Philadelphia Phillies Trade Rumors: Is Mike Adams Still Under Consideration?

Phillies trade rumors have largely revolved around a right-handed bat such as Carlos Beltran or Hunter Pence, however the rumors regarding a bullpen arm have been persistent and still seem to have life.

Jayson Stark of ESPN reports that the Phillies have not given up on Mike Adams. He cites three reasons why the Phillies prefer Adams to Heath Bell:

"Because he's under control for next year; because he could set up initially then close next year if Madson signs elsewhere as a free agent; because they could build a larger deal around the acquisition of Adams and Ludwick."

Of course, the specifics of this type of deal are unknown exactly, but the Padres have been scouting Lehigh Valley over the past week to probably get a look at Phillippe Aumont, Michael Schwimer and Justin De Fratus.

Although Ludwick is definitely not Hunter Pence, he has been a powerful right-handed bat during his career who should be able to pinch-hit effectively and platoon in right field. While he is only hitting .264 against left-handed pitching, it is better than most of the Phillies have been, and he could break up the line of left-handers in the lineup. While he may not be the ideal answer to Charlie Manuel's request, he wouldn't necessarily be a terrible addition or come at too high a price.

The Phillies are still reportedly the front-runners for the services of Pence, but it is definitely worth noting that the Phillies have not necessarily given up on acquiring another arm to supplement the bullpen.