For baseball fans, it’s seemed like the Phillies and the Red Sox have been discussing a potential trade for about 5 seasons now. The Red Sox have both the youth and organizational depth to get a deal for Hamels done now, however, are refusing to move a few key prospects. A trade, nonetheless, seems imminent. Per ESPN,
As Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald reports, Phillies special assistant to the general manager Charlie Kerfeld “strolled through the back fields at the Red Sox complex (Tuesday) morning,” presumably keeping tabs on select prospects who may ultimately make up the bulk of a return package for one of the two veteran arms.
“So far, the sides have been unable to reach agreement on what’s a fair deal, with the Red Sox unwilling to send their top prospects packing,” Silverman writes. “The two players attached most often to the Hamels talks have been catcher Blake Swihart and outfielder Mookie Betts, and Kerfeld watched each of them closely during their respective batting practices yesterday. Other players Kerfeld was watching included third baseman Garin Cecchini and shortstop Deven Marrero.”
The Red Sox just aren’t in any rush to acquire a top of the line starter and have the luxury to be able to wait until the trade deadline.
These two organizations are like the couple you want to see just hook up and get it over with already, as speculation regarding both Hamels and Cliff Lee have run rampant for years.
Ultimately, only time will tell. But when there’s this much smoke? There’s almost definitely a fire.