The trade deadline market may change dramatically if the Phillies decide to unload to rebuild. Players like Cliff Lee, Michael Young, Jimmy Rollins, Ben Revere, Delmon Young or Chase Utley could suddenly be on the market at a talent level higher than the players the Cubs are willing to trade. Likewise, the White Sox have more valuable assets in Alex Rios, Jesse Crain or any young pitcher than the Cubs have to offer.
When a team has been competitive for a while like the Phils, when the veteran team runs out of gas (age, injury, free agency, etc) it is usually sudden and unexpected. High payroll teams have high expectations.So when the Phils are 49-56 and in 3rd place in the NL East with a player average age of more than 29, losing may happen sooner than later. Last year the Phils were 81-81.
The question is whether the Phils believe ace Roy Halliday will come back strong in 2014. If not, then the flood gates could open for trades.
By comparison, who has more value to a contending team?
Cliff Lee or Carlos Villanbuena?
Michael Young or Luis Valbuena?
Jimmy Rollins or Starlin Castro (if he was available)?
Chase Utley or Darwin Barney?
Ben Revere or David DeJesus?
Delmon Young or Nate Schierholtz?
Now add the Giants to the mix of New Sellers. MLBTR reports the Giants will entertain trade offers for veterans including potential free agents Tim Lincecum, Hunter Pence, and Javier Lopez. This adds pressure on the Cubs to up the asset sales, too. Numerous reports now have teams asking about Jeff Samardzija, who is under team control for another two seasons. But the asking price has been extremely high from the Cubs side, as expected.
Most likely, an objective GM would pick the Phillie or Giant over the Cub. The only difference would be the price for the talent. By eating salary, a new club could take on a Phillie veteran and give up low minor prospects in return, which would be on par with any Cub deal for a lesser player.
