Blue Jays Rumors: Toronto Inquired on Phillies Cole Hamels, Shane Victorino

The Toronto Blue Jays have engaged in trade talks with the Philadelphia Phillies regarding potential free agents Cole Hamels and Shane Victorino, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.  Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told reporters yesterday that if Philadelphia isn’t able to turn things around, they could find themselves as sellers come deadline time.

Rosenthal was quick to remind readers that, just because the Blue Jays and Phillies have engaged in trade dialogue regarding Hamels and Victorino, it doesn’t mean a trade is close or even likely.  Toronto’s GM Alex Anthopoulos has a history of checking with opposing front offices about star players.  While Amaro may be hinting at selling this summer, Rosenthal said he will believe it when he sees it.

Rosenthal added that the Phillies won’t give up on their season easily considering their rotation and roster that is currently built to win now.  Plus, the Phillies have a pair of All-Stars currently on the sidelines in Ryan Howard and Chase Utley.  Before the Phillies make any decision on the current season they will want to determine exactly what they can expect from their pair of ailing veterans.

While it seems unlikely that the Phillies would deal Victorino or especially Hamels, when you are dealing with Amaro and Anthopoulos it’s hard to tell what could happen.  The Blue Jays aren’t likely to hand over the type of free agent contract that will bring Hamels or even Victorino to Toronto.  However, Anthopoulos has said that if his team is going to acquire top talent, it will likely be via a trade.

For more on the Blue Jays and Phillies be sure to check out Jays Journal and That Balls Outta Here.

You can follow Call to the Pen on Twitter at @FSCalltothePen or like us here on Facebook.