Phillies Trade Rumors: Philadelphia Needs Jim Thome’s Bat off Bench

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The Philadelphia Phillies already made one of the biggest splashes of this 2011 MLB Trade deadline by trading four prospects to the Houston Astros for All-Star outfielder Hunter Pence.

Pence was arguably the best outfielder on the market, and he fits in with the Phillies better than Carlos Beltran would have.

He’s much cheaper as well.

Now with a right handed bat in the outfield, Philadelphia looks to have their stagnate offense rejuvenated by Pence’s energy. Look for his charismatic attitude and play to make stars like Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley step their games up.

While that addition is great, the Phillies front office isn’t done yet, and MLB insider Jayson Stark said on twitter:

Next #Phillies move might not be for an arm. Still have interest in HR threat off the bench like Jason Giambi. Even asked on Thome. #trades.

The idea of more offense from anywhere is a positive addition, but having a player like Jim Thome or Jason Giambi off the bench would be a nice ace in the hole.

The Phillies would be better off with Thome slugging off the bench, but even Giambi would be an improvement over Philadelphia’s current squad.

With more bullpen help needed, the Phillies would be smart to add another reliever and go it with the offense they have now that Pence is in the mix. San Diego is still shopping Heath Bell, and it may be time for the Phillies to move some pieces to bring another back-end reliever into the fold.

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Donald Wood is a Bleacher Report Featured Columnist and Syndicated Writer. Follow Donald Wood on Twitter.

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