Wes Helms began his major league career ten years ago, as a member of the Atlanta Braves. He spent the parts of four seasons with the Braves before begin dealt to Milwaukee in a package for reliever Ray King.  Given the current Braves needs, could there be a chance Wes might be on his way back to the “Little Apple”?

We can only pray… 

Rumor has it the Braves are looking for an experienced bat for the bench, and have a surplus of bullpen arms they are looking to deal. The Phillies have a bench bat in Helms, and are looking for a bullpen arm. It sounds like a match made in heaven. Could there be a trade on the horizon?

In most cases I’d probably say no. Teams rarely trade within the division, especially two teams that are going to fight for the NL East title, but in this instance I can see this happening.

There’s a zero percent change that Helms makes the Phillies out of camp. The choices are to trade him, or to designate him for assignment, which basically gives him his release. At that point a team like the Braves can sign him. Unfortunately, the Braves have players like Tyler Yates and Royce Ring, who are in similar situations. It’s either deal them or designate them.

Ideally a pitcher like Ring would be a good fit with the Phillies. He’s a lefty specialist, and the Phillies are looking for another lefty arm (Travis Blackley and Vic Darrensbourg are looking less and less impressive). Yates is a more realistic player to be dealt. Being a right-hander and less impressive, he’s more expendable.

How I see it either one is an upgrade over Helms. Aside from the fact his time in Philadelphia has been nothing but disappointing, with the addition of Pedro Feliz, there’s no room for him on the roster.

If this shouldn’t work out, keep your eye on Aaron Fultz. The former Phillie was designated for assignment by the Indians. He had a strong season last year (4-3, 2.93), but never fully found his form after pulling muscles in his rib cage. He’s struggled this spring posting and ERA over 11.00.