That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies: 5 trades that won the 2008 World Series

By George Stockburger

PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 29: The Philadelphia Phillies celebrate with their fans after they won 4-3 against the Tampa Bay Rays during the continuation of game five of the 2008 MLB World Series on October 29, 2008 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 29: The Philadelphia Phillies celebrate with their fans after they won 4-3 against the Tampa Bay Rays during the continuation of game five of the 2008 MLB World Series on October 29, 2008 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 13: Matt Stairs
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 13: Matt Stairs /

Where this trade sits in the rankings will draw great scruitany given what Matt Stairs did against the Dodgers. The folklore and nostalgia is great, but in reality he hit one big home run in the playoffs. His whole body of work isn’t comparable to others on the team.

Saying that, Stairs was a much-needed addition to the bench as a power bat with little defensive production. Stairs was a classic designated hitter for the Blue Jays, and there’s a reason he’s in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and the all-time pinch-hit home run leader.

Castro was acquired from Texas in exchange for Haigwood from the Thome deal. After pitching 26 games with the Phillies, the Dominican native never appeared in the majors again.

Stairs “ripping one into the night” was perhaps the second most-memorable highlight of the season, but his overall affect on the team has bery little reach. Terrific trade, just not a top-five move that won it all.

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