Last week Pat Gillick told the media that if things on the trade front didn’t progress as he hoped, he would have to turn to his “B List”.  I thought it was just another example of Gillick smoke-screening the media, and not letting them see his hand.  Unfortunately after hearing the most recent trade rumors, I’m starting to believe it. 

The latest rumors are the Phillies are scouting Mariners left-hander Jarrod Washburn.  Washburn is 4-8 on the season with a 4.83 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP.  Not exactly the pitcher the Phillies need for a stretch run.

In Washburn’s defense he struggled early in the season, but has rebounded recently, going 2-1 with a 2.75 ERA in his last six starts.  Even so, he’s Seattle’s version of Adam Eaton.  Since signing a four-year deal prior to the 2006 season, Washburn has been a complete disappointment going 22-37 with a 4.56 ERA.  In fact, Washburn hasn’t had a good season since 2002 when he went 18-6.

Aside from his poor play on the field, Washburn is under contract for the 2009 season, and is set to make $10.39 million.  Is that the kind of salary the Phillies really want to take on for a player of Washburn’s merit?  The Phillies would essentially be doing Seattle a favor.  The Mariners would receive mid-level prospects and shed themselves of Wsahburn’s contract and the Phillies would acquire another underachieving pitcher, who’s due over ten-million dollars next season to compete with Eaton & Brett Myers for the 5th spot in the rotation.  It’s not what you would consider to be an ideal situation.

The front office needs to look at adding a pitcher who will help this team win a World Series.  Washburn is not that pitcher.  If the Phillies cannot add a pitcher who has the ability to win games, should the offense falter, they’re better off keeping their prospects and making due with what they have.

In the past two weeks, trade rumors have went from CC Sabathia, to Erik Bedard, to A.J. Burnett, and now Washburn.  How we have digressed.