Phils Still Trying on Hamels; Talk Victorino with Dodgers

-Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com says the Phillies are still actively trying to sign Cole Hamels as we’re just over seven days from the July 31 trade deadline.

“They’re trying — actively trying,” a person with knowledge of the situation told CSNPhilly.com on Monday afternoon. “They’re making offers.”

I’ve never doubted that the Phillies have actively been trying to consummate a deal with Hamels recently, but what if Hamels is the one relenting? What’s stopping him from getting to free agency and perhaps scoring himself $10-20 million more? It’s perverse to think about it, especially when the dollar amount is that exorbitant; however, it could matter to Hamels. He has talked before about his desire to see what the free agent market holds for him, so why not get there?

I still think the chances are greater than 50/50 that Hamels does re-sign with the Phillies now, but how much more is up for debate. I’ll go 60/40.

NOTE: If he does not, Texas could try very hard to pry Hamels away. They’ve lost starter Colby Lewis for the season and the Rangers know they need a top of the line starter, especially with Roy Oswalt again experiencing back issues. Mike Olt, their prized third base prospect, is quite intriguing.

-According to Jon Paul Morosi from Fox Sports, the Phillies and Dodgers have had discussions about Shane Victorino. Morosi tweeted there is “no momentum toward a deal” right now. Not sure this is a perfect match as the Dodgers don’t have a Top 10 position player prospect at a position of need for the Phillies. That said, Victorino is unlikely to command much more than *possibly* one Top-1o from some teams farm system.

-Speaking of Victorino, the Yankees may have thrown a wrench into things. By trading for Ichiro, the Yankees are now one less team that is in need of an outfielder. Perhaps the Pirates are a team that will step forward in the next few days for the services of Victorino.

I still do believe he will be dealt and that it’s the right move. With the season going nowhere fast, it’s best to try and recoup something for him if you’re not re-signing him.