While the baseball world descends on Washington D.C. for the All-Star break much of the conversation will surround Manny Machado’s immediate future. It’s no secret the Phillies are interested in adding the 26-year-old power-hitting shortstop, regardless of his pending free agency.
Bundled in the trade discussions and rumors has been Philadelphia’s need to supplement their bullpen. One suggestion is the addition of Orioles closer Zach Britton, a lefty coming off an offseason achillies injury. However, the price to add both Britton and Machado could be overwhelming and out of the Phillies budget.
Long-time league insider Jayson Stark made his first of two weekly appearances on 97.