Is Blanton On His Way Out?

You know you have a great pitching staff when Joe Blanton is your number 5 pitcher. Providing this starting rotation stays healthy, during any given series the Phils will send at least 2 aces to the mound. So with 4 of the best pitchers in the game, wouldn't it make sense to trade a guy like Joe Blanton and get a right handed bat that can help you offensively? As with any debate, there are two sides to the Joe Blanton argument. Let's take a look at advantages of trading Blanton as well as the advantages of keeping him.

Advantages of Trading: If the Phillies were to trade Blanton they would probably look to get a right handed bat or try to find some help in the bull pen. If Domonic Brown continues to struggle the Phils may look to move Blanton in exchange for some offense. Mike Morse of the Washington Nationals could be a definite possibility. Adding a right handed bat to this line up could make it extremely dangerous and definitely help balance out a heavy lefty line up. In addition to getting help at the plate, the Phils might also look to add another reliever. Although I think that the Phils bull pen has great potential, I think that adding another arm, especially a lefty could really solidify the pen. I think that if the Phils do decide to deal Blanton they need to look to fill one of those two needs.

Advantages of Not Trading: As good as this pitching staff is, they are not super humans, and just like any player in baseball they are prone to injury. 162 games is a long season and the chances of one of the Phab Phour getting hurt are pretty good. Having a guy like Joe Blanton to step in and be your number 4 in the event of an injury is reassuring and quite a luxury. The Phils could then bring in a guy like Kyle Kendrick to be the 5th, and you would still have one of the best staffs in the game, no matter who gets injured.

One obstacle in trading Blanton, would be finding a team that needs a starter as well as a team that is willing to pick up Blanton's contract. Blanton is owed 17 million over the next 2 years, and finding a team willing to pay that may prove to be extremely difficult. The Phils may have to pay a part of that salary in order to trade him. In the end I hope the Phillies keep Blanton. He is a good security option, and when given run support he is able to go out and win games for you. It will be interesting to see what the Phils decide to do with Joe Blanton as opening day quickly approaches.