can still play.  Then, maybe a team signs him midseason if they have a QB issue.

Werth Delivers 10th Straight Win

        Jayson Werth finally ended a thrilling game for the Phils as they beat the Cubs 4-1.  Werth hit a game-winning three-run home run in the bottom of the 13th... Quite a way to keep the Phillies winning streak alive at ten.

        The game up until the bottom of the 13th was a pitchers duel between Joe Blanton and Rich Harden.  Jimmy Rollins epic shot in the third inning gave the Phils a 1-0 lead.  The Cubs then pushed a run across in the 4th.  For the next 9 innings the game would be scoreless.

        The Phils made some remarkable plays in the field late in the game.  In the ninth, a hard grounder by Kosuke Fukudome was kicked up by Brad Lidge.  The deflection went right to Jimmy Rollins at second.  Jimmy was already positioned there because Aramis Ramirez was stealing second... a terrific double play.

        The second great defensive play was made by Raul Ibanez in left.  He made a diving catch in extra innings which would have been a double if Pat the Bat was still in left field.  A potential game-saving catch.

        The Phillies bullpen didn't allow a run in 6 innings.  Chan Ho Park deserves credit for pitching a scoreless 10th, 11th, and 12th.  Park has been great since moving to the bullpen. 

Pedro Throws; Phils Interested in Willingham

        Pedro Martinez is one step closer to coming to the Big Leagues.  He threw 64 pitches in a simulated game in Clearwater.  He struck out 6, but you have to remember that he was facing guys who couldn't make a minor league team.

        Pedro said afterward about the outing: "Real, real good,  "Four innings, I was able to do that. I didn't feel tired. I felt like I could still do a little bit more."  Quotes were reported from the AP.

        The Phillies have been saying that starting pitching isn't their only need.  We found out that they looked at closer Chad Qualls yesterday.  Today, they have been linked to Josh Willingham of the Nationals by Chuck Hixson of PhillyBaseballNews.com.  Willingham is primarily a corner outfielder.  Nationals scouts are reportedly scouting the Phils minor league pitchers. 

       Willingham is the righty bat the Phillies want on the bench.  He is hitting .284 with 12 homers and 26 RBIs.  There was a rumor that the Phillies might trade Kyle Kendrick for Willingham, although that report has nothing to back it up.

Phillies Interested in Relief Pitcher Qualls

        Ed Price of MLB FanHouse just reported that the Phillies scouted Arizona Diamondbacks closer Chad Qualls.  This proves that the Phillies feel they have other needs besides a starting pitcher.  Qualls is 30-year old his contract takes him to the end of the 2010 season.

        The Phillies would have to fork over a prospect or two to get the right handed pitcher.  Qualls has 17 saves in 21 opportunities with a 3.76 ERA.  Qualls is a quality pitcher who could help the Phils bullpen.

       Qualls is also a guy that could save games is Brad Lidge is unavailable or injured.  He could also join Ryan Madson and J. C. Romero in a set-up role.

        The Phils shouldn't waste prospects on a reliever when they already have a strong bullpen.  The Phils need a starter much more than they need bullpen help.

Who Needs Halladay when You Have Happ?

        The Phillies beat the Marlins again today behind the pitching of J. A. Happ.  The Phillies swept three games from the Marlins down in Miami.  Happ pitched great, pitching 7 shutout innings.  He is 7-o this season with a 2.68 ERA.  Happ has been the pleasant surprise in the Phillies rotation.

        Happ has been mentioned as possible trade bait for Roy Halladay.  By the way, Halladay pitched a complete game today, giving up only one run against Boston.  I'm not sure the Phillies should give up Happ for Halladay.

        Happ's success isn't a fluke.  When you go undefeated in 7 decisions with a below-3 ERA, your not just a flash in the pan.  Happ is a good pitcher who can excel at the Major League level.

        With today's win the Phillies have a 7 game lead in the NL East.  The Phillies are arguably the hottest team in baseball.  They have won 8 straight ball games and 12 out of 15 this month.  Maybe the Phils don't need to give up their farm for Halladay.  It's not as if getting Halladay will guarantee the Phillies another World Series.

        The Phillies interest in Halladay is as high as ever.  According to Ken Fidlin of the Toronto Sun, Phillies adviser (and former GM) Pat Gillick was in Toronto to watch Halladay toss his complete game.  Also reportedly there were executives from Brewers, Rangers, and White Sox.

        

        

Philly Sports 101 is on Twitter

        I have started a Twitter page, click here to view it.  The point of the page is to provide quick sports updates or thoughts.  I will still write blogs, but I will tweet (or whatever you want to call it) on the latest sports news.  

My Thoughts on Halladay

        Over the last week, there has been a lot of talk (mostly rumors) about the Phillies possibly trading for Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay.  The Blue Jays recently informed the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees that they have little chance at getting Halladay, according to Jon Heyman of SI.  Heyman also reports that the Jays haven't returned a call made by the Yankees regarding Halladay.

        The Phillies are still very interested in Halladay.  According to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, Blue Jays scouts are all over the Phillies minor league system.  

        If you have listened to sports radio in Philadelphia during the last week, you inevitably have heard possibly deals for Roy Halladay.  I heard deal that had the Phillies sending Raul Ibanez and J.A. Happ to the Blue Jays for Roy Halladay and Vernon Wells.  I don't think the Phillies would do that deal because they would be eating a lot of salary.  Also, I believe that the Jays want more that one prospect.

        The Blue Jays want to trade Wells but have said that Wells does not have to be included in a Halladay deal.  The Jays may be interested in either Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino.  I would trade Werth but not Victorino.

        Jon Heyman reports that some MLB executives believe the Phillies have to give up Kyle Drabek in order to get Halladay.  Drabek has been named an "untouchable" by the Phils.

Phillies Introduce Pedro at Press Conference

        The Phillies have just finished up a press conference welcoming Pedro Martinez to the team.  Questions were directed to Pedro and general manager Rueben Amaro Jr.  Pedro was put on the 15-day disabled list, not because he is injured.  He was put on the DL so he could make some starts down in the minor leagues to build his arm up.

        Pedro said that he feels better now than he did pitching for the Mets last year, going 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA.  Speaking of the Mets, Pedro says he still loves everyone up in Queens.  

        Pedro told everyone not to expect the old Pedro, but he did say that he's healthier than last year.  He said he's excited to pitch for the Phils and that he hopes to improve the rotation.  

        One question asked why it took this long for him to be signed by a Major League team.  He responded by saying that he was picky about what team he wanted to go to.  He said he wanted a contender who planned to put him in the rotation.

        Pedro also said that he is coming here to be a starter.  He does not expect to move to the bullpen but said he would be open to if the organization put him there.  He wants at least a chance to start.

        Someone asked if Pedro expected to be with the Phillies long term.  Pedro responded, "Not too long," but if he pitches well the rest of this season, it would not be surprising if Pedro started next season with the Phils.

AL Wins Again; Pedro Signs with Phils

        The American League has defeated the National League 4-3 in the 80th Mid-Summer Classic in St. Louis.  It was the 13th straight win for the AL.  Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Carl Crawford won the MVP award after taking a home run away from Colorado outfielder Brad Hawpe.

        Shane Victorino was 1 for 2 with a single and a run scored on an overthrow to third base.  Victorino was the only Phillie to get a hit in the game.  St. Louis native Ryan Howard struck out in his only at-bat in the eighth inning with runners on second and third.

        There was some promising news coming from the Phillies today.  Pedro Martinez has been officially signed by the Phils.  The contract is worth $1 million for the second half of this season.  

Pedro Passes Physical. Expected to Sign with Phils

       A story coming from the Yahoo Sports blog Big League Stew reports that Pedro Martinez has passed a physical given by the Phillies.  He is expected to sign with the Phils and hold a press conference tomorrow. 

       Pedro will probably have to pitch a few games down in the minors to ready his arm for the big leagues.  

       

Fielder Wins Home Run Derby

       Prince Fielder, first basemen for the Milwaukee Brewers, has won the 2009 Home Run Derby.  Fielder hit 11 homers in the first round, and 6 in the second round and 6 again the final round.  Fielder hit the longest homer of the night, blasting a 503-foot blast into the St. Louis night.

       Ryan Howard was trying to win his second Home Run Derby (He won in 2006), but he was eliminated in the semifinal round. 

        The All-Star game will be held tomorrow night at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.  Five players will be representing the Phils.  Raul Ibanez, Chase Utley, and Shane Victorino will be in Charlie Manuel's starting lineup.  Jayson Werth and Ryan Howard will start the game on the bench.

Pedro on His Way to Philly

      A report from NBC 10 in Philadelphia and from Todd Zolecki of MLB.com is saying that Pedro Martinez is coming to Philly to take a physical.  If Pedro passes the physical, he will join the Phillies organization.   He will likely not join the rotation right away because he needs to get his arm ready.

      So, the Phillies will likely sign Pedro but that doesn't mean they are done obtaining starting pitching.  Roy Halladay rumors have been flaring up all week and some sources (including ESPN) have called the Phillies "frontrunners" for trading for the ace.

Updated Phillies Rumors

        The Phillies have been all over the news this week about their quest to better their pitching staff.  Phillies scouts have been looking at Pedro Martinez in the Dominican Republic.  Pedro was scheduled to throw in front of Phils scouts today at 1pm.  If all goes well, the Phillies will likely give Martinez a physical and then a contract.

        The Phils are taking a flier on the 37-year old former Metropolitan.  Martinez is an 8-time all-star and a 3-time Cy Young award winner, but his last season with a double digit win total came in 2005.  Pedro would be a nice addition to the rotation because he could fill that revolving door 5th starter position.  He most likely be better than a combination of Antonio Bastardo and Rodrigo Lopez.

        The rumor that really excites us Phillies fans is the one that says the Phillies are the frontrunners to land Toronto ace Roy Halladay.  Halladay is 10-3 currently with an ERA under 3.  In order to get Halladay from the Blue Jays the Phillies would most likely have to give up several top prospects.

       Even if the Phillies sign Martinez, that does not mean they are done going after Halladay.  Halladay is a star who can be a big difference maker with the Phils.  The Phillies are just hoping to get a few good months out of Pedro and they will be happy.

        The Phillies front office believes that there are some "untouchable" prospects in their organization.  MLB.com blogger Todd Zolecki reports that the untouchables are pitchers Kyle Drabek and Jason Knapp, and outfielder Dominic Brown.  

        The Phillies best chance to repeat as champions would be to obtain Halladay.  They should package together prospects for him but they may have to use one of their "untouchables" to get him.  Manager Charlie Manuel has likened Drabek to a young Tom Seaver.  That's quite a complement from somebody who has been in baseball so long.

       Here's an offer I would make to the Blue Jays: Pitcher  J.A. Happ

                                                                                          Infieder Jason Donald

                                                                                          Either Dominic Brown or Micheal Taylor

                                                                                          Pitcher Joe Savery

        Now you have to realize that this is a hypothetical.  I'm not sure what the Jays actually want and who the Phillies are willing to give.  Even if the Phils gave up these players, their farm system would not be ruined.  They would still have Kyle Drabek, Jason Knapp, Carlos Carrasco, either Dominic Brown or Michael Taylor, and others.