MLB Trade Speculation: 4 Clever Deals That Could Help the Philadelphia Phillies

In an interview with Jim Salisbury a few weeks ago for csnphilly.com, Ruben Amaro stated that the Phillies will not make a major move at the trade deadline.

Charlie Manuel, on the other hand, has stated that he'd like to add a right-handed bat.

Amaro is sly like a fox, so it's tough to take his comments seriously. Just look how he unexpectedly swooped in and snatched Cliff Lee from everyone's grasp. During his stint as GM, Amaro's been an outside-the-box kind of guy.

It should be an interesting month or so leading up to the deadline to see how Amaro handles the financial situation. That is of course, if the Phillies decide to be a player at the deadline.

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Unload Joe Blanton

Joe Blanton has done nothing to improve his trade stock during the season.

IF the Phils do wind up making a major move (like a Hunter Pence), Amaro's going to have to find a way to clear up money.

In 2008, the Philadelphia 76ers traded G Rodney Carney, C Calvin Booth and a first-round pick to Minnesota for their $2.8-million trade exception and a second-round pick. This freed up money to sign Elton Brand.

Would the Phillies be able to pull something off where a team (like the Yankees) eats Blanton's money and offers a fringe prospect, or two?

Does anyone even want Blanton?

Unload Brad Lidge

It's been a changing of the guard this season in the bullpen. Ryan Madson has taken the closer's role. Antonio Bastardo and Michael Stutes have come in and pitched well, costing J.C. Romero his job.

All of this has been with Brad Lidge on the disabled list.

Again, just like Blanton, does anyone even want Lidge?

He's not expected back until after the all-star break.

Unload Kyle Kendrick

As much heat as Kyle "The Nibbler" Kendrick receives, he hasn't been all that bad this year (3.12 ERA, 1.25 WHIP). The key for him is that first inning.

The groundball sinker-baller is making $2.45 million this year and may actually be easier to move than Blanton or Lidge.

For example, he could be a fourth or fifth-starter option for a contending team like the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Phillies could possibly get one or two fringe prospects for Kendrick.

The emergence of Vance Worley has helped immensely.

Go Cheap or Go Home

If the Phillies decide not to pursue a Josh Willingham or Ryan Ludwick, they could go the Cody Ross route and hope to catch lightning in a bottle.

Reed Johnson would be the best option if the Phillies go this route. He's making $900,000 this season.

If the Cincinnati Reds decide to bring up Yonder Alonso, the Phillies could take a flier on Chris Heisey. Coincidentally, he hit three home runs last night. He's making $419,000 this season.

Ryan Spilborghs is making $1.3 million this season.

Ruben Amaro will have some tough decisions to make within the next month or so.