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Philadelphia Phillies Rumors: Team Must Demand Max Pentecost From Toronto Blue Jays For Jonathan Papelbon

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Max Pentecost, Kennesaw State Owls,

Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Listed as only the Toronto Blue Jays’ sixth-best prospect by Baseball America, catcher Max Pentecost should be No. 1 on the list of the Philadelphia Phillies as the return piece in a possible trade for closer Jonathan Papelbon.

There is every reason that, if the Phillies press the issue, they can get Pentecost and that is the least they should demand. The only stumbling block in a deal for Papelbon has been his contract, but the Phillies have demonstrated in the past that they will pay off a substantial portion of contracts in order to get a higher-rated prospect in return. The Phillies did last year by shipping off Marlon Byrd to the Cincinnati Reds, and in return for paying off a large chuck of Byrd’s salary, the Reds gave the Phillies their Minor League Pitcher of the Year in Ben Lively.

Pentecost (pictured sliding) would provide the Phillies with a similar prospect in an area of need, and they will have the money to pay off Papelbon.  Pentecost was the Blue Jays’ first-round pick in last year’s MLB draft, and he has not disappointed, hitting .364 in his six-game Rookie League season with Dunedin (Fla.) before finishing last year by hitting .314 for short-season Class A Vancouver. Before that, he had a productive career for the Kennesaw State (Ga.) Owls. He has had two shoulder surgeries since the end of last season and has not played this year, but the Phillies have time to wait for Pentecost to heal.  Current catcher Carlos Ruiz has two good years left, and by then, Pentecost should be ready.

In return, the Blue Jays would immediately fix their problems at closer this season and become a more viable contender in the AL East. It’s a win-win for both ball clubs and a trade that makes the most sense now.

Mike Gibson is a Phillies writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @papreps , “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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