Philadelphia Phillies’ Ruben Amaro Jr. nullifies the possibility of trading starting pitchers - MLB
As the reports emerge about the possible trade of starting pitcher Cliff Lee, the Philadelphia Phillies’ General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has clarified that none of the starters will be sent to any other club.
He stated that in the face of trade deadline and the speculations surfacing about what they are going to do with the quality hurlers the Phillies possess on their rotation.
The Phillies host such starters that can be of great help for any organisation. Even though they have failed to see the club winning greater number of matches this year, their value for the clubs have not declined.
Cliff Lee can still play a pivotal role for any team for their success, provided he receives proper run-support on regular basis, something the Phillies have struggled to provide him this year.
In light of the fact that numerous teams are seeking their starters, the declaration from the part of the General Manager is extremely important.
However, there is nothing written on stone and the plans of the Phillies can change anytime. As has been the case in the past, they are prone to making unexpected decisions.
Meanwhile, one of the reasons that came to light about the clubs’ desire to keep their starters is the kind of strength they make for the team. For the officials, their rotation is mainly the source from where the popularity of the club stems. Therefore,
losing them even while the results are not coming is not part of their consideration.
While the deals for pitchers are blocked, the Phillies are open for trading their right fielder Hunter Pence. The rumours are making the rounds for the last couple of days that Pence may be sent to any club in exchange for some new prospects.
Meanwhile, by the time GM uttered that pitchers are not the part of their plans, he also hinted the possibility that anything can happen.
“That’s what the plan is right now,” he said. “Plans can change. But that’s the plan right now.”
If the Phillies go on to retain Lee and do not trade him before the deadline, it will be interesting to observe what kind of role he can play the rest of the season for the club.
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