Writer: Frank Klose
Phillies 3B Placido Polanco Reportedly Interests the Baltimore Orioles
A Phillies.com post last night reported some trade interest in Placido Polanco, namely from the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles likely would be interested in Polanco as a second baseman, since Robert Andino is hitting just .182.
The Orioles would continue to be a good trade partner for the Phillies as Phillies Director of Player Development Joe Jordan was hired away from the Orioles this past offseason. Jordan spent seven seasons as the Orioles Director of Amateur Scouting, so he may have a better sense than anyone of the minor-league talent that the Orioles have better than anyone. The Phillies already acquired prospects Gabriel Lino and Kyle Simon from the Orioles in exchange for DH Jim Thome.
The report notes that Polanco has hit .282 since April 24. Recently it appears that Polanco has been plattooned with left-handed hitter Mike Fontenot, who could get the bulk of playing time at third base in the event of a trade.
On July 7th, Bleacher Report came up with "5 Reasons Orioles Should Acquire Phillies' Placido Polanco", so it must be a good idea.
However, the Phillies.com report suggests the Phillies are not ready to sell. I wonder when that time might be.