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Phillies Rumors: Joe Blanton a Possible Free Agency Target

By George Stockburger

Aug 17, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Joe Blanton (55) throws a pitch during the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park. The Dodgers defeated the Phillies, 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Joe Blanton (55) throws a pitch during the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park. The Dodgers defeated the Phillies, 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Re-signing the Phillies 2008 World Champion makes sense after career resurrection

After missing all of 2014, Joe Blanton launched a comeback that has proven to be a wise decision for the former Phillies starter. While he is not getting the ball every five days, Blanton has been effective coming out of the bullpen for the past two seasons.

Blanton appeared in a career-high (!) 75 games last season for the Dodgers out of their bullpen. He finished the season with a 2.48 ERA, which was also a career-best for the veteran righty. He struck-out 80 batters while walking just 26 in 80 innings.

Due to turn 36 this offseason, Blanton could be the veteran bullpen arm the Phillies have been seeking.

Last season Blanton primarily pitched in either the seventh or eighth inning for Los Angeles. The Phillies would probably use Blanton in the sixth or seventh inning as a bridge to a young set-up man.

With so many young arms in both the rotation and bullpen, Blanton can be the veteran voice needed to develop the young arms.

Plus, if we need someone to pinch-hit he can be our secret weapon.

While it sounds funny and appears counter-intuitive to bring back a member of the 2008 champions, having a veteran bullpen arm with a winning pedigree and generally beloved in the city makes more sense than you would believe.

Next: Phillies Who Out-Performed Expectations

If Blanton comes at a reasonable price (not that it matters to Philadelphia with their current payroll) the Phillies should make the move to add a proven arm that can mentor players such as Hector Neris, Edubray Ramos, Aaron Nola, Vince Velasquez, and Zach Eflin.

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