Phils/Dodgers after AJ - SI.com

[Raptorsrock]

Desperately looking to upgrade their rotation, the Phillies are talking to the Blue Jays about right-handed pitcher A.J. Burnett.

It isn't known how far talks have progressed, but top Blue Jays executive Tony LaCava was spotted this week watching the Phillies' Double-A Reading team, an indication things are heating up.

The Toronto Globe and Mail reported that the Dodgers also were pursuing Burnett. However, it appears that talks with the Phillies may be more serious. Philadelphia is also reportedly eyeing Mariners left-hander Erik Bedard.

The Phillies have at least three good prospects at Reading -- catcher Lou Marson (.323), center fielder Greg Golson (.299) and pitcher Carlos Carrasco (5-7, 4.18).

[dennistokyo]

Only a crazy team would go after Burnett and only a crazy Burnett would opt out.

[Schad]

Golson's moderately interesting, I guess; he's 22, hits for a high average, has good speed and a little pop. The downside is that everything about him projects as a lead-off guy...except that he can't take a walk to save his life. That's a tad concerning in a power hitter like Arencibia, but a big red flag for a top of the order prospect, IMO.

Marson is hard to project; another 22 year old who hits for high average, he has limited power but has exceptional on-base skills. He also throws out runners at a great clip. One problem: his bat might not be playable anywhere but catcher, and given our dearth of minor league pitching I would hate to trade Burnett for a package centered around a position player who would be blocked as soon as he entered the organization.

Carrasco is intriguing, though; 21 with a projectable frame, and has struck plenty of guys out at the AA level, though he walks a fair number as well. He could be a keeper...but I probably would not trade Burnett for him alone.

[OldNo7]

its damn near time we traded a big asset for multiple decent prospects that may turn into major league talent

[evilRyu]

I'd be a bit surprised if we ended up with decent prospects for AJ...... He does have an opt out after this season, doubt he'll go for it, but it's a risk.. he's also making a boat load of money, and is just not consistent enough.

[-MetA4-]

Golson's moderately interesting, I guess; he's 22, hits for a high average, has good speed and a little pop. The downside is that everything about him projects as a lead-off guy...except that he can't take a walk to save his life. That's a tad concerning in a power hitter like Arencibia, but a big red flag for a top of the order prospect, IMO.

Marson is hard to project; another 22 year old who hits for high average, he has limited power but has exceptional on-base skills. He also throws out runners at a great clip. One problem: his bat might not be playable anywhere but catcher, and given our dearth of minor league pitching I would hate to trade Burnett for a package centered around a position player who would be blocked as soon as he entered the organization.

Carrasco is intriguing, though; 21 with a projectable frame, and has struck plenty of guys out at the AA level, though he walks a fair number as well. He could be a keeper...but I probably would not trade Burnett for him alone.

From what I've been told by Philly fans Marson is unlikely to be added in any deal considering Philly's catcher situation. Given our own catcher situation I doubt we'd insist on them adding Marson.

The snippet didn't mention SS Jason Donald at Reading who at this point is outhitting both Marson and Golson. Donald was a 3rd round pick in 2006 and wasn't seen to have any outstanding tools but the past two seasons he has hit extremely well, enough to suggest that he is a legit prospect. He is hitting .302/.383/.497 (.879 OPS) with 30 extra base hits (12 HRs) and a 35:68 BB/K ratio. Last season between two levels he hit .304/.395/.473 (.869 OPS) with 51 extra base hits (12 HRs) and a 64:109 BB/K rate. My guess is that any deal with the Phillies would have Donald going back our way.

[Schad]

Heh, I'd take Donald for Burnett in a heartbeat; I was looking over their minor league rosters yesterday and saw his numbers, but assumed that they wouldn't trade a guy like that for AJ. But with their infield set for the next decade, I guess that he could be expendable...sign me up if he's the principle return.

[-MetA4-]

Donald is hard to project because he has always been seen as a "pretty good" player who could be a utility infielder type, however, his performance the past two years has suggested that he can be much more than that. With that said it is important not to overrate him (kind of like our own Scott Campbell)...I wouldn't trade Burnett for Donald straight up but I'd take a package of Donald with a guy like Golson and another one of Philly's prospects. Golson is an interesting high risk guy who has tools out the ass, and his "projected" power is definitely more than "a little pop" as you described him Schad. Chances are his strikeout rates/inability to draw walks will signal a Corey Patterson type career, but there is always the possibility that he puts it all together and becomes an All-Star outfielder. That is a risk I'd take if we're getting Duncan along with another one of their Top 10 prospects. For a team that drafts high upside so often the Philly system is actually pretty damn weak.