Perhaps a Long Lost Answer Has Arrived in Andy MacPhail and a Trade Rumor Roundup

With the Phillies in such a low place in the year, it is only fitting that the fire-sale rumors would continue.  Cole Hamels is sitting his start out for the night, Jonathan Papelbon just added another save to his franchise leading record, and Aaron Harang is…well, Aaron Harang.

Jon Heyman of CBSsports.com reports that on top of the trade rumors for household names, comes news about ‘major changes’ that the upper management could be seeing as well.  Multiple outlets have been reporting that the Phillies are looking at Andy MacPhail to come aboard to right the ship of the ever so sinking Phillies.

Where MacPhail will fit into the Phillies’ Organization is a question yet to be answered, but most point to the Team President position, which has been shifted around in the past years and Pat Gillick has made it clear that he is not looking to obtain the position long term.

If Andy MacPhail is brought on board, would it leave much room for the declining Ruben Amaro Jr. at the GM position?  Most think not, and most find it unsettling that RAJ currently holds control over the fate of the franchise with a huge trade value like Cole Hamels.  Meaning quicker actions need to be taken to address this issue.

Trade value is still rampant in Cole, with teams like the Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, and Texas Rangers looking to acquire his talents.  Last night, Hamels emptied his locker after news of his hamstring strain passed through the media, pranking players and writers alike into thinking he had been traded.

Jonathan Papelbon has come out to say that the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays would be suitable trade partners in his eyes for his services.  I have seen many scouts trolling the Phillies press box for a while now hoping to get a glimpse of the rare Papelbon save, and last night they finally had that chance as he came out to retire three Orioles batters.  One scout that has been following the Phillies for days trying to catch this rare feat is the Toronto Blue Jays scout, who has been on a 10-game road trip watching closely.

Aaron Harang is still drawing a little interest, but the Phillies might have to act fast as he has given up 17 earned runs in his past three starts.  The Houston Astros were said to have interest for a back end rotation spot as they have been seeing success as of late.  The St. Louis Cardinals were also seen in the rumor mill as looking at Aaron Harang for a possible trade.

Rumors have also been flying that the Seattle Mariners have been scouting Ben Revere for their outfield, even after acquiring Mark Trumbo.

The trade deadline is coming up fast, and only time will tell if we can find ourselves with a new farm system, and GM.