By Tim Kelly, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Pat Neshek's energy for Team USA during the 2017 World Baseball Classic was contagious. The fact that he posted a 0.00 ERA for the United States didn't hurt the eventual champion's cause either. Neshek's strong work out of the bullpen has carried over into his first season with the Phillies, although even his energy hasn't been able to help the Phillies win consistently. So he, like the rest of the baseball world, understands that come August, he's probably going to be wearing another jersey.
The 36-year-old spoke to Jim Salisbury of Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, and while he acknowledged that he's enjoyed his brief time in Philadelphia, he says he's aware of what's to come:
Does he expect to be moved?
"I would say yes," he said. "It would be really cool to stay around here. I like it here. I feel very comfortable here. But if that happens …"
He paused.
"I'm sure it will happen," he said with a laugh.
Great minds seem to think alike, because I noted in this week's "Phillies Nuggets" column that Neshek is the most certain Phillie to be moved this summer:
Neshek is an impending free-agent and at the back-end of his career, so the Phillies should be very motivated to capitalize on his value. Given his flexibility and the level that he's pitching at in 2017, a third of the league should be motivated to pry Neshek away from the Phillies.
Neshek is making $6.5 million in 2017, and can be a free-agent after the season. Thus far, he's positioned himself to both compete for a World Series this fall and cash in this winter. At 36, Neshek is having the finest season of his career, as he's posted a 0.82 ERA and a 2.29 FIP in 24 games, both of which would be career bests if the season ended today.
The MLB's non-waiver trade deadline is July 31.
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