With just under three days until baseball’s trading deadline, all appears quiet on the Phillies front.  Aside from some little rumbles here and there, there’s real no big news when it comes to the Phillies It’s quite possible the acquisition of Joe Blanton will probably be the only trade the Phillies will have made when the deadline passes.

It doesn’t have to be, and it shouldn’t.

While I don’t advocate making a deal just to give your fanbase the impression you’re doing all you can to improve your club, I believe if a reasonable deal can be made, management needs to explore it.

If you look at the Phillies, most think they need to go out and get an outfield bat.  Geoff Jenkins has struggled in right field and Jayson Werth is much more valuable playing against left-handed pitching.  The only real available options are Seattle’s Raul Ibanez, and the Pirates Jason Bay.  Ibanez isn’t a good fit for the Phillies.  He bats left-handed, and the Phils have plenty of bats form the left side of the plate if they added and outfielder, they would have to bat right-handed.  Bay bats right-handed, but the Pirates are said to be holding him for a king’s ransom.  The Phils weren’t willing to include Carlos Carrasco or Lou Marson in a deal for CC Sabathia.  Why would they suddenly want to give up top prospects for Jason Bay?

I’m satisfied with the outfield as it is now.  Jenkins has heated up some since the All-Star break (.308), and in a platoon with Werth, I think it will work out over the long haul.  Besides, I see more pressing needs on this ballclub.  Mainly in the bullpen and behind the plate. 

As good as the Phillies bullpen has been this season, it’s starting to show signs of wear; especially J.C. Romero.  Not that he’s getting shelled (only two ER in his last 10 appearances), but he’s throwing a lot more pitches to retire batters.  This will only get worse as the season progresses, unless he gets a break.

You cannot stress enough how important it is to have a good catcher.  They’re call the pitches and are involved in some of the biggest plays in the game.  The problem with the catching position is there aren’t  too many strong catchers in the National League; especially in Philadelphia.  The catching situation has been a complete mess.  Carlos Ruiz has barely been able to hit his weight (.211), and Chris Coste has struggled since getting more playing time.  With Ruiz batting ahead of the pitcher, it’s giving the opponents two automatic outs (three if there’s a runner on base, Carlos likes the double play ball).

Before an outfielder is brought in, it would be wise for the Phillies to address the bullpen and catching positiion.  This can happen.  Just call the Giants.

It’s no secret the Giants have packed in their 2008 season, and are looking for young talent to rebuild with.  Should the Phillies put together the right offer, they can get two players they could sorely use.  Pitcher Jack Taschner and catcher Bengie Molina.

Taschner has queitly put together a strong season in San Francisco.  In 49 games he’s 2-1 with a 2.95 ERA.  More importantly, he’s tough on left-handed batters (0.94 WHIP, .179 BAA). While his numbers against right-handed hitters aren’t as impressive, Taschner is an ideal lefty-specialist, which is what the Phillies bullpen is missing.  Sure, Romero is lights out against left-handers, but since he’s the only lefty in the bullpen he’s not used in that role.

While Taschner and the Phillies have been linked in some rumors, Molina hasn’t.  Molina is the oldest of the three Molina brothers currently in Major League Baseball, but he’s the only one who can hit.  He’s currently hitting .282 with six home runs and 61 RBI’s.  His power numbers are lower this season, but he’s still on pace to knock in over 80 runs.  He’s also one of the leagues best defensive catcher’s. 

Both of these players have good contracts.  Taschner will be a “Super Two” player in 2009, and is under team control until 2012.  Molina is signed through 2009, and is only due to make $6 million, which is a bargin for one of the leagues better catchers.  Also an ideal contract for the catcher who will hand over the job to Marson in 2010 (that’s projected of course).

While prying Molina from the Giants wouldn’t be easy (they’re not going to give him away), it’s definitely possible, and can could be done without giving up Carrasco or Marson.  A package of Jason Donald, J.A. Happ and another low-level prospect shoulg get the deal done.  Should Pat Gillick sweeten the pot with another player, the Giants might throw in Rich Aurilia, who would be used as a right-handed bat off the bench.

These aren’t the sexiest names available, but the most logical.  A deal with the Giants is the “blockbuster” the Phillies need to put them over the top in the National League.