Philadelphia Phillies: 10 Moves They Could Make at the Trade Deadline
With the best record in baseball, you wouldn't think there would be much room for improvement.
However, for the Phillies there is always one more move that can be made to shore up any deficiencies.
GM Ruben Amaro Jr. recently stated that there would be no big moves this year at the deadline.
If Amaro decides to change his mind, here are ten moves he could make to make this club even better.
Michael Cuddyer for Prospects
1 of 10
The Phillies need a right handed bat that can platoon with either Raul Ibanez or Domonic Brown.
Cuddyer fills that need, but is also capable of playing multiple positions—first, second, and third base, as well outfield.
Josh Willingham
2 of 10
Much like Cuddyer, Willingham fills the need for a right handed bat.
Willingham would be a much cheaper option for the Phillies, who are right up against the luxury tax limit.
BJ Upton
3 of 10
Upton has loads of talent, except between the ears.
The Rays have dangled him out as trade bait in the past and appear to be doing so again this year.
Upton's speed and athleticism would be a step up over Ibanez.
However, file this one under wishful thinking.
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Jeff Francoeur
4 of 10
Francoeur was rumored to sign with the Phillies this past off-season, but signed a deal with the Kansas City Royals.
Francoeur is batting .263 with 9 HR and 43 RBI this season.
He could be had for cheap from Kansas City, as a right handed bat rental for the remainder of the season.
Carlos Beltran
5 of 10
This would be a desperation move on both sides.
The Mets need to dump salary, but the Phillies can't take on a whole lot of money.
The Phillies would be taking a risk on an aging outfielder, who cannot run as well as he used to.
Then again, Ibanez is no spring chicken either.
Beltran's production at the plate could outweigh any other negatives the Phillies would encounter in this deal.
Tyler Clippard
6 of 10
The Phillies bullpen has been performing well this season.
However, the seventh inning could be an area where they could improve.
With their starting rotation, the bullpen hardly ever sees the seventh—but their options are Jose Contreras and Michael Stutes.
Clippard can take that role, as well as the long relief assignment.
This would relieve innings from Contreras, and spare the sight of Kyle Kendrick in an extra inning game.
Ryan Spilborghs
7 of 10
The Phillies bench is lacking consistency after a solid start.
Spilborghs, who is only making $2 million, is a cheap bench option.
A consistent hitter, Spilborghs would be a welcome addition to the Philadelphia bench.
Ryan Ludwick
8 of 10
Ludwick was a promising corner outfielder in St. Louis, but has seem to have lost his way in San Diego.
He has the power that would be attractive to the Phillies, but strikes out way too often for their liking.
Ludwick would be a huge risk, but possibly a great reward if he plays according to what his time in St. Louis indicated.
Hunter Pence
9 of 10
Pence would come at a very high cost to the Phillies, in terms of prospects and other considerations.
But these are the Astros we're dealing with. The Ed Wade-run Astros.
Amaro practically stole Roy Oswalt from Houston last summer for JA Happ and prospects in exchange for cash considerations.
Who's to say a deal cannot be made again with the former Philadelphia general manager?
Melky Cabrera
10 of 10
The switch hitting Cabrera has been one of those "what if" players for the entirety of his career.
Now relegated to Kansas City, a return to a pennant race would possibly rejuvenate the enigmatic Cabrera.
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