Phillies Have Traded Centerfielder Shane Victorino to…the Cleveland Spiders?

Photo: Philliedelphia/Steve Trapani

In the end it sounds like a good old fashioned benching by the manager.  The underperforming Shane Victorino and subject of many trade rumors this season was pulled from the Phillies starting lineup within an hour of game time with no explanation, prompted many to speculate that he had been traded.  Some speculate it stemmed from Victorino being upset to be hitting in the seventh spot in the order.

Victorino is in the middle of one of his worst offensive seasons since being called up to the Phillies in 2006.   The two-time Rule 5 selection is a free agent this offseason so a trade could make sense for the Phillies who may be looking to retool.

Here were some of the possible trades Twitter speculated on:

Some of the teams reportedly interested in Victorino or other centerfielders include the Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers.  At least a couple fans were not too excited at the prospect of Victorino joining their favorite teams:

Of course, Manuel could have just said it was his decision.  The trade deadline is 23 days away.  Expect much more of this.   Jason Pridie will bat seventh and play center field in Victorino's absence.