Phillies Rumors: Crazy Deals For Rumored Big Name Targets

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Sep 10, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) hits a RBI single to end the game during the twelfth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Target Field. Minnesota Twins won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Could the Phillies really be interested in Twins great Joe Mauer?

Does it make sense: If the Phillies aren’t sold on Tommy Joseph‘s 2016 rookie campaign, and want a stop-gap player for Rhys Hoskins (current plan B at 1B, teams 12th rated prospect), than yes.

However unhappy dealing Joseph would make fans, the fact that the team is being linked to other everyday first basemen should prepare fans for that unhappiness.

I’m not saying I think, nor want, the team to deal Joseph. But let’s put ourselves in the GM’s shoes for a moment, and really think about this.

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If the Twins offered the Phillies Joe Mauer for Tommy Joseph or any prospects than this deal is immediately dead. However, if the Phillies are indeed not sold on Joseph, or are just very sold on Hoskins, than dealing the rookie slugger makes sense, and the club would be wise to sell high on Joseph in this case.

The Phillies have just two (Elniery Garcia and JoJo Romero) left handed pitchers in their top 30 prospects, and neither really have front-line starter potential. This is where things gets more enticing for the Phils, the Twins have six left handed pitchers in their top 30 prospects alone.

So lets not confuse things here. This wouldn’t be the Phillies wanting Joe Mauer, this would be the Twins wanting Tommy Joseph. And the Phillies (if selling high on Joseph) would want a nice return for their young slugger.

Also, Mauer can veto any trade with 10-5 rights. But it’s safe to think he’d so, he’s all but ran his course in Minnesota.

Potential deal: Twins send Joe Mauer and LHP Stephen Gonsalves (Twins third rated prospect) to Phillies for 1B Tommy Joseph.

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