Philadelphia Phillies: Will the Rich Get Richer at the Trade Deadline?

The Philadelphia Phillies are looking for an upgrade in the form of a right-handed bat.

With a stout pitching staff, the addition of a bat may be what the Phillies need to make them the clear World Series favorite.

However, with the Mets dealing Carlos Beltran to San Francisco, the options are now limited. 

Here are some of the rumors concerning the Phillies and trade talks around the league.

Hunter Pence

According to Jim Salisbury of csnphilly.com, the Phillies have been aggressive in their pursuit of Astros outfielder Hunter Pence.

Indications are that Domonic Brown would be included in a deal for Pence, according to Salisbury.

The Phillies reportedly offered Jarred Cosart, Jonathan Singleton and a second-tier pitching prospect for Pence.  A deal was almost finalized, but the Astros reportedly backed off. 

B.J. Upton

Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated tweeted the Phillies believe it would be cheaper to acquire Rays outfielder B.J. Upton than to make a run at Hunter Pence.

True, it would probably take less in the way of prospects to acquire Upton.

However, the cost of spending those prospects for a player with a questionable work ethic and attitude in the middle of a pennant race is a move to be made with caution.

If the Phillies acquire Upton, they will be bringing a player with a lot of talent. It will remain to be seen if he can tap into it when the time comes.

Carlos Quentin

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Phillies are interested in Chicago White Sox outfielder Carlos Quentin.

The Phillies are one of a number of teams that have scouted Quentin this week.

There were rumors in the offseason about the Phillies interest in Quentin, but the White Sox were not shopping him at the time.