The day after the Midsummer Classic is always the slowest day in sports. With only the AAA & AA All-Star games going on, it’s one of the few days of the year where there’s not one major sporting event.  It doesn’t stop the trade rumors from flying around.

The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting the Phillies have begun to look at the Athletics Joe Blanton.  Blanton has had disastrous 2008 campaign going 5-12 with a 4.96 ERA.  I’ve always felt Blanton was a pitcher who had more hype surrounding him then actual ability.  Entering 2008, Blanton was 42-34 with a 4.09 ERA.  Although those numbers aren’t terrible, they hardly support the hype that surrounds him. 

Given his current rough first half, Blanton would come at a cheaper asking price then what he was shopped for last off-season, but I honestly don’t see him being traded by the deadline.  Athletics GM, Billy Beane, only trades players when he knows he’ll get the most value out of them.  Since Blanton is under organizational control until 2010, there’s really no reason for the A’s to trade him, unless they get blown away by an offer.  Given how he’s performed this season, I cannot see a big offer coming their way.

Randy Miller of Philyburbs is reporting the Phillies are also exploring the availability of Giants pitcher Matt Cain.  At twenty-three, Cain has had some struggles after his 13-12 rookie season in 2006, going 12-23 since (including 5-7, 4.06 ERA in ‘08).  While his record isn’t pretty, he’s only twenty-three, and is still prone to mistakes.  These should correct themselves with experience.

Since young pitchers with the type of talent Cain has don’t come along every day, and given the fact he’s under organizational control until 2011, I cannot see the Giants making a move here.  Should they be willing to part with Cain, Pat Gillick needs to see what the Giants want, and meet their demands.  Cain is a stud, and is only going to get better.

My take on all the daily trade rumors might be different then most.  Although I do think the Phillies will make a move, by the July 31st deadline, they’re in no hurry.  Most of these offers they’ve reportedly made to clubs appear extremely insincere, considering their unwillingness to part with Carlos Carrasco, Lou Marson, or Greg Golson.  If the Phillies do want to add a pitcher of any caliber, they’re going to have to sacrifice some of their top talent.

Part of the reason they are keeping their top three prospects “off limits”, is because of Brett Myers.  Myers will get two starts before July 31st.  Should he be impressive in both starts, don’t expect the Phils to make a push for a bigger named pitcher (out of the group that is available).  Phillies fans might not want to hear it, but if Myers can find some dominance, he’ll be the number two pitcher the remainder of the season.  Should he struggle, look for the Phillies to push the panic button.  To me that’s not the mentality an organization looking to win the World Series should have.  Even if Myers returns and is dominant, adding a pitcher of substance should still be a priority to strengthen the rotation down the stretch.

The other reason the Phillies will hold off for now is they want to see the health of Erik Bedard.  He’s been the dark horse through the weeks of trade rumors, and is the guy the Phillies would like to land if healthy.  Bedard is scheduled to start next week (although his initial July 21st start was pushed back), and he would be the pitcher Gillick & Co. would part with a Carrasco.  Honestly he’s the only true impact pitcher (attitude perception aside), that had the ability to make a true difference on the mound.