BY SCOTT LAUBERLAS VEGAS -- This is far from being considered imminent. In fact, there's little evidence that the teams have done more than make a few phone calls. But if the Phillies are looking for a middle-of-the-lineup right-handed hitter, the Rockies have told them that third baseman Garrett Atkins is available.
One problem: To get Atkins, the Phillies will have to trade top pitching prospect Carlos Carrasco.
An industry source says the Rockies are insisting on Carrasco, and the Phillies are positively unwilling to trade him. This morning, Charlie Manuel said he believes Carrasco could be a No. 2 or 3 starter in the majors. But Manuel's No. 1 wish is for a right-handed power hitter, and the options seemingly are dwindling. The three-team trade involving Mark DeRosa has crumbled, and the Phillies appear reluctant to deal shortstop prospect Jason Donald to the Twins for Delmon Young. They aren't involved in the Manny Ramirez sweepstakes and have shown little desire to bring back Pat Burrell.
Getting Atkins would make Pedro Feliz expendable (Feliz has one year left on his contract). Atkins, who turns 29 tomorrow, was the best man at Chase Utley's wedding, and Utley would love to be reunited with his close friend and former college teammate.
So, what do you think? If you were the Phillies, would you consider an Atkins-Carrasco swap?
6 comments:
I would absolutely consider Carrasco for Atkins. Atkins is young and a great hitter. Plus, he's a third baseman, the Phils glaring future need. If we get Atkins, not only will he mesh with the team well (as you mentioned about being Utley's friend) but he can then be signed to a 3-4 year contract and be part of the unstoppable Phillies infield nucleus.
Losing Carrasco will hurt but he is still unproven and (correct me if I'm wrong) still over a year away from the majors. Knowing we have 2-3 other SPs coming up soon including Happ, this deal would make sense. In reality, though, I highly doubt it would happen.
Not a chance. Potential #2 starters who are a year away from breaking into the majors don't grow on trees. Carrasco will be a major part of this team's future, sliding in behind Cole Hamels.
Garrett Atkins' splits are disturbing, to say the least. His road numbers are so bad, it's questionable whether his success can translate to other teams.
I'd deal Kendrick... or maybe even Happ in a deal for Atkins, but never Carrasco.
I agree...I doubt it will happen,but I'd love to see it. Carrasco isn't proven,none of anyone's minor league stars are, but they seem to have a few more kids down on the farm that are a year or two from the majors, so why not. I like Feliz, but would much rather see Atkins over there and being Utley's buddy can't hurt.
No way. If you get Atkins, now you're left with two square pegs - Feliz and Donald - who play the same position. Those 2 together won't get you a pitcher with the upside of Carrasco. Also, can anyone name for me a Colorado player whose production didn't suffer after he left the friendly confines of Coors Field?
This isn't the first time the Phil's have been linked to Atkins. There is a reason the Rockies want to trade him for young pitching. It is because mlb avg talent at 3b is rising and even sometimes causing moves to outfield. Meanwhilke a young #2-#3 starter is what most teams are trying to get.
Marson and Carrasco are both due to compete in spring training for spots and will worse case be an injury away from the bigs. I have seen Carrasco pitch and his ceiling is high with many yrs before fa is possible. But just don't take my word for it. Check out the great minor league fan sites.
I could see a deal at the trade deadline for these teams.
If you pick up Atkins you can trade Donald so offer Happ and Donald. And move Dobbs to LF
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