This is the story that never ends. But, despite all the times that we laughed about the non-stop "Phillies are interested in Giancarlo Stanton" rumors that keep on coming, there was actually some fire to that smoke. Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., admitted as much to CSN Philly's Jim Salisbury.
“I’ve tried to trade for him at least 10 times,” GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said Wednesday afternoon.
Amaro pretended to tap out a text message on his cell phone.
“He says, ‘I’m not trading him,’“ said Amaro, pretending to read the response from Larry Beinfest, the Marlins’ president of baseball operations.
When was the last time Amaro inquired about Stanton?
“Not all that long ago,” Amaro said.
This is quite the departure from the usual "I cannot comment on players on other clubs" statement that usually accompanies trade rumors.
Salisbury's piece looks at the Phillies' need for a right-handed bat. It's possible that that bat could come in someone already under Phillies control in Maikel Franco, who they may find a way to get into the game. The Phillies have moved a slew of infielders into the outfield in recent times, including Cesar Hernandez, Jim Murphy, Darin Ruf, and Albert Cartwright. Franco could be next, as Amaro is not willing to overlook any possibilities that are out there.
This blog alone has addressed Stanon here, here, and here. It's the rumor that will never end. And, until the day that Stanton finally is traded somewhere, it probably won't. Amaro and 28 other general managers are all hoping it will be to their team.
