Odds and Ends: Lee, Werth, Utley
-OK, so Cliff Lee wasn’t traded to Minnesota last night, as was reported by a Detroit radio station. Sounds like they may have been jumping the gun a bit, although that scenario wouldn’t be the worst thing ever for the Phillies. Should Lee be dealt elsewhere, why not have it be to a team like the Twins, keeping him away from the NL East, the NL Central, and teams like the Yankees or Red Sox?
People all over the Philly area are pining for a Lee Reunion Tour but it’s looking unlikely. The situation will be beaten like a dead horse over and again until the trade deadline, just be prepared for that.
-Jayson Werth has some trade value, that much we know. Would you trade him? He’d no doubt net a prospect or two and possibly a major league ready player in return. It would assure the Phillies get something for him before he hits free agency this offseason. Werth will command a pretty penny, and no one is sure the team can afford him.
I’d say it’s highly unlikely that he be dealt, although it would not surprised me in the least. Trading him will make the team younger and will create some flexibility with the payroll. On the other hand, the Phillies are in the middle of a heated race for the division. Getting rid of their only real right-handed power bat won’t fly.
-Chase Utley said yesterday that he wants to be back in six weeks, but don’t believe what he says. His timetable is eight weeks. We know Utley is a quick healer and will do whatever he can to get back out on the field. Realistically, that’s not happenening.
Which leads to possible trade scenarios for the Phils. Do they need a middle infielder to compensate for the loss, or is Valdez enough? Who would you take a run after: Ty Wigginton, Jose Lopez, or another multi-position player? I think Lopez can be had relatively cheap and can play three infield positions if needed. He also brings some pop, plus, maybe the Mariners will feel bad for fleecing the Phils in the Lee deal, thus giving up Lopez for close to free.
