FOXSports.com: Are Jays interested in Hamels and Victorino?

[polo007]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/phil ... ino-051012

I don’t care what Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. says — I’ll believe his team is a seller when I see it.

But know this:

According to major league sources, at least one club — the Toronto Blue Jays — already has engaged in dialogue with the Phils about their top potential free agents, left-hander Cole Hamels and Shane Victorino.

Now hold your tweeting fingers and continue reading. No trade is close. No trade is even likely. And context is important:

* Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos routinely inquires on star players, just as he did last offseason when he talked to the Seattle Mariners about right-handers Felix Hernandez and Michael Pineda.

* The Phillies are not going to quit on the season easily, not when they already have sold more than 3 million tickets and assembled a $175 million payroll, second only to the New York Yankees.

* The Phillies can’t give up on the season easily, not until they get a better sense of how second baseman Chase Utley (knee) and first baseman Ryan Howard (Achilles) will contribute when healthy.

But Amaro, while not specifically addressing the Blue Jays as a potential trade partner, told FOXSports.com on Thursday night that he is not ruling out any possibilities.

“My job is to keep all lines of communication open, for the good of the club today and tomorrow,” Amaro said. “I can’t shut any doors down. You try to be creative. And there are a lot of creative GMs out there who have different goals.”

[U_Mad]

we'd prob have to give up one of JPA/d'arnaud/Gose/Snider + 2 high ceiling prospects like (one of ) Nicolino/Sanchez and Jimenez,

[Wally West]

we'd prob have to give up one of JPA/d'arnaud/Gose/Snider + 2 high ceiling prospects like (one of ) Nicolino/Sanchez and Jimenez,

I don't really see why we would be interested in Victorino but Hamels definitely makes sense. Probably just A.A. doing his due diligence but any deal for Hamels would have to settle around a package starting with d'Arnaud. Phili apparently have been one of the teams trying to acquire him these past few months. And at least 2 of our high ceiling arms. High price for AA to pay to acquire an ace but we'll see how these next few months play itself out.

[UN-Owen]

Meh. Just sign Hamels next offseason and hold onto our assets...

[Parataxis]

Meh. Just sign Hamels next offseason and hold onto our assets...

Pretty much. If they want a prospect for him, great. (or if he signs an extension, then all bets are off). But for a half season Hamels rental? Three top prospects seems a bit high.

[tecumseh18]

But for a half season Hamels rental? Three top prospects seems a bit high.

Especially when our strength right now is SP. Sure Romero has been pitching like a #2 the last few games, and you just don't know what to expect with Morrow, but this team has other priorities. Let's not empty the farm system as a short-term move to reinforce pitching just yet.

But with an extension - hell yeah.

Hey, Cecil could probably do well in the National League.

[kavan]

Lind-Gose plus pitching prospect for anything we are trying to pick up. Or I see either JP or Travis D on the way out if not one of Snider/Thames.

[jim todd]

I'd rather they wait and simply sign him, but either way Hamels would be a fantastic addition to this team.

[Back2back2back]

Meh. Just sign Hamels next offseason and hold onto our assets...

Exactly.

[-MetA4-]

This isn't happening.

[jrsmith]

This isn't happening.

[HangTime]

While he's at it, AA should ask about getting Halladay back.

I wonder what that'll cost us.

[Attonitus]

Maybe we should inquire about that Halladay kid, I hear he is pretty good.

[pinklemo]

i'd inquire victorino, but not hammels, it would be only a rental since he's due to make at least 100 million in the offseason and not sure prospects are worth a draft pick in the 2013 draft. victorino is very underrated, love to see him on this team!

[torontoaces04]

This isn't happening.

[WpgPage]

Would love Hamels on this team hopefully the Jays are willing to pay a price similar to what Lee got a few years ago. A rotation of Hamels-Morrow-Romero-HA-Drabek looks real nice.

[Drake_02]

I would prefer to sign Hamels in the Offseason. No need to pay that price for a rental.

[Drake_02]

Usually when it's rumoured, it's not going to happen. AA does his things quietly.

[CapeCrusader]

Pretty sure they're was a rumor about this a while ago. I guess AA is trying again, but unless he signs an extension then i'd rather test our luck in the offseason.

[fredericklove]

While he's at it, AA should ask about getting Halladay back.

I wonder what that'll cost us.

Lawrie and all the beautiful women from Toronto.