Phillies’ GM Ruben Amaro Jr. Does Not Plan On Having A Fire Sale
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Mike McGinnis/Getty Images(PHILADELPHIA) — The Philadelphia Phillies have been floating around .500 all season and have a lot of ground to make up if they want to reach the post season. Despite the lack of success, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. says he won’t trade pitchers Cliff Lee, Cole Hammels, and Jonathan Paplebon.
Heading into Saturday, the Phillies find themselves at 33-35, hardly the type of record you want to see from a team with one of the highest payrolls in baseball.
The team could net back some good prospects as well as shed salary if they trade Lee of Hamels. But Amaro said that won’t happen.
“If we have those guys at the top of our rotation, we’re a better club,” Amaro said. “…It starts and ends with pitching as far as I’m concerned. So the more quality pitching you have, the better chance you have to build around that to win.”
Meanwhile Paplebon is in the second year of a four-year, $50 million contract, but has just 13 saves due to lack of appearances. Amaro doesn’t seem to eager to trade him away either.
“People would like us to improve our club but at what cost?” Amaro added. “You have to have replacement pieces if your going to trade someone like that.”
The team is currently in third place in the NL East and seventh in the Wild Card standings.
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