TECHNICALLY, IT'S been an open season for trades in the major leagues since the World Series ended last fall. The Phillies made three moves in December, sending Jimmy Rollins, Marlon Byrd and Antonio Bastardo out to greener pastures.
But a franchise hellbent on rebuilding - did you listen to the wild enthusiasm in ownership partner John Middleton's voice on Monday? - has entered the most popular month on the major league schedule for trades. It's July, and the trade deadline is four weeks from Friday.
Of the majors' 30 teams, the Phillies are expected to be the most aggressive seller, and could move two players with All-Star credentials in Cole Hamels and Jonathan Papelbon, while also trying to find new homes for Ryan Howard and Ben Revere, to open positions for younger players.