The Phils are around .500

[JuTMSY4]

They're 6.5 games out of the division and 7 games out of the WC.

I realize there's 2 months to go and I hate to go all Anthony, but if this team is .500 come July 31st, I have to think the right move is to sell. Their situation hitting is horrid, their bullpen features only a few major leaguers and their starting staff is going to tire out.

Dom Brown is the bright spot to make you feel better about the future. I'm not worried about Hamels. I'm not sure what you do with Cliff Lee - I'd hate to lose the guy but he could net a massive group and clear salary space. Does anyone trust Rube to pull that off though?

[capitaleagle]

I doubt they'll turn it around

They're 6.5 games out of the division and 7 games out of the WC.

I realize there's 2 months to go and I hate to go all Anthony, but if this team is .500 come July 31st, I have to think the right move is to sell. Their situation hitting is horrid, their bullpen features only a few major leaguers and their starting staff is going to tire out.

Dom Brown is the bright spot to make you feel better about the future. I'm not worried about Hamels. I'm not sure what you do with Cliff Lee - I'd hate to lose the guy but he could net a massive group and clear salary space. Does anyone trust Rube to pull that off though?

Papelbon and Lee are the two biggest question marks in my opinion. They're both in top form, so other teams will be interested, especially if Phils eat some of the money. But 1) how much are the Phils going to pay to let their two best pitchers play for other teams? 2) the rotation without Lee would be terrible, and the bullpen a disaster without Papelbon, and that goes for next year as well.

If top players are on the table, I'd consider trading either/both of them. But hard to imagine getting enough to justify it.

[stjoebirdsfan]

They pretty much need to be at 50 wins by the ASB to be in position to make a real stretch run. Otherwise, it doesnt make a ton of sense to hold out hope.

If they are going to rebuild, unfortunately I'd think Cliff has to go. Doesn't make a ont of sense to pay him $25M going forward if you're in that mode. Papelbon would probably be an attractive trade piece as well.

[JuTMSY4]

I think there are teams that will take on the entirety of either salary and give up prospects for Lee or Papsmear. In either case, the Phils can hold those cards for another year. Utley, Young and even Rollins are also candidates.

[capitaleagle]

could definitely hold them another year, but...

I think there are teams that will take on the entirety of either salary and give up prospects for Lee or Papsmear. In either case, the Phils can hold those cards for another year. Utley, Young and even Rollins are also candidates.

... it's hard to imagine their trade value being any higher than it will be this July. Either of those guys would be enormous, game-changing additions for a competitive team. If the team is turning the page and wants to clear payroll, get younger and stack the farm system, there will be no better opportunity to do it. And yep, Utley, Young and even Rollins are going to be shopped, and they should be. Any of those guys, if healthy, would be a huge boost for a playoff team and would net good prospects in return.

It sucks to think about players that have been so awesome for us playing elsewhere, but the team is clearly too old to compete. It's time to blow it up and look forward to the 10 year championship reunion celebration.

[JuTMSY4]

and Ruiz if he's healthy

[art vandelay]

have to trade lee. he'll bring in a haul, especially with the season he's having. i would trade papelbon too, but i'm not sure if a team would pay all of his salary. i've read baltimore as a possible destination. move the guy for the right deal but i don't know that this is the no-brainer that trading cliff is.

i would trade everyone on offense except for dom brown, but i doubt they'll get anything for rollins, utley, ruiz, etc.

[JuTMSY4]

i would trade everyone on offense except for dom brown, but i doubt they'll get anything for rollins, utley, ruiz, etc.

You doubt they'll get anything for rentals like Utley or Ruiz or a 1.5 year deal from Rollins?

[Kelly Green]

Yeah -- No Way That Happens

I mean, how can ANYBODY expect a team to turn it around in only four months??!!

[IronEagle]

I mean, how can ANYBODY expect a team to turn it around in only four months??!!

If the games up to now didn't count the Phillies would be tied for first place!

[Two Gap Penetrator]

They're just treading water

Basically a .500 ballclub. I'm afraid it's over for this group. Get what you can for some of these guys and move on with youth. It was fun while it lasted.

[capitaleagle]

all three guys could get some decent prospects, I think

You doubt they'll get anything for rentals like Utley or Ruiz or a 1.5 year deal from Rollins?

Any of them could be the missing piece for an almost-there lineup. They all have tons of playoff experience, too. Only if they're healthy and playing well, of course.

[slag]

At least they dumped Turdbin.

[JuTMSY4]

At least they dumped Turdbin.

the bullpen is exactly where they should start the youth movement first. Savery, Stutes, De Fratus...

[Franks N Beans]

Good Luck. Most of these guys have full no-trade clauses

Cliff lee has a partial no-trade that blocks him from 21 teams (teams not disclosed). And get this- because Lee has this "Partial-no trade", and he was signed AFTER Halladay, Utley, and Howard, the 3 of them automatically receive the same incentive. It's called "most favored nation" clause.

The site that describes it is here:
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/no-tr...rade-deadline/

Ruben is reaping what he sowed. These veterans were signed to ridiculous contracts and now he can't get out of them. Don't expect much in return. The cupboard will soon be bare.