Trade Rumors 7/30.

The trading deadline is upon us and the Phillies in the last 9 games have become sellers. The news out of Phillies camp is that everyone on the roster is available except for three players: Cole Hamels,  Domonic Brown and Chase Utley. That means that Lee, Papelbon, Rollins are all available. According to mlbtraderumors.com, the Red Sox are kicking the tires on Cliff Lee and the Phillies are asking for the Red Sox to assume control of all of Lee’s contract ($70 million left until 2015 with an option for 2016) and the Phillies want in return, the team’s 1, 2, and 3 top prospects for Lee. It seems unlikely that Lee will be traded because of the demands, but one thing that teams are desperate for is pitching.

Jonathan Papelbon erupted after Sunday’s game saying he did not sign up for this. Well the Phillies agree and they have been patrolling the trade circuit to see who wants Papelbon. The Phillies again want the team to take control of the money that is due to Papelbon over the next 2 years.  The Tigers were interested for the services of Papelbon, but have went into another direction as they acquired Jose Veras yesterday from the Houston Astros.

The likely hood of Michael Young staying after tomorrow’s deadline seems highly unlikely. The Red Sox have been in constant contact with the Phillies about the services of Young. The Rangers have also had internal discussions in bringing back Young for a playoff push in 2013. Almost every team in the AL East want the services for Young.  A package deal with Young and Lee may happen but unlikely.

Carlos Ruiz is an intriguing option for teams, he is coming off a great year, but has been hampered by suspensions and injuries this year and is a shell of his former self. The Rangers are an option that would need the services of  Ruiz, as they need another catcher for a playoff push. Despite Ruiz’s offensive woes, he is still a great defensive catcher. He may also stay for next year because of the Phillies lack of a starting catcher.

Photo-http://articles.philly.com/2011-06-09/sports/29638825_1_gm-ruben-amaro-phillies-local-pitcher