The Philadelphia Phillies have been one of the worst teams in the league all season, but there is still plenty of intrigue surrounding them as they figure to be major sellers at the trade deadline. Here are three rumors you need to know:
Papelbon would be "surprised" if he wasn't traded
Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon said that he would be "surprised and disappointed" if he is not traded this summer, according to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki.
“I think [the front office] knows where I’m at,” he said. “I’ve always been straightforward that I want to go play for a contender and I’m not going to shy away from it. I feel like that’s my right and my prerogative to have that opportunity and, you know, it’s in their hands. The ball’s in their court. I guess that’s kind of it.”
Papelbon indicated that he’d be willing to waive his no-trade clause to play for any contender, as long as they plan to use him as a closer.
Cole Hamels unlikely to waive no-trade clause if dealt to Astros, Blue Jays
Cole Hamels has been on the trade block since the offseason started, and has said he’s willing to consider deals to any team. However, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reported that Hamels unlikely to waive his no-trade clause if he’s dealt to the Astros or Blue Jays.
Hamels thinks he can go to a contender that's more of a traditional power, but if those are the only deals on the table, he may be willing to reconsider.
Will Chase Utley be dealt?
Utley has been the Phillies franchise player for the past decade or so, but his time with in Philadelphia appears to be over.When asked if Utley still team's everyday second baseman when he returns from injury, general manager Ruben Amaro was firm in his thoughts.
"Not for me he's not," Amaro said. "Cesar Hernandez is our best second baseman."
That seems to indicate that Utley may be playing for another team very, very soon.
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