Potential Pitching Trades

After going through a few potential free agents that could land in Philadelphia, today we offer a possible trade for starting pitching.   First off, much of the rotation for next season is already established with Hamels, Kendrick, Moyer and Eaton.  Yes, Adam Eaton is included in there becuase as much as we would love to just erase him from the books and the roster, it’s just not that easy.  The Phillies could try to cut their losses and package him in a trade (and possibly offer to pay part of his salary), but it would have to be a multiplayer deal because I doubt any team would be willing to swap starting pitchers – unless of course it’s one of those “change of scenery” deals.

One trade mentioned out of the south side of Chicago would be for Jon Garland

Philadelphia, in the market for starting pitching, was among the teams that scouted Garland in late September. He will earn $12 million next season and is one of the most durable pitchers in the majors. Garland has grown accustomed to trade talks, and getting a Willy Taveras-style player, a serviceable reliever and a major-league-ready position player could move [White Sox GM Ken] Williams’ off-season in the right direction.

The price tag seems steep for a player that will be a free agent after the 2008 season.  It also brings to mind the Freddy Garcia deal, which I think will weigh heavily on Pat Gillick’s decisions this off-season.  The “Standing Pat” moniker may come into play as he works the market conservatively to avoid another waste of starting pitching dollars. 

Speaking of risky business, there are a few pitchers in Japan that could be available too. Would the Phillies ever consider that?