The Phillies are reportedly interested in Giants’ starter Matt Cain, A’s starter Joe Blanton and Rockies’ closer Brian Fuentes. But despite persisting rumors, the club is not interested in Blue Jays’ starter A.J. Burnett.
The Phils aren’t going to get Cain. Along with Tim Lincecum, the Giants view Cain as a potential ace and while teams continue to call, San Fran has been reluctant to talk trade. Even though they’re desperately in need of young position talent, the Giants want to keep the top of their starting rotation – Lincecum, Cain, Jonathan Sanchez – in tact.
Blanton, on the other hand, makes sense. Oakland GM Billy Beane is always looking for a deal and Blanton (5-12, 4.96 ERA) continues to disappoint. Philadelphia has plenty of Double A talent that they could part with and likely wouldn’t have to give up too much to acquire Blanton’s services.
Fuentes would appear to be another easy catch, although he’s stated that he wants to remain a closer – a role that he wouldn’t get in Philly with Brad Lidge on board. The Rockies want to deal him and it only seems like a matter of time before they do.
