In case you missed it, the Phillies placed right fielder Geoff Jenkins on the 15-day disabled list with a right hip flexor strain. Jenkins hurt his hip running to first base on Friday night after singling up the middle. There is no timetable for Jenkins return, and the Phillies have recalled IF/OF Andy Tracy to take Jenkins spot on the roster.

Tracy, primarily a first baseman, has had a strong season for the Iron Pigs, batting .288 with 21 home runs and 84 RBI’s. On paper he looks like a strong replacement. Unfortunately Tracy has made a career out of being a strong AAA player, but has never been able to produce at the big league level. I don’t foresee that changing with this opportunity.

While Jenkins has been a complete disappointment this season, batting .243 with nine home runs and 29 RBI’s, he will be missed in the Phillies lineup. Jayson Werth will get all the playing time in right field, and while he has had a good season (.268/17/47), he struggles against right handed pitching, and at times has looked silly at the plate. Werth is a good outfielder, but best used in a lefty/righty platoon situation.

As the roster stands, the Phillies don’t have a player who suits that platoon role. I know some will say Greg Dobbs is the perfect candidate, but Dobbs has only played five career games in right field and he doesn’t possess the arm needed for that position. Besides, I think he’s best suited coming off the bench is a pinch hitter late in games, or giving Pedro Feliz a day off at third base.

It’s time for the Phillies to look at the waiver wire, and make a move. A move that will have an impact for the remainder of the season, not like a last minute pickup like Pete LaForrest in 2007 or Jose Hernandez in 2006. I’m talking about a player who can actually make an impact on this club. Enough of these “bargain bin pickups” who do nothing for the team, but occupy a roster spot for a few games.

I don’t know about you, but I’m a little sick of these low-cost options. While league rivals are acquiring Adam Dunn, CC Sabathia, Manny Ramirez, and Rich Harden, we get Joe Blanton and Scott Eyre. It’s a mentality this franchise has carried for too long, and a reason why most think that ownership really doesn’t want to win a World Series.

I don’t want to hear the excuse the Phillies don’t have the prospects to make a deal either. That’s crap. Lou Marson is one of the game’s top catching prospects (who had an impressive Olympics), and Carlos Carrasco has been heavily scouted all season. If the Phillies really wanted to bring in a big time player, the means are there, it’s the motivation that isn’t.

If ownership really wants to bring a World Series championship to Philadelphia, they need to get motivated, especially with Jenkins on the shelf. Since players need to clear waivers before being traded, the pickings are now slim, but it doesn’t mean there’s nothing available. One player who would help the Phillies in the final month and a half of the regular season is the Orioles Aubrey Huff.

Huff, who has already cleared waivers, is having a fine season in Baltimore, batting .301 with 27 home runs and 89 RBI’s. He would be Werth’s ideal platoon partner in right field, and when Jenkins does return, Geoff could fill the role of a pinch hitter down the stretch. Given his offensive ability, Huff could also find a way in the lineup against left-handed pitchers. He holds a career .278 average against lefties and plays multiple positions. Aside from corner outfield, Huff can play both corner infield positions with admirable defense.

Huff isn’t the sexiest name, but he’s the best available, which is what the Phillies should be looking for.

While he can’t be had for a bag of peanuts and a media guide, he could be had without giving up any of the Phillies higher end prospects. The likes of Fabio Castro & Gus Milner could get the deal done. For a team struggling at the plate, bringing in a guy who’s on pace to hit 35 home runs and knock in 110, it should be a no-brainer.

Unfortunately knowing the Phillies front office a move like this is too great for them. The big move of the summer was to acquire Blanton. So instead of upgrading the outfield, look for the Phillies to solve this hole internally. Meaning So Taguchi will get an expanded role.