Philadelphia Phillies: 10 Reasons They Can't Afford To Trade Joe Blanton

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There’s been a lot of opinions about whether or not the Philadelphia Phillies should trade Joe Blanton. If they make a trade, they could free up some salary space.

But Phillies GM Ruben Amaro doesn’t seem too worried about the salary room. It seems like Blanton is safe in Philly...for now at least. But who knows what kinds of things are going on behind closed doors.

Here are 10 reasons why Philadelphia can’t afford to trade Blanton.

No. 10: Strength

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Joe Blanton’s nickname is “Big Joe.” His pitches are nothing to write home about, but they’re not subpar either.

He has a respectable fastball and his curveball has been referenced to Barry Zito. He’s also honed his control in the past few seasons. It is expected to be even better in 2011 if he starts the year off healthy, unlike last season.

No. 9: Potential

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Last season, Joe Blanton began his year with an injury, limiting his Spring Training workouts. This had a detrimental effect on his stats last year.

In the first half of the season his ERA was over six. The second half it was under four though. If he can parlay his second half of last year into this season, he’ll have much better numbers.

No. 8: His Value

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If the Philadelphia Phillies trade Joe Blanton now, right before the season, they won’t get very much in return.

On the other hand, if they wait to make a deal midway through the season, they could increase what he's worth.

Right now, Blanton is a fairly high priced back-of-the-rotation pitcher. Midway through the season though,  teams may be in need of another arm for an injured starter or help for a playoff run.

Then Blanton won't be a high priced pitcher, he'll be a valuable commodity.

No. 7: Consistency

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His ERA hovers around four. That's not spectacular, but at least he remains consistent. The Phillies know what to expect when he’s on the mound.

They know what kind of runs production is necessary to win with Blanton starting. The Phillies are typically a team that can generate the offense to offset the runs Blanton lets in.

No. 6: Safety Net Joe Blanton Provides

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While Joe Blanton will be the fifth starter, he could be a middle of the rotation starter too.

If the worst occurs—one of the four aces gets injured—the Phillies won’t need to worry as much. They can bump Joe Blanton up and remain in contention.

No. 5: Innings Pitched

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One of the biggest issues teams face are getting starting pitchers to eat up innings. Young pitchers struggle with this, making teams leery of bringing prospects up from the minors for a major role.

Joe Blanton can eat up innings. He has averaged 200 innings a season with the Phillies.

No. 4: Depth Joe Blanton Provides

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It's been said many times—Joe Blanton doesn't have spectacular numbers.

What he does have are solid numbers. He can hold his own. With Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay leading off the rotation and Blanton at caboose, the Phillies have a packed rotation.

They're in a position that in a playoff series, other teams should be concerned with every pitcher they'll face, not just the top two or three.

No. 3: His Work Ethic

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Joe Blanton has a strong work ethic. This is a highly underestimated quality in a player. Teams are enhanced by these players. The ones who recognize that they can improve, that they're not the greatest just because they're a professional.

Blanton quickly worked his way through the minors into the major leagues. After signing his $24 million, 3-year deal in 2010, he’ll want to prove himself even more.

No. 2: Joe Blanton's Strikes

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During Joe Blanton's first year with the Phillies, 51 percent of his strikeouts were looking. This percentage was the highest in the major leagues. 

He also typically has a strong strike zone. He averages somewhere around six strikeouts per nine innings. Starting the year off healthy this season could see an increase in his strikeouts. 

No. 1: Joe Blanton's Experience

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The Phillies could trade Joe Blanton and bring up a prospect. However, Blanton has something prospects don’t have: experience. Playoff experience, to be more exact.

The Phillies hope to make another World Series run with Cliff Lee back on their roster. But they’ll need top performance and experience from their other pitchers as well.

Blanton can help provide that.