Anyone Interested in a Starting Pitcher?
Remember not so long ago when all anyone talked about was who the Phillies could fetch for Bobby Abreu and how Gillick was dying to land a starter? Well, a Ryan Franklin trade and a Ryan Madson promotion later and so rounds out the Phillies starting rotation. Yet if Gillick is still looking to make a deal, the Red Sox are offering. Numerous sources have claimed the Sox are looking to move David Wells, Matt Clement, or Bronson Arroyo. Plenty of speculation has surrounded these guys all off-season since the Red Sox are carrying seven legitimate starters, but only recently have they begun to actively shop them. Wells, though he rescinded his early trade demand, seems the most likely to go. His age, off the field antics (last week calling Bud Selig "a piece of shit"), desire to pitch on the West Coast, and small salary combine to create the perfect storm for his departure. But perhaps he isn’t the Phillies savior.
Clement has yet to allow a run scored this spring training but is due $18 million over the next two seasons and absolutely tanked towards the end of last year including the playoffs. Arroyo has always been the most promising. Two months ago, we mentioned involving him and Jason Michaels in a deal. Although he would be another righty starter, he should at least be considered by Gillick. The Sox need help in the bullpen and we all know the Phils have plenty of arms. How would an Arroyo for some combination of Aaron Fultz, Eude Brito, Rob Tejeda or Gavin Floyd trade sound? If it’s to happen, it will have to be more appealing than the Nationals’ Nick Johnson, because as of now he appears to be the frontrunner in the clinching the deal
.While it is unlikely Arroyo – or any current Red Sox – will be starting for the Phils come April, I do hope that Gillick and his team at least make a few calls. No matter how much Ryan Franklin is thought of as a "Gillick-guy," the management cannot play favorites. Similarly, just because spring training has started and we have Madson – and now Gio Gonzalez – aiming for the final spot in the rotation, it’s never too late to improve the team.
