A little more than 24 hours before the trade deadline, the Phillies remain active on a number of fronts.
?They?re going to unload,? a person with knowledge of the Phillies? deadline plan said Monday afternoon.
Here?s what we know:
? According to a person with knowledge of the situation, the Phils have tried to sell Hunter Pence to a number of teams, particularly the San Francisco Giants. No team has yet met the Phils? price on Pence.
? Shane Victorino will likely be dealt. A source mentioned the Dodgers as the most likely trade partner, though the Giants and Reds have interest.
? Interest in Joe Blanton, who has had three good starts in a row, has picked up, with Baltimore expressing interest. Top Baltimore scout Bruce Kison scouted Blanton on Saturday night. A source said Blanton is getting interest from American League clubs. Toronto could be one. St. Louis might also have interest.
? Cliff Lee has been in play for weeks and remains so. There have been reports that the Phils and Texas Rangers have stepped up trade discussions. Lee can block a trade to 21 teams, but Texas reportedly is not one of them. Lee is owed $87.5 million for 2013-15, so his contract could be a stumbling block. The Phillies would require significant talent in return to move Lee. Any package would start with third base prospect Mike Olt. The Phils might also look to get a reliever like Alexi Ogando back in the deal.
Four days ago, GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said he planned to keep his pitching rotation together, but he acknowledged that plans can change. For competitive reasons, Amaro is not afraid to say one thing and do another. Witness two winters ago when he denied interest in Lee almost until the time he signed him.
? Willingness to deal Lee and Pence shows the Phillies want to free up salary.
? Amaro is also looking to deal from his bench. Ty Wigginton could go and so could Juan Pierre. The Reds like Pierre.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com.
Tags: Phillies, Shane Victorino, Joe Blanton, Ruben Amaro Jr., Trade Deadlinegrapes of wrath silent house nfl mock draft project m rubio colts colts
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