With Sunday’s trading deadline on the horizon, it’s no secret the Phillies have needs; most notably in the outfield. With Geoff Jenkins sidelined with a hip flexor strain, the Phils are using Jayson Werth at the every day right fielder, and So Taguchi has effectively become the team’s fourth outfielder. If the Phillies really want to contend, the addition of an outfielder who can be depended to play regularly is a must.

Well if the rumors are true, the Phillies might be looking to upgrade the outfield situation. Word is the Phillies are perusing Braves outfielder Mark Kotsay.

Kotsay, who has already cleared waivers, is have a good season with the Braves where he’s batting .289 with six home runs and 37 RBI’s. More importantly, Kotsay feasts on right-handed pitching hitting .309 against them this season.

While I still think Aubrey Huff is a much better option, if the Phillies can land Kotsay it’ll be a good pickup. With Jenkins return is unknown, Kotsay would be Werth’s platoon partner, letting them both play too their strengths and keeping them fresh for the final month of the season.

Another upside of Kotsay is his contract. Unlike Huff, who is signed through the 2009 season, Kotsay is a free agent at season’s end, so the Phillies could use him for the remainder of the season, and not get stuck with a dodgy contract.  Not to mention, a mid-level prospect should be all it’ll take to land the thirty-two year-old outfielder.

Don’t get too excited.  This deal isn’t close to being done. Kotsay can veto a trade to eight teams (which are unknown), and the Phillies aren’t the only team showing interest. With JD Drew on the disabled list, the Red Sox are having their own outfield issues, and have been rumored to have Kotsay high on their list.