What’s Pat Have Up His Sleeve?

Padilla’s departure leaves two holes.  The savings of $4 mil in payroll gives Gillick more cash to lure a better starter; but the Phils are nonetheless minus one.  Yet, there is an opportunity here, one I’m sure hasn’t passed by Pat Gillick.  Many are speculating that he has a deal up his sleeve and the Padilla dump was just the prologue to something bigger.  Has he convinced Javier Vazquez to take Philadelphia off the ‘do not call’ list?  Maybe the Phils are looking to save up to pay Abreu’s contract somewhere, Oakland perhaps? Or maybe it’s to help send Bell to Pittsburgh or LA? 

Well, some of the money looks to be set aside for Braden Looper.  The Phils are rumored be closing a deal with Looper by the end of the week.  Also, the Padilla deal seemed to take the Rangers out of contention for the reliever.  Still some starting pitching is needed, picking up Looper is hardly enough.  That’s part of the problem with the Eagles this year, they didn’t spend all the money they had available.  I’m sure Gillick will spend it.  I just wonder if he has an ace up his sleeve or simply a pair of #4 starters.