Appearing on ESPN 950, Buster Olney has reported that the Phillies have traded a package of SS/2B Adrian Cardenas, P Josh Outman, and OF Matt Spencer to the A's for pitcher Joe Blanton.
Despite not being anywhere near a top-tier starter, Blanton brings a healthy appetite for innings to the Phillies rotation, though it will likely be as a 4th or even 5th man—but it's possible he's got 3rd potential. His split stats show that he hurls better in Oakland, and Citizens Bank Park isn't exactly pitcher-friendly, so we'll have to wait and see how those stats are affected by the new surroundings.
Olney says that although he won't always shine, Blanton should fit in well in Philly. He is hard-nosed and competitive, and he'll get through 6 on most nights, allowing the bullpen to stay fresh down the stretch. He'll also be in town through 2010, as opposed to the rentals that were snagged of off the market earlier (who were admittedly much bigger talents). The good news on Blanton is we already know his downside, as he's currently pitching as poorly as ever, but there's definitely a chance he could turn things around and become a solid starter here. He's only 27 after all. He's not the #2 this team desperately needed, but depth at SP is good no matter how you slice it. Right? Guys?
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We'd like to know who the odd man out in the rotation is, since Brett Myers is set to return from his 'Piggin stint. Will the Phillies grant his wish and convert him to a reliever (albeit in a set-up role), or will they figure out a solution to the Adam Eaton situation?