Some rumors actually pan out.  Multiple media outlets are reporting the Phillies have acquired pitcher Joe Blanton from the Oakland Athletics for Adrian Cardenas, Josh Outman, and Matt Spencer. 

Blanton has struggled this season going 5-12 with a 4.96 ERA, and his ERA away from McAffee Stadium is less than desirable 5.73, so the Phillies definitely rolled the dice with this move.

Cardenas is considered the second best prospect by the Phillies.  A supplemental first-round pick in the 2006 draft, Cardenas is hitting .309 with 4 home runs and 23 RBI’s for Class A Clearwater.  He’s a prospect with a bright future ahead of him, but he’s blocked by Chase Utley, who’s signed with the Phillies until at least 2011.

Outman was once projected as a mid-rotation starter, but initially struggled after being converted to the bullpen.  Spencer appears to be a throw-in.  The outfielder possess some power, but has struggled this season at Clearwater batting a meager .249.

I like this trade.  While the Phillies gave up one of their better prospects in Cardenas, they land a mid-rotation starter who consistantly get deep into games.  While Blanton has had struggles this season, he’s only twenty-seven, and has a bright future ahead of him.  He also is a groundball pitcher, possessing a 1.30 GO/FO ratio, and doesn’t give up home runs (his career average is 19).  He is also under arbitration control until 2010, so they just didn’t add a starter for two months, but two-plus seasons.

By making this deal, the Phillies also keep their “Big 3″ prospects, Carlos Carrasco,Greg Golson, and Lou Marson, so if the Phillies want to make another deal before the deadline they have the chips.  It also spells the end of Adam Eaton.

I know some fans will not like this deal, based on Blanton’s current struggles, but remember this: If this deal was made prior to the season, Phillies fans would have loved it.

Blanton was scheduled to start Sunday for Oakland, so his probable debut will be Tuesday in New York against the Mets.