Yesterday on 97.5 the Fanatic, my prestigious co-host, Jayson Stark, spoke at length about the Phillies trade deadline options. It’s not pretty, as you should well know. You can hear the entire hour of baseball greatness here. Below are some excerpts.
-Marlon Byrd is the best bat on the market according to Stark, but his no-trade clause and 2016 option is holding up a trade. Kansas City and Seattle both had interest, and both happen to be on his ridiculous four-team NTC. For him to waive the NTC, he needs his option, two years from now, picked up. Both teams seemingly have no interest in doing so for a late-30’s power hitter.
-AJ Burnett was awful against the Mets on Monday, damaging his trade value further in the process. The Pirates have been considered a viable option in a trade, however, as Stark points out, Burnett wants his 2015 option picked up before OK’ing a deal. Pittsburgh can’t afford that and want Burnett to assure them he will retire so that the option isn’t an issue, which they cannot afford under their financial structure.
-Stark said Cole Hamels was like his friends beach house. It had a FOR SALE sign on the lawn, but when Stark asked his friend about the sign, the owner said it was “priced not to sell.” The Phillies are hoping a team blows them away with a considerable – and likely unachievable offer – or else they aren’t dealing him.
