There's a lot of talk about what the Phillies need to get as they sell off pieces over the next 39 hours. Indeed, they look like major sellers after this weekend's dud in Atlanta. National and local media types are listing Shane Victorino, Juan Pierre, Joe Blanton, Ty Wigginton, and Hunter Pence as possibilities. I list my trade deadline hopes here.
One thing I keep hearing is that the Phillies must trade for certain needs- maybe that need is a reliever, maybe it's a third baseman, maybe it's an outfielder- you get the idea. I'm going to take a totally different view here. I think the Phillies have two main goals here:
- Make damn sure they do not go over the luxury tax in a season where they're going nowhere.
- Get as many good prospects as they can to replenish a depleted minor league system.
Now, I know that many fans will dispute this and say they need all major league ready talents. It's important to remember though, they don't have to do anything for the next 60 games. While this may not sound nice, it really is irrelevant if the Phillies win 82 games or more, or if they lose 100, if you don't believe they have a shot at the post-season in 2012. So, if 2012 is lost, then the only real goals are the goals above.
Now I'm not saying they shouldn't pursue a young, controllable reliever, or a third baseman in the upper levels of the minors. Not at all. I'm saying though, their minor league system lacks can't-miss major league talent, to the point that they are a bottom third team in that area. Saying they shouldn't deal for (and this is purely an example) LA's Zach Lee because "we have plenty of arms" is nonsense to me. Remember, if they get a nice crop of minor league talents, but they don't fit the needs for next season's team, you can trade those talents to get your needs. If the Phillies can move enough millions off the books, and get a good crop of minor leaguers, then this deadline is a success, even if it doesn't land the actual players who open next season.
