Phillies need some aid
Dean Jones Jr.
Baltimore Sun
After the Phillies acquired Roy Halladay in the offseason, many analysts and fans picked them to win the World Series.
They haven't lived up to those expectations so far, thanks to injuries suffered by Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Brad Lidge and others. Still, the Phillies are lurking just behind the division-leading Braves in the National League East.
Adding infield depth and a starting pitcher should be at the top of the Phillies' list at the deadline. The Orioles seem to be a logical fit as a trade partner with Ty Wigginton, Jeremy Guthrie and Kevin Millwood — if he's healthy.
As the stretch run begins, the Phillies need to add some fresh faces in order to live up to the preseason expectations of a third straight World Series appearance.
dean.jones@tribune.com
Twins must get arms
Chicago Tribune
Early in the season, Carl Pavano referred to the Twins as "a great team." But they've been anything but over the last month. They went 6-13 in the stretch immediately before the All-Star break and have lost 13 games in the standings to the White Sox since June 9.
There was talk of a Cliff Lee trade, but they watched him go to the Rangers instead. With franchise-record revenues from Target Field, the Twins have the resources to make a splash. The rotation's 4.60 earned-run average suggests how badly they need to add a hot starter (or two), as the Phillies did a year ago.
Jon Rauch has been surprisingly solid as a fill-in for sidelined closer Joe Nathan, but it wouldn't hurt to add an experienced arm as insurance if he starts feeling the heat.
progers@tribune.com
A brave move sought
Andrew Wagaman
Allentown Morning Call
This week the Braves acquired Alex Gonzalez, a more defensively consistent shortstop than Yunel Escobar, and also the extra bat they craved. What say you, Phillies?
With their four-game sweep of the Reds, the Phillies showed general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. they are still capable of a third straight NL title.
The return of Placido Polanco should resuscitate some of the Phillies' offense, but Chase Utley might not return until Labor Day. Why not trade right fielder Jayson Werth, on his way out anyway, for an infielder and a decent starter?
Yes, Werth is the Phillies' only good right-handed hitter still healthy, but trailing by more than four games means standing pat is not an option. The Braves have raised the stakes, and the Phillies' only options are to call the bet or fold.
mc-awagaman@tribune.com
Dodgers crave pitching
Bill Shaikin
Los Angeles Times
The Dodgers cannot identify five starting pitchers at this time. They have two reliable setup men, one of whom is in rehab.
The starters they do have tend to pitch five or six innings, not seven or eight, so a bullpen that would be strained even in good times is heavily taxed.
General manager Ned Colletti says the Dodgers need a starter and a reliever, and that could be a tall order for a franchise that has not taken on significant contracts at the trade deadline, even when its owners were not getting divorced.
wshaikin@tribune.com