Philadelphia Phillies Trade Rumors: Right-Handed Bats

The Phillies need a right-handed bat to balance out their lineup.

Philadelphia has been rumored to be on the hunt for a variety of right-handed options, particularly corner outfielders.

But what price will the Phillies pay in a deal for one of these rumored bats?

Here are some of the rumors floating around the Internet concerning the Phillies' search for another right-handed bat.

Carlos Beltran

The Phillies had been rumored as the front runner to get Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran via trade, however, the asking price may be too steep for Philadelphia.

According to http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-passan_10_degrees_trade_deadline_beltran_072411 on Yahoo! Sports, the Phillies have labeled top pitching prospect Jared Cosart as "unavailable" in any trade.

This does not preclude the Phillies from talking about a deal for Beltran since there is still a wealth of young arms in the lower levels of the farm system.

Hunter Pence

Will the Phillies rob their former general manager and current Astros GM Ed Wade once again?

According to http://www.csnphilly.com/07/22/11/Phils-target-Astros-Pence-Oswalt-makes-p/news_phillies.html?blockID=543003&feedID=704, the Phillies are targeting Astros right fielder Hunter Pence as their number one trade target.

However, the price is "very high." A package for Pence may include Domonic Brown, single-A first base prospect Jonathan Singleton or one of Philadelphia's prized pitching prospects.

Melky Cabrera

Late last week, the Phillies and Royals discussed Melky Cabrera, according to http://mlbbuzz.yardbarker.com/blog/mlbbuzz/source_phillies_royals_discussing_melky_cabrera/5636977 on Fox Sports.

These discussions have led to nothing more than exchanging names on the part of both teams.

However, Cabrera is having a fairly good offensive season, batting .298 with 12 HRs for Kansas City.  Cabrera would be a decent consolation prize if the Phillies cannot acquire either Beltran or Pence.