Beltran For Worley?

The MLB trade deadline rumors are beginning to swirl at a rapid pace. Everyday it seems like new trades and scenarios are proposed. Some are intriguing and others are just plain dumb.

One proposed trade that seems to have some truth to it is Carlos Beltran to the Phillies for prospects. The center piece of the Beltran deal would most likely be centered around Phils pitcher Vance Worley. The Phils would also probably have to part ways with another prospect like Jonathan Singleton or Jarred Cosart. I don't know too much about Singleton and Cosart as they are both minor leaguers and are still a few years away from making an impact at the major league level. The thing that worries me about the deal is possibly giving up Vance Worley.

While the verdict is still out on whether or not Worley is a star major league pitcher, I think the young righty has an extremely bright future and could have a huge impact on the Phils this season as they make their playoff push. Worley is currently 6-1 with a 2.02 ERA in 10 starts this year. With Blanton and Oswalt huge question marks I think the Phillies would be foolish to deal Worley for Beltran.

Having Beltran in the middle of the Phils lineup may seem appealing at first glance as he would make the Phils offense deadly. But when you're talking about dealing a possible ace for an outfielder rental, to me it just doesn't make sense. The Phils need that fourth starter in the playoffs, and I'm not confident in Roy Oswalt or Joe Blanton coming back and filling that role.

Among Cosart, Singleton and Worley the Mets are also reportedly interested in Domonic Brown. While I have approved moving Dom Brown in prior proposed trades, I would not move the young outfielder in this trade. The Phils won't have the money to re-sign Beltran at the end of the year and trading an outfielder of the future for a 2 month rental will hurt the Phils in the long run.

According to SI's Jon Heyman the Phils are the clear front runners to land the star outfielder. Adding Beltran to this already potent offense could possibly put the Phillies over the top. I just hope the Phils don't give up too much to acquire Beltran.