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Since the signing of Jon Lester by the Chicago Cubs the Phillies hot stove has been heating up. CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman is reporting that Jimmy Rollins is contemplating waiving his no-trade clause to go to the Dodgers if the Phillies and Dodgers can find a match.This is the first time we have heard that Rollins is considering waiving his no-trade clause. In the past, Rollins has stated that he would not waive his no-trade clause, and that he plans on finishing the contract that he signed in 2012. Rollins, who grew up in Oakland California, always said that he would want to play for his hometown Oakland A’s before his career was over but he never mentioned the Dodgers. Rollins stated last month that he would not waive his no-trade clause to go to the New York Yankees although there are now conflicting reports about that hypothetical trade to the Yankees.
UPDATE: 4:47. ESPN’s Jayson Stark is reporting that the Phillies and Dodgers are indeed discussing Rollins, and there is a “real chance” Rollins would be dealt
Now that Lester has signed, the market for Cole Hamels is taking shape. The teams that did not land Lester are, to no ones surprise, the ones that are connected to Hamels. The three top teams are the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants. Philadelphia Inquirer writer Matt Gelb has reported that the Dodgers and Phillies matchup best, and the Red Sox are too stingy with their prospects. The Phillies have been aggressively scouting the Red Sox system since last July, and they are likely still viewed as the favorite to land Hamels if he is indeed dealt however, ESPN’s Jayson Stark is reporting that the Red Sox have yet to reengage the Phillies about Hamels. There is no timetable for a possible deal but things tend to move quickly at the winter meetings.
The Phillies have discussed Marlon Byrd with the Baltimore Orioles. Byrd is an attractive target for teams as he is coming off a strong year, and is a good value at $8 million a year. The Orioles are looking for a corner outfielder now that Nelson Cruz has signed with the Mariners. Byrd, while a very attractive piece to contending teams, has a very obtainable vesting option for 2016 that might scare teams off.
Antonio Bastardo might be switching teams soon. CSN New England’s Sean McAdam reported Tuesday night that the Phillies and Red Sox were discussing a trade that would send Bastardo to “bean town” for former third round pick Sean Coyle. Coyle is nothing but organizational depth at this stage in his career. Drafted in 2010 he was ranked as the Red Sox 30th-best prospect by Baseball America.
Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly is also reporting that Bastardo is garnering interest for the Pittsburgh Pirates. No players have been mentioned yet, but the market for Bastardo is starting to take shape.
Now here is the fun part. When we sit with baited breath waiting for Ruben Amato Jr. to make a move. Just typing that sentence makes me cringe.
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