Phillies have “no traction” on a Jonathan Papelbon trade

The Philadelphia Phillies, the worst team in Baseball, have been trying to get rid of Jonathan Papelbon for quite some time. I go to work and prepare to get guys out.

Reports vary wildly, of course, but Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com says he’s “getting no sense the Phillies have any traction” on a Papelbon trade.

For the record, Papelbon said he had no idea if it was or wasn’t. With the July 31 trade deadline quickly approaching, significant changes could be in order for the pro-selling Phillies.

Papelbon, meanwhile, continues to pitch well despite the trade rumors swirling around him, something that he refused to acknowledge after the game. The Blue Jays are moving Aaron Sanchez to the bullpen. Recently, he’s made it clear that he wants to be traded, but there are monetary hurdles in the way, namely a $13 million vesting option for 2016 that other teams would prefer not to have to swallow.

Left-hander Cole Hamels is Philadelphia’s No. 1 prize.

“Haven’t heard nothing about it”, Papelbon said in front of his locker as he packed for the team’s next road trip.

The Dodgers and the Rangers remain high on the list of suitors for Hamels and both have the prospects to get a deal done. The Astros are mentioned as being interested in Hamels, but that could be window dressing as Houston pursues starters on expiring contracts. They, too, have long been connected to Hamels so that could create some drama. “I thought he was going to be safe and we were going to be down a run”.

Phillies manager Pete Mackanin didn’t start Herrera on Wednesday, but said it wasn’t because of any sort of punishment. “Your guess is as good as mine”. I signed up with a team that won 102 games, and I expected certain things.