AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > July > 21
Friday, July 21, 2006
Phillies close to firesale
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Braves are very much back in wild-card contention. In fact, they may be the wild-card favorite in the National League right now.
The Phillies, though, are fading and fading fast. There is even talk that a series victory by the Braves in the four-game set beginning Friday night will touch off a firesale in Philadelphia.
Bobby Abreu is already on the market. Numerous players may follow.
If the Phillies give up on the season, the real trade prize may not be Abreu, but rather closer Tom Gordon. There are no closers left on the market after the Braves plucked Bob Wickman from Cleveland. That would make Gordon a prized commodity if the Phillies were to decide to deal him.
Gordon is a lot safer bet than Wickman, but Braves general manager John Schuerholz made a good move to get the Indians closer now. And he did it very cheaply, meaning he has flexibility to make more moves.
Max Ramirez was a marginal prospect who has a strained rotator cuff. That’s not good news for a catcher.
The Braves still need bullpen help. But adding Wickman makes the postseason seem a lot more likely.
Meanwhile, the Phillies have about run out of time on a turnaround. Let the trading begin.
