With the deadline fast approaching I wanted to start a thread for all rumors,trades, opinions etc.  I still think we need a couple bullpen arms and maybe a bench player.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette we are in regular contact with the Bucs.  I think we all have thrown around names on here such as Zach Duke, John Grabow, Matt Capps, Tom Gorzelanny, Ian Snell, Jack Wilson, and Freddy Sanchez. I think some of those names could be really useful here.

Here's a link to SB Nation's mlbdailydish who seem to be doing a good job at everything trade rumors.

The Cubs have signed lefty reliever BJ Ryan according to Espn Chicago. Here's the link!!! 

I'm all for the move. Hopefully he can correct whatever it was that was making pitch horribly. He would be a great addition to our pen if he found a way to get back to his old self.  Here is a link to his career stats. No word on when he will suit up but I'm sure it will probably Friday night in Washington. The deal is for 1yr.

According to the Salt Lake Tribune we may be preparing an offer for restricted free agent Power Forward Paul Milsap. Link Here   

Here are his career numbers. This might not be a bad idea but Utah will have the last say. I can honestly say I don't know much about this guy. Anyone know what kinda character he has or how is work ethic is?? We are approximately 11 million dollars under the salary cap.  Thoughts??

Go Oklahoma City Thunder!!!!!!!!

I was thinking about some trade ideas today and  Ryan Howard came to mind. The Phillies have an abundance of Major League youngsters who are arb eligible(10 in all). A good PROBLEM to have.

Ryan Howard won in arbitration last year and got a whopping 10 Million dollar award. Jayson Starks reports he may ask for 15+ this year. I think he may come close to getting it. This says he is still eligible for 2 more years after this one

All said the Phillies have never had a bigger payroll than 103 million from what I see. Will they sign all players,address other needs, and raise payroll that high?? I've read rumblings of the Phillies exploring trades for their big slugging 1st baseman  in the past.

With all that being said what would it take to get Howard? What about a Lee, Marshall, and a couple prospects for him? Lee would cost them 2yr/26 million, the others would be relatively cheap for them. They would be getting salary relief and a gold glove caliber 1b that hits for descent avg for 2 yrs. I think they could handle the loss of power with that lineup they have. They would surely gain avg and defense with Lee over Howard.

It would all hinge on Lee waiving his no trade clause and thats anyone's guess if he would or wouldnt.

We would get a monster lefty in the middle of our lineup all the while getting younger. Can you imagine Bradley,Ramirez,Howard in the middle of a lineup that also contains Soriano and Soto? WOW!! Just the thought of it gives me chills.

The move this year would only cost us about 2-3 million more if he got what he wanted in arbitration.

This might be a crazy idea but I think its at least a little feasible given the Phillies abundance of young mlb arbitration cases that will seemingly haunt them for years to come.

Thoughts,Reaction, Other Ideas???