MLB Trade Rumors: Blue Jays Interested in Phillies Joe Blanton?

Alright, just a warning; this one sounds like it could be a little bit of a stretch.  However, it is speculation coming from Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.  Morosi heard from sources that Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos was at the Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles game yesterday afternoon.  Apparently AA left following Phillies starting pitcher Joe Blanton’s time on the mound, leading Morosi to speculate the Blue Jays may have interest in the right-hander.

Morosi said this could be significant, as the Blue Jays are reportedly interested in pitching, and the Phillies have discussed trading Blanton this offseason.  Morosi went on to say that Philadelphia could benefit from salary relief, and that readers should file this seemingly irrelevant event away.

This one doesn’t seem to make a whole lot of sense.  Toronto’s search for pitching hasn’t been very well documented, and they have several young starting candidates with much higher ceilings than Blanton vying for the final few spots in their rotation.

Also, anytime Blanton’s name has come up in trade rumors this offseason, another starting pitcher was making his way to Philadelphia, namely Roy Oswalt and A.J. Burnett.  While Oswalt’s still available, there have been no rumblings involving him and the Phillies lately.

Something could be brewing here, and it’s hard to speak against Morosi.  However, this isn’t as clear cut as he’s making it out to be.

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

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