The Philadelphia Phillies have talked with the Toronto Blue Jays about a potential trade to acquire center fielder Shane Victorino and left-handed pitcher Cole Hamels, both of whom are free agents after the season.
Victorino is a five-tool prospect who had a monster season last year, hitting .279/.355/.491 with 17 home runs, 19 stolen bases in 22 attempts, and a league-high 16 triples, plus a Gold Glove, an All-Star appearance, and MVP votes. He has struggled so far this season with a .244/.298/.405 statline, plus five home runs, 14 RBIs, and nine steals in 10 attempts in 142 plate appearances in 2012.
He is 31 years old but he will likely command a sizeable contract once the season is over, and the Phillies won’t be able to afford Victorino, Hamels, and Hunter Pence in free agency at the end of 2012 and 2013.
Hamels is an extremely hot commodity, as he is a left-handed pitcher with good durability, a high strikeout rate, and a World Series MVP award to go with his ring. He was 14-9 with a 2.79 ERA last year, striking out 194 batters against just 44 walks in 216 innings pitched in 2011. Hamels is 4-1 with a 2.45 ERA this season with 44 strikeouts against just six walks in 40 innings pitched in 2012, and his 7.33 strikeout to walk ratio is the best in the National League.
The Blue Jays need several top players to remain in contention in the tough AL East, as the Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles are both 20-12, and the New York Yankees are 17-14, while the Blue Jays are hanging on at 18-14.
Original Story:
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May 14, 2012
