The Ken Giles trade was an absolute shock to the baseball world. Nobody at all had any idea the Phillies might trade their closer before the Phillies and Astros made a trade. Of course, all that is said with sarcasm, as a Ken Giles trade has been something we have heard about for months. Yet, supposedly some executives are suggesting that they could have done better in a trade, as if the Phillies should have come to them.
Jayson Stark, making an appearance on the Mike Missanelli show on 97.5 the Fanatic, said that they could have done better:
"I had executives say to me 'I wish they talked to me, I could've done better than that" – @jaysonst
— 975TheFanatic (@975TheFanatic) December 10, 2015
The statement is a silly one, though I do not doubt someone said it to Stark.
If another team wanted to trade for Ken Giles, the Phillies certainly would have spoken to them. Since the trade was not a surprise to anyone, plenty of executives seeking a closer could have approached the Phillies at any time. The Phillies clearly liked the players in the Astros' system, whom they have scouted for some time, dating back to the summer when the Astros were interested in Chase Utley and Cole Hamels. Neither player wanted to play there, but certainly players clearly caught the Phillies' eyes.
What does Stark think of the trade?
On the Giles trade: "It's a C" – @jaysonst
— 975TheFanatic (@975TheFanatic) December 10, 2015
Stark said that he was not opposed to the concept of the trade, but was not overly excited by the return.
Of course, it is the Phillies scouts who watched the Astros' minor leaguers and are paid good money to evaluate players. We will know the full value of the return after the players have time to develop. The main piece of the trade, pitcher Vincent Velazquez, drew plenty of interest from other teams before the Phillies traded for him. The Phillies will not necessarily miss Giles the next season or two, given the lack of save opportunities expected.
Check 975thefanatic.com later, as they typically post the Stark interview.
