As the trade deadline looms the Phillies need of starting pitching makes rumors persist. The team might be in pursuit of Blue Jays starter A.J. Burnett. SI.com has recently reported that a Blue Jays top executive was recently seen in Reading, PA scouting the Phillies double A team. Potential prospects of interest include catcher Lou Marson, pitcher Carlos Carrasco or outfielder Greg Golson. Burnett has top of the rotation type of stuff but has not been consistent with results. He has the option of voiding his contract at year end and becoming a free agent or continue and collect on the $24 million left on the deal.

The team needs to take a risk especially in light of recent trades of C.C. Sabathia to Milwaukee and Rich Hardin to Chicago. Burnett may not be the answer but it is readily apparent the need is not being filled by the present roster. Phillies starters are collectively 31-31 with an E.R.A over 4. Twenty five of those wins are claimed by the trio of Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer and Kyle Kendrick. As a lifelong Phillies fan I think the time is now and if it means mortgaging the future a bit by dealing a prospect so be it……….. after all we have only one world series championship and over 10,000 losses as a franchise!