Taking Inventory of Trade Assets

Well, the Phillies stink. We all know that, but I continue to mention it daily so that those that are not accepting reality have it sink in eventually. This means the Phillies, with a $189 million payroll, should be sellers and not buyers at this deadline. If they are sellers, what can they get though? There are a lot of expensive players on this roster, a good number of injured players on this roster, and a lot of bad players on this roster. So what is there?

• Cole Hamels- I say don't do this, but Cole would have the highest value on the team. Cole is in year two of a six year, $144 million guaranteed deal, meaning he's still got over $100 million on his deal, making any deal tough. Secondly, you'd have to get, at a minimum, 2-3 near major league ready prospects that can play, plus some, coming to about four-five prospects.
• Marlon Byrd- The right-fielder is certainly movable. He's only got a two year deal, so this year and next, and he's owed about $12 million more right now. I wouldn't think the Phillies would get a huge package, but it's not unreasonable to think they could get two solid prospects that make next year's team. Byrd's full stat-line is the best on this squad.
• Chase Utley- Chase's deal is weird, and that could get in the way here, as could David Montgomery's obsession with ticket sales.  The fans would hate trading Chase, but it would make sense. I could see him fetching a more front-line prospect, and a total package of 2-3, if his physical checked out, and the deal could be swung financially.
• A.J. Burnett- There is word out there that the Pirates would want him. Burnett's one year deal is easier to swallow than Hamels' deal, though his prospect package is less too. I'd see the Phillies settling for one decent prospect if they could move the money, then maybe a throw in second guy.
• Jimmy Rollins- Much like Utley, he can block a trade (as we all know), so he's not easy to move. Jimmy's willingness to move (and not make financial demands for it) would dictate his ability to be moved. I'd think, again, the Phillies would settle for less to move the salary here. One good prospect and another throw in would probably get it done.
• Jonathan Papelbon- If he didn't have a $13 million guarantee for 2015, and an option, he'd be perfect. With that said, if he's still throwing well in two weeks, I'd think he's a lock to be shopped. The Phillies would have to eat some serious salary to get anything for him, but eating his salary makes a lot of sense. Not only would they get two solid prospects, they'd free up room to try out Giles and Diekman in the closing role, and generally move around all the kids they have in the pen.
• Kyle Kendrick- He's a fifth starter, so you're not getting a ton here. I'm not opposed at all to moving him for salary relief though either, given his impending free agency.
• Cliff Lee- I think you wait until the Winter to trade Cliff now. His value is currently diminished by his DL stint. How he does in his rehab and couple of starts leading up to the deadline could change that, but I just can't see a situation where you eat a bunch of salary and only get 2-3 prospects. He's currently still owed $50 million plus when including his buyout, but that number is much more manageable in the off-season when you knock off another $12 million. If the Phillies could minimize the salary hit, and get a package of four that includes an elite prospect or two, I'd do it. I don't see that happening.
• John Mayberry Jr.- I'm not sure why he isn't in New York or Boston right now. I'd literally have done this for cash considerations. Apparently, Ruben hasn't yet. If I can move his paycheck and get a warm body, this is done.
• Roberto Hernandez- I don't see him getting moved, but again, salary considerations. If you can save a million or two and get a warm body, it might be worth clearing the space for someone else, if possible.
• Mike Adams- Unfortunately, this would have to be a waiver wire move, and that will be hard. Plus, his multiple DL trips makes his value close to zero. He either finishes here or doesn't finish.
• Antonio Bastardo- Before you completely write this off, he had an excellent June, and would be a cheaper pick-up for a contender. I'd be fine with moving him for cash, as it would, again, free up room for the young arms in that bullpen.
• Jason Marquis- Say what? Hey, if he keeps throwing great in AAA, he could end up with the big club this month, and on the block. That said, I think he's around to help fill holes after the purge.
• Dom Brown- I know he's worthless right now in a trade. Would I trade him though for another washed out prospect, like Seattle's Ackley? Yeah, why not try something. Dom's time in Philly isn't going to be much better than it is, so if someone wants to try a scenery swap, do it.