Baltimore Orioles’ deal for acquiring Philadelphia Phillies’ Joe Blanton in doubt due to money-MLB
The money has kept the deal for obtaining the Philadelphia Phillies’ starting pitcher Joe Blanton by the Baltimore Orioles from materialising.
Orioles are reluctant to burden themselves with the remaining amount of money that the Phillies owe to their 31-year-old hurler. At the same time, Baltimore is against the idea of sending their infielder Jonathan Schoop to the Phillies, a player that the
latter are enthusiastic for obtaining in the deal.
Unlike what the Phillies' General Manager Rubén Amaro, Jr. had proclaimed before, they are on the brink of trading their starting pitches. The GM had stated that none of their starting pitchers will be traded as the deadline neared.
However, the fact Cliff Lee has been placed in the trade market proves that the Phillies have changed their mindset now. They are now more concerned about restructuring their roster for future. Due to this, they are seeking prospects from the other teams.
There is an underlying concern that the Phillies will not be able to conclude any deal, because they are demanding too much, which is unaffordable for most of the clubs.
The prospects that the interested organisations are willing to give are not acceptable to the Phillies as they look for constructing a team for future which can propel them to glory. For this, they need promising young talent.
Meanwhile, Blanton has grabbed the attention of the Orioles, despite the fact that he has been unimpressive in the season. He has posted 4.59 ERA, with a dismal win-loss record.
However, the Orioles are h**l-bent to increase their winning percentage on the table. They believe Blanton can go a long way in this regard.
Since Orioles’ offence has been better than the Phillies in many ways in the season, with the proper run-support, they can get Blanton to improve his win-loss record.
The process of negotiations will be expedited now as the trade deadline is just hours away. Compromises from both the parties will be made, if the deal is to be agreed.
If the Phillies do not accede to what Orioles offer, then the latter will be turning to other options available in the trade market.
Given the kind of interest shown by the clubs for the Phillies’ starters, the next few hours are going to be interesting from the point of roster moves by the teams involved in the deals.
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