Charlie Manuel: Trades are “Hard”

Hey I’ll bet you want to know about trades well

"“I think that we’re not close as far as what I hear. We’re not really close on deals. Deals are hard to make anyway. I don’t really get excited.”—Charlie Manuel via Todd Zolecki"

Well, Michael my Martinez, I do believe Charlie Manuel has taken the process of dismembering a carefully assembled team of champions and fan favorites and turned it into a sullen, joyless endeavor.

June 24, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel (41) prior to the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

What the hell, man.

The Phillies have the same 4-5 names as likely trade bait, and possibly a few other surprises. Rollins to Tigers?  Who knows.

Charlie goes on to describe the process as mostly being kept in the dark, then coming into work and being told one or two of his players are no longer on the team.  He sounds pretty numb.  He sounds even more defeated.

And he should be, because if last night was any indication, this is a very numb, extremely defeated team.  It’s not surprising that Charlie’s not in the loop, if there even is one.  His focus is on the day-to-day games, so I’d assume he may not even want to be in on it.  And I bet Ruben would agree that trades are “hard” and dumb and stupid and I don’t want to talk about them.

What we do know is that Chase Utley may not be traded.  But again, Charlie’s keeping his head down and minding his own business.  If tomorrow he comes in and the roguishly handsome gentleman who has been dominating second base for years isn’t there anymore, he’ll just… move on.

As will all of us.

Maybe everybody just give Charlie some space.