Time to Sell?

The Phillies handed in another miserable performance two days ago to acquire their 9th loss in their last 10 outings. Before this stretch they had appeared to be making some strides, but they are now in a free fall. I'm beginning to wonder if it's time to change the direction of this season and trade in some parts before losing them for nothing in return.

The first part that comes to mind here is without a doubt, Cole Hamels. Hamels has still not reached an agreement with the Phillies and would be a free a agent at the end of the season. If the Phillies allow Hamels to reach the open market there is no doubt in my mind that there are a number of other teams willing to throw out absurd amounts of money for Cole's services, money which the Phillies will not match (Does the name Jayson Werth ring a bell?). Hamels has a lot of value right now and could get the Phillies plenty in return. A name I've heard a few times which I would love to go after is third baseman, Mark Trumbo, of the Angels. Trumbo is young, cheap, and extremely talented. I'd also try to get Peter Bourjos in the deal if I could. Bourjos is a young, speedy centerfielder with some pop who has lost playing time lately with the emergence of Mike Trout. If the Phillies can acquire these two they would gain some solid pieces to build around for the future (Trumbo especially).

Bourjos would provide a more than apt replacement for Shane Victorino, another player whose contract expires at the end of the year and will be due more money than he's worth. Victorino has been a massive disappointment for the Phillies this year, rather than lift them he has dropped the weight by hitting a timid .253 at the plate.

For Victorino I would want some young starting pitching, something to fill the hole left by Hamels.

It may be early to say, but if the Phillies continue to play this embarrassing excuse for baseball and their freefall continues, they need to make some serious decisions quickly before they are left empty handed.

Phillies current record: 29-33 (8.5 games back from the NL East Lead)

Joe Blanton loves allowing opposing pitchers to hit homeruns.

He does. For the second time in his last two starts, Joe Blanton allowed a pitcher to crush a ball into the seats. In addition to that good ol' Joe has allowed quite a few other guys to hit homers. Needless to say, the Phillies have not been winning games lately with Mr. Blanton toeing the rubber. The Philies dropped today's game 5-1, and lost two games in their three game set.

Blanton gave up five runs on 9 hits in 6 innings of work, an improvement from his previous two flops, but still not too impressive.

The Philadelphia offense didn't really have an answer for Miami's starter, Carlos Zambrano. They managed only six hits and scratched out just one run. Miami is becoming a very scary team, and one could definitely make a case for them being the top team in this skilled NL East. Hanley Ramirez has finally turned up the offense, jacking three homers in his last two games. The Marlins boast a very top-heavy offense with Reyes, Ramirez, and Stanton, and have plenty of speed throughout their lineup.

The silver lining for today? Chase Utley took his knees down to Florida. Maybe we'll see him in action a little sooner than later.

Phillies current record: 28-27 (3.5 games from the NL East Lead)