5 Biggest Philadelphia Phillies Rumors Heading Into July

5. Hiring of Andy MacPhail Won't Speed Up Trade Talks

The Phillies made a big move hiring veteran front office man Andy MacPhail to take over as team president for Pat Gillick after the season. He will serve as an advisor to Gillick for the remainder of this season, and it seemed like the move might help with some trade discussions leading up to the deadline. So far, though? Rival executives have said it doesn’t change much and it still appears the Phillies are asking too much for their aging stars in potential trades.

4. Team Would Prefer To Stagger Deadline Moves

Instead of making a flurry of moves right at the deadline, the Phillies would prefer to space their moves out over the month of July. Logically, this would allow them to change their plans for the future with each thought-out trade rather than make a flurry of moves and hope all the pieces fall into place. Of course, just because they would prefer it this way, doesn’t mean that’s how it will happen. Most seem to think they need to lower their asking price on aging veterans to get deals done at all.

3. Rays Might Be Only Trade Partner For Ryan Howard

A couple weeks ago, CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman discussed how the Rays appeared to be the only likely trade partner with the Phillies for Ryan Howard. Heyman also said the Phillies would have to eat most of his contract to make a deal possible. It still seems like Tampa Bay is the only destination that makes sense for Howard, who has continued to hit for power but seen his other offensive numbers drop substantially. Tampa needs a big bat and the Phillies need to make room for Darin Ruf to get regular playing time. Now it’s time to see if the two sides can make a deal.

2. Papelbon Trade To Toronto Seeming Less Likely

For a while, it seemed like the Blue Jays might have a real nice shot at acquiring Jonathan Papelbon from the Phillies, but now money seems to be getting in the way of that. While Papelbon has been an elite closer again over the past two seasons, his $13 million price tag for next season and the money remaining on his salary this season has made Toronto hesitant. It now appears that if the Phillies aren’t willing to eat some of his contract, which they likely aren’t, a deal with the Blue Jays is unlikely.

1. Hamels' Openness To Moving Makes Deal More Likely

Once upon a time, a major issue in Cole Hamels trade talks was his extensive no-trade clause, which could block a trade to 20 teams. However, he has changed his tune lately, likely because of the Phillies’ current organizational situation, and has said he’s open to going anywhere. Of course, this would seem to make a trade for the ace more likely because more teams will get in on the mix and trade talks will intensify, perhaps ending in a deal getting done before July 31.