Phillies Trade Rumors

Pedro twice rebuffed in bids to join Yanks
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October 31
New York Daily News
 
"There were plenty of "Who's Your Daddy" chants at Yankee Stadium on Thursday night when Pedro Martinez was on the mound for the Phillies, and as usual the former Red Sox ace ate it up, smiling as he came off the mound even as he fell to 0-2 with a 5.75 ERA in four career playoff appearances in the Bronx . But it's worth pointing out that Martinez twice made a bid to join his "daddies" in the family business - once when he was a free agent after the 2004 season, and again earlier this summer when he was also a free agent and worked out for numerous major league scouts. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that in both instances, there was a slim chance that Martinez was ..."
Rollins predicts victory
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October 28
Camden Courier-Post
 
"Jimmy Rollins is back in the prediction business. On the eve of the World Series, Yankee Stadium was buzzing Tuesday over Rollins' boast on "The Jay Leno Show" that the Phillies will defeat the Bronx Bombers in five games to win their second consecutive championship. "He's Nostradamus, right? That's what I've heard," Yankees catcher Jorge Posada said. "He's been doing a lot of good predictions. We've got to take it away from him." Rollins, the Phillies' swaggering shortstop, called the Phillies the "team to beat" in the National League East before the 2007 season, angering the New York Mets. But he backed it up by winning the NL MVP and leading the Phillies to the division crown. In June, ..."
Myers back on Phils' roster
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October 28
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Brett Myers moved his left heel a few inches and ended up on the World Series roster.The veteran righthander, who pitched one ineffective inning in the division series and was excluded from the National League Championship Series roster, was added to the Phillies again yesterday. He replaced utilityman Miguel Cairo.Pitching coach Rich Dubee said that the team needed an extra pitcher because of the shortage of off days during the World Series, and that Myers looked much improved while throwing two simulated games and two bullpen sessions during the NLCS."His fastball is a lot sharper," Dubee said. "His breaking ball is better than it was before. His fastball command has improved."Myers said ..."
Ibanez might need off-season surgery
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October 26
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Phillies leftfielder Raul Ibanez might need off-season surgery on a small muscle tear near his abdomen. "I don't know, we'll see what happens," Ibanez said reluctantly yesterday when questioned about an article in Sports Illustrated that reported that Ibanez put off surgery in late June. Ibanez would not say that the lingering injury has affected his play. "No, I'm fine," Ibanez said. "I'm doing fine. That's all stuff that's in the past. I spoke to that [reporter] but that's stuff in the past. I don't even think about it. I'm fine right now." The SI report said Ibanez was given the choice to have surgery in June or go on the disabled list to rest and play through the injury for the ..."
Myers may not be finished yet
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October 24
Camden Courier-Post
 
"The conversation was brief and largely one-sided. Brett Myers was ticked last week over not making the Phillies' National League Championship Series roster, so general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said the only thing he could. "I told him, "You still might make the biggest pitch of our season,' " Amaro recalled. Turns out, that may not have been empty consolation. The Phillies won't make final decisions about the composition of their 25-man World Series roster until after they know the identity of their opponent. But Amaro said Friday that adding Myers is "certainly something we'll have to consider," especially if they opt for 12 pitchers."
A healthy Happ could start Game 4
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October 10
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Phillies pitcher J.A. Happ was pleased with the way his left leg responded to treatment yesterday, and all signs point to his starting Game 4 of the National League division series against the Colorado Rockies tomorrow night.Manager Charlie Manuel announced that Pedro Martinez would pitch Game 3 tonight, weather permitting. Manuel also said he would try to stay away from using Happ or Joe Blanton in relief tonight, so one of them could start Game 4.Though Manuel would not commit himself to a Game 4 starter, he hinted in a news conference that he liked the way Blanton could "beef up" the bullpen in this round of the playoffs. That, and the Rockies' vulnerability to lefthanded pitching, ..."
Bruised Happ: 'I'm OK'
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October 9
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"J.A. Happ walked into his manager's office after yesterday's game and insisted he could pitch tomorrow, despite the line drive that bruised his leg in the seventh inning."I'm OK," he told Charlie Manuel."We'll talk about it tomorrow," Manuel said.Today, Manuel will finally have to name a starting pitcher for tomorrow's Game 3 of the National League division series, which is tied at one game apiece after Colorado defeated the Phillies, 5-4, at Citizens Bank Park. His choices are Happ, Joe Blanton and Pedro Martinez, and he said he was leaning toward the latter two.The situation was complicated even before the game, with Happ and Blanton available in the bullpen and both hoping to start ..."
Martinez ready if named Game 3 starter
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October 9
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"How does Pedro Martinez look at it?"I guess I'm the only one standing," Martinez said last night at his locker after the Phillies lost Game 2 of the National League division series to Colorado, 5-4.Martinez is the only Phillies starter who hasn't pitched yet in this series."My experience tells me I might be the guy for the next game," the righthander said.Not so fast, Pedro. Manager Charlie Manuel said last night that his choice for tomorrow's Game 3 in Denver is probably between Martinez and Joe Blanton, who threw 19 pitches in a spotless sixth inning yesterday. J.A. Happ also wants in the mix despite leaving yesterday's game when he took a line drive to his left shin after four ..."
Manuel hints of Phillies' playoff rotation
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October 2
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Charlie Manuel was coy about his starting rotation for the playoffs, but he allowed for some reading between the lines.The manager said before last night's game against Houston that if Colorado is the Phillies' opponent in the National League division series, he will take into account the Rockies' struggles against lefthanded pitching.Manuel also noted that J.A. Happ pitched well against the Rockies in his outing against them Aug. 5, when the rookie lefty pitched a dominating, four-hit shutout with a career-high 10 strikeouts.The Rockies are batting .254 against lefthanders and .261 overall.Manuel is expected to choose between Happ and righthander Pedro Martinez as the fourth pitcher in a ..."
Martinez taking no chances with injury
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September 26
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"If the Phillies' lead in the National League East were slimmer, Pedro Martinez would pitch tonight. But despite improvement in his sore neck, Martinez decided not to make his scheduled start. Kyle Kendrick will fill in."We have a margin now that allows us to be smart," Martinez said. "It's not like [my neck is] getting worse; it's getting better. But I don't want to take a chance of not having a chance when it really counts."Martinez strained his neck while swinging and missing last Saturday in Atlanta. He underwent two chiropractic adjustments this week and played catch on Wednesday. After throwing again last evening, Martinez decided to be cautious.The Phillies have not said when his ..."
Phillies acknowledge it's time for alternative to Lidge
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September 26
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"Nobody is sure how Charlie Manuel will handle the Phillies' next save situation, not even the manager himself. One thing is clear, though: The team feels it must find an option other than Brad Lidge, who blew his 11th save and saw his ERA climb to 7.48 in a 7-6 loss to the Marlins Wednesday.Before the Phillies' game against Milwaukee last night, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. echoed the sentiment Manuel has expressed over the last 2 days, saying the club likely will experiment with other options besides Lidge."Our best [plan] is to have Lidge pitch the ninth,'' Amaro said. "Right now, he hasn't been doing that effectively. And we might have to make an adjustment off of that."Lidge's job ..."
Myers optimistic about return
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September 23
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Brett Myers boarded an airplane to South Florida last night, ready to rejoin the Phillies today and hoping to pitch by early next week. But a timetable set by the team was more conservative.An MRI in Philadelphia yesterday showed that Myers had suffered a Grade 1 strain of his right latissimus dorsi (back) muscle, a team spokesman said last night. The righthander is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Tuesday, and the Phillies hope - but did not guarantee - that he will return by the end of the regular season.Reached by telephone yesterday afternoon, Myers told The Inquirer that he was optimistic about appearing in a game early next week."I think I could be ready by the homestand," ..."
Phillies' Happ closer to returning after side outing
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September 16
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"A bemused expression appeared on J.A. Happ's face when informed that manager Charlie Manuel had told reporters the lefthander could soon make his first start for the Phillies since suffering a mild muscle strain in his rib cage in Houston on Sept. 6."Is he still saying maybe?" Happ said.Manuel actually sounded more optimistic than "maybe." In fact, Happ now appears likely to rejoin the rotation at some point this week, although it is not clear on what day. The rookie lefthander will throw his second bullpen session in 3 days today, which means he could return to the mound as soon as Friday, when his normal spot in the rotation arrives. Happ, who threw 55 pitches in a bullpen session ..."
Victorino sits with bad knee
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September 7
Camden Courier-Post
 
"Nearly six weeks ago, Shane Victorino bruised his left knee on the turf in Arizona while making a diving catch in center field. It's still bothering him. Victorino left Saturday night's game in the ninth inning, didn't play Sunday in the Phillies' 4-3 loss at Minute Maid Park, and according to manager Charlie Manuel, may not be in the lineup for today's series finale either. "If his leg is bothering him, we don't want to play somebody that's hurt," Manuel said. "We don't want you out there hobbling around. If you're hobbling around and you can't help us, you're not going to play." Victorino has experienced swelling in his knee and had it drained twice last week, Manuel said. The persistent ..."
Myers to rejoin Phillies today
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September 4
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"After his final minor-league rehabilitation assignment Wednesday night with triple-A Lehigh Valley, Brett Myers said he was about as ready as he's going to be to return to the Phillies.Apparently, the team feels the same way.Myers, who had hip surgery on June 4, will be activated from the disabled list today. The righthander planned to travel to Houston with the team after last night's game against San Francisco at Citizens Bank Park.Manager Charlie Manuel said he was eager to see what Myers has, which indicates Myers will pitch this weekend if the opportunity arises. If all goes well, Myers would give the club an alternative to Brad Lidge as closer."We'll probably pitch him in the sixth ..."
Phillies to activate Brett Myers from disabled list
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September 4
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"The heavy lifting is out of the way. Brett Myers has put in the work, passed the necessary tests, and proved to the Phillies that he is ready to pitch at the big-league level.Now that the club has announced plans to activate the veteran righthander from the disabled list today, the question involves how to use him.While Brad Lidge has struggled this season, converting just 27 of 36 save attempts while posting a league-worst 7.03 ERA, both the Phillies and Myers have attempted to diffuse any potential closer controversy. Manager Charlie Manuel has repeatedly said that Lidge would be his choice in the ninth inning of close games, and Myers has said throughout his six rehab appearances that ..."
Phillies shortstop Rollins won't rest again for a while
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August 25
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"He needed the rest, right?Not really. It was just convenient to keep Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins out of the lineup yesterday.Rollins was hitting .277 since Aug. 2, but attempted only one steal in that span, a clear indication his legs might be a little heavy.Right?Nope."Just wanted to give him a day off," manager Charlie Manuel said. "Jimmy's legs are strong."It might be the last game Manuel can afford to have Rollins miss for a while. The Phils have 3 off-days scheduled the rest of the season, plus two doubleheaders.Rollins had 23 hits since Aug. 2, 12 for extra bases. He walked only three times, so he was only on first base 14 times. And, with 24 steals already, it's not as if teams ..."
A Phillie again? Wagner says no
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August 22
Camden Courier-Post
 
"Eleven months removed from elbow surgery and one day after making a successful return to the majors, New York Mets reliever Billy Wagner was claimed off waivers Friday by the Boston Red Sox. The Phillies didn't have any interest. But even if they did, Wagner said he wouldn't waive his full no-trade clause to return to the Phillies, even for the last month of the season. The Mets, who have fallen out of playoff contention, are trying to dump some of Wagner's remaining salary and obtain a prospect to add to their depleted farm system. "No," Wagner said of whether he'd ever consider a return to the Phillies, for whom he was the closer in 2004 and 2005. "That (stuff) was hard enough for two ..."
Phils not expecting to make waiver move
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August 19
MLB.com
 
"The Phillies still have time to tweak their 25-man roster before the Aug. 31 waiver trade deadline.They have had success in Augusts past. They got Jamie Moyer, Jeff Conine and Jose Hernandez in 2006, Russell Branyan in '07 and Scott Eyre and Matt Stairs in '08. But while Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Tuesday it is possible that the club could find help before the deadline, it also seems unlikely. "We have to keep an eye on that, but I'm more concerned with getting these guys healthy," said Amaro, referring to injured relievers Brett Myers, J.C. Romero and Clay Condrey. "I'd be surprised if we had an opportunity to add any more pitching." The Phillies could use a ..."
Nomar in Philly?
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August 10
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The Phillies are looking for a right-handed bat off the bench, and the team's top scout was at the A's series in Kansas City. Did we mention that Philadelphia courted Nomar Garciaparra in the offseason? Could a waiver deal or a waiver claim be in the works? A's general manager Billy Beane would allow Garciaparra the courtesy of OKing a deal. Garciaparra, asked about Philly, said, "Sure, why not?""
Phillies reliever Durbin sharp in rehab outing
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August 6
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"Phillies righthander Chad Durbin tossed a scoreless inning last night for Class A Clearwater in the Threshers' 5-1 win over Dunedin.Durbin, making his first rehab appearance, allowed one hit and a walk while striking out two. Of his 20 pitches, 13 were for strikes. He went on the disabled list on July 23 with a back ailment."It felt really good," Durbin said. "There was no anticipation of anything and no pain at all. The hard work the trainers have done has really paid off."Durbin is looking forward to tomorrow and his next rehab appearance."I have two innings [tomorrow]," said Durbin. "Then I will go back up [to Philly] to be re-eveluated and then we will see."Lefthander J.C. Romero will ..."
Martinez believes he's getting closer
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August 2
Camden Courier-Post
 
"The second pitch of Pedro Martinez's first Triple-A game since 1993 left his right hand and was soon sailing over the high right-field wall at Coca-Cola Park. As the Columbus Clippers' Josh Barfield made his home-run lap around the diamond, the voice of a solitary boy shouted his displeasure from the seats behind home plate. "Come on, Pedro," he wailed, his tone both perturbed and impatient. Fans likely got both what they wanted and what they expected as Martinez, the 37-year-old three-time Cy Young Award winner, continued his bid to return to the majors with the Phillies in a rehab start for their Lehigh Valley IronPigs. After giving up that home run, he reverted to his All-Star form, not ..."
Lee deal could send Happ to Phillies' bullpen
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August 1
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"It's a good problem to have. That's the baseball cliché about a lot of pitching depth, and it applies to the Phillies after they acquired Cliff Lee on Wednesday. But it is a problem nonetheless - what will the Phils do about their overcrowded rotation?Having improved the staff, the team must decide which two of Pedro Martinez, J.A. Happ and Jamie Moyer belong in the rotation, which of the three would be most likely to help in the bullpen, and whether to retain Rodrigo Lopez for a relief role. Manager Charlie Manuel said yesterday that Lopez would be available in relief in about three days.Lee, the 2008 American League Cy Young Award winner, represents an enormous upgrade at the top of a ..."
Several teams pursuing Sherrill
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July 29
Foxsports.com
 
"As many as eight teams are pursuing Orioles closer George Sherrill, and two or three are "actively engaged" with Baltimore in discussions, according to a major-league source. The Orioles expect that the number of teams serious about Sherrill actually might grow once the big-name starting pitchers get traded — or not. The Dodgers have maintained interest in Sherrill, and a number of their prospects appeal to the Orioles. The Angels, too, are among the interested teams. The Phillies are unlikely to act on Sherrill now that they are preparing to trade four prospects for Indians left-hander Cliff Lee."
Indians trade Cliff Lee, Ben Francisco to Philadelphia Phillies for four prospects
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July 29
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco are headed to the Phillies for four prospects, if all the players involved pass their physicals. The deal, according to one American League executive, could become official "within 10 to 24 hours." Lee is expected to make his next start Friday for Philadelphia. The Indians will receive righthanded pitchers Carlos Carrasco, Jason Knapp, catcher Lou Marson and infielder Jason Donald. Knapp, reportedly the key to the trade, is still on the disabled list. Donald just came off the disabled list following knee surgery. The is the second year in a row the Indians have traded a Cy Young winner. CC Sabathia went in 2008 and Lee is headed out today."
Sources: Phils reach agreement for Indians' Lee
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July 29
Foxsports.com
 
"The Phillies have reached agreement with the Indians on a trade that would bring them left-hander Cliff Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco for Class A right-hander Jason Knapp, Class AAA right-hander Carlos Carrasco, shortstop Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson, according to major-league sources. The deal is pending a review of medical records. Carrasco was scratched from his start for the Class AAA Lehigh IronPigs on Wednesday, and Donald and Marson were not in the lineup. It was not known whether Donald and Marson had scheduled off-days for an 11 a.m. start after a night game. Talks remain fluid — the Phillies also are talking to the Mariners about left-hander Jarrod Washburn, and the ..."
Source: Phillies in discussions for ace lefty Lee
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July 29
Foxsports.com
 
"The Phillies are in discussions with the Indians to obtain left-hander Cliff Lee and possibly another player for Class A right-hander Jason Knapp, Class AAA right-hander Carlos Carrasco, shortstop Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson, according to a major-league source. Carrasco was scratched from his start for the Class AAA Lehigh IronPigs on Wednesday, and Donald and Marson were not in the lineup. It was not known whether Donald and Marson had scheduled off-days for an 11 a.m. start after a night game. Talks remain fluid — the Phillies also are talking to the Mariners about left-hander Jarrod Washburn, and the Dodgers planned to make a "hard push" for Lee on Wednesday, according to a ..."
Phils after Lee; Dodgers planning a push
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July 29
Foxsports.com
 
"The Phillies look like the front-runners for Indians left-hander Cliff Lee. But the Dodgers were planning to make a "hard push" for Lee on Wednesday, according to a major-league source. Whether the Dodgers will be too late remains to be seen. The Angels, too, are interested in Lee, while the Phillies also are pursuing Mariners left-hander Jarrod Washburn. The Phillies scratched Class AAA right-hander Carlos Carrasco from his start on Wednesday, a strong indication that he is about to be traded."
Is Lee Close to Being Dealt to Phillies?
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July 29
MLB.com
 
"Carlos Carrasco got scratched from this morning's 11 a.m. start in Triple-A Lehigh Valley, and shortstop Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson also are not in the lineup. Signs point to Indians left-hander Cliff Lee. "Nothing is imminent," one source said. But Lee makes sense. Sources have said in recent days that talks between the Phillies and Blue Jays regarding Roy Halladay have slowed to a near standstill. The Blue Jays won't budge on their asking price for Kyle Drabek, and the Phillies won't budge in not giving him up. It certainly is possible the Phillies could get Lee, who won the AL Cy Young last year, without giving up Drabek. Left-hander J.A. Happ is scheduled to start for the ..."
Carrasco scratched; Marson, Donald not in lineup
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July 29
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Carlos Carrasco has been scratched from his scheduled 11am start for Lehigh Valley against Columbus. Lou Marson and Jason Donald are also out of the lineup. Cleveland has been known to have interest in Marson and Donald."
Signs pointing to Cliff Lee deal?
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July 29
ESPN.com
 
"There were more indications Wednesday that the Phillies' pursuit of Indians pitcher Cliff Lee is heating up. Three Cleveland scouts -- including the club's director of player personnel, Steve Lubratich, were in Lehigh Valley to watch the Phillies' Triple-A team play an 11 a.m. ET game. Lehigh Valley starter Carlos Carrasco, who has been a subject of talks between the two teams, was abruptly scratched from his start in that game with no explanation from the club. An official of a team that had been speaking to Cleveland about Lee told ESPN.com Wednesday morning it was his impression that Lee was about to be traded elsewhere, and the Phillies' discussions with Toronto about Roy Halladay have ..."
Indians GM says payroll won't force him to deal
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July 29
Foxsports.com
 
"Indians general manager Mark Shapiro stated firmly on Wednesday that he does not need to trade left-hander Cliff Lee and catcher Victor Martinez for financial reasons. "We have zero imperative from ownership to move money," Shapiro said. "That's not a component in our decision-making at all." The Indians' declining revenues, however, are forcing Shapiro to proceed with the understanding that he cannot supplement his major-league roster this off-season. So, in trade discussions for Lee and Martinez, he is weighing the impacts of the possible returns on next season's club vs. the impacts of keeping either or both players. The Indians hold a $9 million option on Lee for 2010 and a $7 million ..."
Trade Roundup: Clubs shift focus to Lee
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July 29
MLB.com
 
"Talk is never cheap this time of the year, especially when the conversations involve trading away several top prospects to land one big prize.But how much is too much? What's fair? General managers across the league are likely pondering similar questions and weighing different scenarios as the clock ticks toward Friday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline.Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay remains the biggest star available on the market but it appears that he is staying Toronto. Tuesday marked the flexible deadline that Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi set for potentially dealing Halladay, but he said club was not close to reaching a decision on the pitcher."It doesn't matter if it's ..."
Blue Jays no closer to Halladay trade
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July 29
MLB.com
 
"Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston took his seat on the bench inside the visitors' dugout at Safeco Field on Tuesday and prepared to field questions from the group of reporters closing in around him. Predictably, it didn't take long for someone to ask about Roy Halladay. "I haven't even seen Doc today," Gaston said. Gaston's response created a few chuckles. After all, an absent Halladay would set off rampant speculation, considering the ace pitcher is the biggest name being dangled as Friday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline inches closer. "You can believe he's here," Gaston quickly added. "He's been here a long time." At the rate negotiations have been going for the Blue Jays and ..."
Happ waits to hear his fate
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July 29
Camden Courier-Post
 
"By nature, J.A. Happ is quiet. On his best days, he doesn't talk much. So, with only about 72 hours until the trade deadline and his name still prominent in rumors, the sight of Happ facing his locker and reading a magazine before batting practice Tuesday wasn't an indicator of his mood. Clearly, though, he'll be happier after 4 p.m. Friday. "The way I'm looking at it," Happ said, "is I'll have an answer in three days." Until then, he's been trying to avoid reading the sports section in the newspaper, watching ESPN, even surfing the Internet, where rumors spread faster than germs. One minute, the Phillies are sending Happ to Toronto in a deal for Roy Halladay. The next, the negotiations ..."
Phillies leaning toward Cliff Lee, Tribe leaning toward holding pat: Indians Insider
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July 29
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"With the Phillies' pursuit of Roy Halladay apparently stalled, they have turned their attention, as expected, to the Indians and Cliff Lee. The Indians, however, maybe closing shop as Friday's 4 p.m. non-waiver deadline for trades approaches. The Indians have been scouting the Phillies' minor league system. They like right-hander Kyle Drabek, but the Phillies apparently won't part with Drabek. Toronto ran into the same problem in their conversations about Halladay. "You never know, but I think we're done," said one Indians source. The Indians did extensive research into the Phillies' minor-league system last year when they were trading CC Sabathia. The Phillies tried to overwhelm the Tribe ..."
Lee prefers to stay in Cleveland, but OK with trade
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July 28
Foxsports.com
 
"Cliff Lee will not be upset if he is traded. While the Indians left-hander wants to spend the rest of his career in Cleveland, he recognizes that his time with the team is running short. Lee, after learning in spring training that the Indians would not sign him to a contract extension, told the team that he plans to become a free agent when his current deal expires after the 2010 season, according to his agent, Darek Braunecker. A trade appears inevitable, perhaps even by Friday's non-waiver deadline. Lee, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, would prefer such a move to happen sooner rather than later, Braunecker said. The Phillies, Dodgers, Angels, Rays and Rangers are ..."
Streaking Phillies still want Halladay
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July 28
Arizona Republic
 
""Happy" isn't quite the right word to toss into a trade-deadline question directed at the manager of the defending World Series champions who has his team in first place. As in, "Would you be happy to take this team into the postseason?" The Phillies' Charlie Manuel - who could be welcoming a new player, possibly Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay, by week's end - thought for a few seconds, smiled a little and asked, "Would I be happy?" Manuel had to tread lightly, because he essentially has the same team that defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2008 World Series. "Any time I tell you I wasn't happy, that means that sends a message to our players that I'm not happy," he said. "But at ..."
Phillies aren't limiting option to Halladay
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July 28
Camden Courier-Post
 
"Fewer than two hours before Monday night's first pitch, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. strolled through the dugout at Chase Field, smiling and sporting a fresh haircut. He didn't appear stressed, harried or even frustrated by ongoing trade talks with J.P. Ricciardi, his Blue Jays counterpart. "I haven't talked to him in weeks," Amaro said with a smirk. With the annual trade deadline looming at 4 p.m. Friday and innuendo about the Phillies' negotiations with the Jays for ace Roy Halladay spreading like germs, Amaro and Ricciardi couldn't be handling the situation any differently. Ricciardi can't stop talking to media in Toronto, while Amaro has said less than a mime. Regardless, ..."
Phils' trade talks continue
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July 28
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Talks between the Phillies and Blue Jays about a potential Roy Halladay deal are ongoing, said a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations. But the Phils remained open tonight to exploring the trade market for starters other than the Toronto ace. And the Cleveland Indians, deciding whether to trade 2008 American League Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee, have dispatched scouts to double-A Reading to watch the Phillies Eastern League affiliate this week, according to baseball sources. Sources also said that the Indians will "double up" their scouts to watch 21-year-old righthander Vance Worley pitch on Thursday if a deal is still possible at that point. Worley, a righthander, is 6-8 ..."
Deal looking closer for Halladay
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July 28
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Fans in Philadelphia may be giving up on acquiring Toronto ace Roy Halladay, but people elsewhere think it's just a matter of time before the righthander joins Cole Hamels atop the Phillies' rotation. For one thing, Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi is said to be unhappy with the Blue Jays' thin list of minor-league prospects and knows he has to replenish his system from the outside. According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, Ricciardi will have to pull the trigger on a deal for Halladay and most likely will need to do so with the Phillies, who can offer four prospects. "It's not just Halladay on the block," Passan noted. "Ricciardi is shopping Scott Rolen, Marco Scutaro, Scott Downs, ..."
Phillies GM Amaro lying low as deadline approaches
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July 28
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"Almost as fascinating as the Phillies' pursuit of Toronto righthander Roy Halladay is the way general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has navigated the media circus that has surrounded it.While Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi has spoken at length about his club's involvement with other teams, Amaro has remained steadfast in his silence, sticking to an unofficial policy of not characterizing trade negotiations. In fact, the closest thing to a public acknowledgment of the Halladay situation came yesterday, when a Phillies official released a carefully worded statement shooting down a report on ESPN.com that suggested talks between the two sides had become contentious."There is no animosity between the ..."
If Phillies can get Halladay, forget future with Drabek
Comment
July 28
Philadelphia Daily News
 columnist Marcus Hayes
"Kyle Drabek last night pitched what should be his final game as a Phillie.If Drabek, 21, is the linchpin in a trade to bring Roy Halladay south of the border, punch his passport. Send him north with a LaBatt gift box. He'll appreciate that. The untouchable one will be touched.If it takes Drabek, pan-flash J.A. Happ and Class A outfielder and top overall prospect Dom Brown to land a franchise pitcher like Halladay, deal them. They are prospects. Halladay is a superstar - stable, primed, a 50-start rental through 2010 for a team with a shrinking window.Yeah, that's right. Shrinking.Look down the world champion Phillies' roster and see: Past 2010, things don't look all that rosy.Forget about ..."
Source: Trade talks between Jays and Phillies 'not going well'
Comment
July 27
ESPN.com
 
"The Toronto Blue Jays and Phillies continue to talk about a deal that would send Roy Halladay to Philadelphia. But those talks are "not going well," one source with knowledge of the discussions told ESPN.com. The Phillies are attempting to trade for Halladay without including their top pitching prospect, Kyle Drabek, in the package. But while the Blue Jays are softening on their self-imposed Tuesday deadline to trade their ace, they are not backing off their proposal for what the Phillies would have to give up. That proposed deal would bring Drabek, pitcher J.A. Happ and the Phillies' best outfield prospect, Dominic Brown, to Toronto in exchange for the 32-year-old Halladay. And an ..."
Phillies interested in more than Halladay
Comment
July 27
Foxsports.com
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"The Phillies continue to be active on numerous fronts besides Roy Halladay, talking to the Indians about left-hander Cliff Lee, searching for bullpen help and continuing their endless quest for a right-handed hitter. "All balls in the air," one club official says. "Focusing on many opportunities." Still, rival clubs say the Phillies' involvement in the Halladay sweepstakes are putting other conversations on hold. The Nationals, for example, might want to further engage the Phillies on outfielder Josh Willingham and left-handed reliever Joe Beimel. George Sherrill, the Orioles' left-handed closer, is another reliever in whom the Phillies are interested."
Phillies remain frontrunners on Halladay, but looking at Lee
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July 27
SI.com
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"The Phillies have identified Lee as their first fallback option should their talks with the Blue Jays fail to land them Halladay, and they scouted Lee's last two starts as he continues to pitch beautifully. There's been a lot of jockeying and posturing between the Phils and Jays over Halladay, but Philly remains by far the most logical landing spot considering their keen interest and stash of worthy prospects. While the Phillies blanched at one Jays' proposal of Kyle Drabek, J.A. Happ and Dominic Brown (as they should have), feathers have been ruffled and apparently Halladay himself is now getting anxious, the sides have continued to exchange ideas. Though there remains a difference of ..."
Doc Halladay saga: All talk, still no action
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July 27
Toronto Star
 
"Minutes after the Jays' 5-1 win over Tampa Bay, Roy Halladay and pitching coach Brad Arnsberg passed each other in the hallway outside manager Cito Gaston's office yesterday. As the club's ace pitcher walked past, Arnsberg called out to him. "I'll come and sit with you on the plane today," he said. So it's confirmed. Halladay remained a Blue Jay long enough to travel to the west coast with the team. But what happens after that still isn't clear and after briefing the media Friday, Halladay, like general manager J.P. Ricciardi, isn't explaining his situation to reporters any more."
Jays Buzz
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July 27
Toronto Sun
 
"TRADE WINDS The Minnesota Twins have inquired about SS Marco Scutaro, but have been told that he will not be available until after a Roy Halladay trade happens. The Cincinnati Reds, meanwhile, doubt they can make their deal for 3B Scott Rolen. The two teams talked three weeks ago when the Reds wanted the Jays to pay half of Rolen's 2010 salary, but since then they have had a disastrous West Coast trip. MINI-PUTT ATTACK Much has been made about the lack of production from OFs Alex Rios and Vernon Wells. With 67 RBIs entering play yesterday, Rios, who has averaged 78 RBIs per season, is on pace to drive in 84. With 39 RBIs, Wells (96 per season), is on a pace for 64. 1B Lyle Overbay (76 a ..."
Cards not worried if Phils get Halladay
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July 27
Camden Courier-Post
 
"St. Louis Cardinals reliever Ryan Franklin spent a season with the Phillies in 2006. Third baseman Mark DeRosa played college baseball at the University of Pennsylvania. They both know what acquiring Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay could potentially do for the Phillies. "He's one of the top pitchers in the game," DeRosa said. "It would make a huge difference. We have a lot of respect for them already. Not only are they the World Series champions, but just looking at their lineup and their personnel, they're a strong team. He's going to put any team over the top." So far, the talks to acquire Halladay are at a stalemate. The Blue Jays demanded J.A. Happ, along with minor-league prospects ..."
Lee also on radar for Phils
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July 27
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Trade talks involving Toronto ace Roy Halladay remain intense, with the Phillies focused on acquiring the Toronto superstar. But the team remains open to other potential moves, including a deal for Cleveland starter Cliff Lee.Though the Phils typically send just one executive on road trips, nearly every member of the front office boarded the team charter to Arizona last night following the team's 9-2 win over St. Louis. The week before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline is baseball's intense season, and extra minds and bodies were needed to discuss the various proposals and counterproposals involved in the team's attempt to bolster its roster.Toronto began negotiations in earnest on ..."