Phillies Trade Rumors: Where Will Charlie Manuel's Right-Handed Bat Come From?

In The Morning Call, Charlie Manuel reiterated his desire for a right-handed powerful bat:

"If it's a hitter, I want somebody who can mash. I want somebody that can hit. I want somebody who definitely is proven and can balance our lineup."

However, now that Carlos Beltran is off the market—and according to Jayson Stark, the Astros want four can't miss prospects for Hunter Pence—people are wondering where the Phillies will go from here. Can Manuel find his right-handed bat?

Pence is still a potential option but that would probably required the team includes Domonic Brown, something many people are definitely not comfortable with.

Carlos Quentin of the Chicago White Sox could be an option, but his price tag might be too high now that other strong hitters are off the market.

Another option could be searching for a somewhat smaller yet more targeted acquisition. For example, Jeff Francoeur, Melky Cabrera and Reed Johnson have been mentioned during this deadline season.

None of them are quite as high-powered as this aforementioned three, but any one of them could fill a role for the Phillies as a platoon outfielder and a solid pinch hitter.

It seems as if one of these smaller moves is becoming more and more possible as the bigger names are quickly being snatched off the market.

However, making a smaller trade could allow the Phillies to go after another bullpen arm as well.

Manuel may not be able to get a player who can "mash" the way he wants, but the Phillies should be able to at least add a hitter who can strengthen the team's lineup against left-handed pitching.