After sustaining injury after injury this spring, the Philadelphia Phillies have finally indicated they would search for replacements outside of the organization. Yesterday, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told reporters that “he’s inclined to acquire a utility infielder from elsewhere”. According to Philly.com’s Matt Gelb, Amaro also hinted that “he will not dip from his starting pitching depth” to acquire an infielder.
Danny Knobler speculated that Philadelphia wouldn’t deal starting pitching in a trade for infield help earlier this week. Joe Blanton has been viewed as a prime trade candidate this offseason and spring. However, Knobler believes that lack of options behind the right-hander will cause the Phillies to hang on to Blanton.
While it looks like Amaro isn’t keen on dealing starting pitchers this spring, it does sound as if he’ll acquire an infielder or two. Injuries will sideline Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Michael Martinez to start the season. Also, veteran third baseman Placido Polanco has dealt with an injury this spring and has developed into a trip to the disabled list waiting to happen.
For this reason the Phillies are expected to trade for a versatile infielder. Philadelphia has been tied to Boston Red Sox shortstop Mike Aviles as well as Los Angeles Angels infielders Maicer Izturis and Alberto Callaspo. Jon Paul Morosi tweeted yesterday that the Phillies and Kansas City Royals could be a fit, as KC could use pitching and has several options at second base in Johnny Giavotella, Chris Getz and Yuniesky Betancourt.
If Amaro doesn’t want to give up as much value as above players could require, he could wait to see what teams do with out of option players later this spring. Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLBTR.com wrote yesterday that the Phillies could add players such as Elliot Johnson, Chris Nelson, Eric Young Jr., Emmanuel Burriss, Luis Valbuena and Donnie Murphy on the cheap before the season begins.
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