The Phillies are scouting the Altoona Curve, Rob Biertempfel reports.
Source tells me #Phillies have sent scout to Altoona to evaluate some of #Pirates Double-A players.
— Rob Biertempfel (@BiertempfelTrib) June 25, 2015
These kinds of reports are interesting, but it's tough to assess their significance. The Curve currently includes prospects like Josh Bell, Max Moroff, Stetson Allie, Gift Ngoepe and Steven Brault.
The Phillies' attractive trade pieces include Cole Hamels, Jonathan Papelbon, maybe Ken Giles, and ... um ... hm. The Pirates could use an upgrade at first base, but Ryan Howard, with his strikeout issues and lack of defensive ability, really isn't that.