Bastardo, others drawing attention
Apr 9, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitching coach Bob McClure talks with pitcher Antonio Bastardo (59) during the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citizens Bank Park. The Brewers defeated the Phillies 9-4. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
The biggest trade rumors involving the Philadelphia Phillies mention names like Cliff Lee, Jonathan Papelbon and A.J. Burnett. Any or all of them could be on the move soon, but one Phillies reliever is catching the eyes of scouts from around the majors, Antonio Bastardo.
The 28-year-old lefty may be drawing more attention than some of the bigger names on the Phillies roster. He may be a nice addition for clubs looking for a lefty specialist or just teams in need of bullpen help in general. In 43.2 innings of work he has 53 strikeouts with a record of 4-3. Bastardo pitched a shutout inning Monday night with two strikeouts and plenty of scouts were on hand to see him as well as the Phillies starter, Cliff Lee.
According to Fox Sports’ Jon Morosi there may have been more scouts watching Bastardo than Lee Monday night.
Tigers showing interest in Phillies LHP Bastardo, sources tell @Ken_Rosenthal and me. Keeping tabs on all relievers -- including Papelbon.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 22, 2014
Scouts from Tigers, Blue Jays and Pirates -- all with interest in Antonio Bastardo -- saw him throw 1 shutout inning tonight with 2 K's.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 22, 2014
The Pirates are also looking at their former starter, A.J. Burnett along with Bastardo. Although Bastardo appears to be either the centerpiece of a minor trade or a nice add-on for a blockbuster, rumors continue to surround other Phillies.
Morosi also reported the Kansas City Royals have interest in outfielder Marlon Byrd, but if their record can keep them in contention before the trade deadline they may not be big buyers. The Royals (48-50) have lost four straight games and are currently eight games back in the American League Central.
It seems just about every member of the Phillies, other than the Phanatic, is up for grabs. One player reportedly not available is Cole Hamels. The Phillies have made it known they would much rather trade pitchers other than Hamels.