GaryMrMets
06-30-2004, 02:35 PM
http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/sports/9036512.htm
Posted on Tue, Jun. 29, 2004
Wade says Phillies have been looking to make trades
"Now is the Time" was the Phillies' T-shirt mantra of spring training.
Now is the time to play better, not necessarily to make a deal, general manager Ed Wade said in a candid, critical analysis of his $93 million ballclub that entered last night's game only three games over .500.
After deals in the last week got done involving two stars - Royals centerfielder Carlos Beltran and Mariners starter Freddie Garcia - Wade yesterday acknowledged that the Phillies have been seeking help in their starting rotation, bullpen and centerfield, but asserted that it is too much of a seller's market.
"Teams are asking for $2.25 on the dollar," said Wade, who projected a more reasonable market as the trade deadline approaches July 31.
Top Phillies pitching prospects Gavin Floyd and Cole Hamels remain untouchable, and the Phillies might not have what other teams are looking for; for example, said Wade, the Mariners insisted on getting a young catcher and third baseman very close to playing every day in the majors. The Phillies have neither - though they do have wiggle room above their record $93 million payroll, which already is about $11 million more than they expected to outlay this season.
"We have flexibility," Wade said. And, despite injury issues, they have expectations.
"We need our guys to play better," Wade said, noting that the offense, the healthy starters and the bullpen all have been inconsistent, if not underachieving. "I think this team has the ability to play at a higher level...You look at their track records and you expect them to do better."
Posted on Tue, Jun. 29, 2004
Wade says Phillies have been looking to make trades
"Now is the Time" was the Phillies' T-shirt mantra of spring training.
Now is the time to play better, not necessarily to make a deal, general manager Ed Wade said in a candid, critical analysis of his $93 million ballclub that entered last night's game only three games over .500.
After deals in the last week got done involving two stars - Royals centerfielder Carlos Beltran and Mariners starter Freddie Garcia - Wade yesterday acknowledged that the Phillies have been seeking help in their starting rotation, bullpen and centerfield, but asserted that it is too much of a seller's market.
"Teams are asking for $2.25 on the dollar," said Wade, who projected a more reasonable market as the trade deadline approaches July 31.
Top Phillies pitching prospects Gavin Floyd and Cole Hamels remain untouchable, and the Phillies might not have what other teams are looking for; for example, said Wade, the Mariners insisted on getting a young catcher and third baseman very close to playing every day in the majors. The Phillies have neither - though they do have wiggle room above their record $93 million payroll, which already is about $11 million more than they expected to outlay this season.
"We have flexibility," Wade said. And, despite injury issues, they have expectations.
"We need our guys to play better," Wade said, noting that the offense, the healthy starters and the bullpen all have been inconsistent, if not underachieving. "I think this team has the ability to play at a higher level...You look at their track records and you expect them to do better."