After missing out on Mark Kotsay, and shying away from Aubrey Huff due to his 2009 salary, the Phillies have acquired the left-handed bat off the bench they were looking for.  Reports are the Phillies acquired outfielder Matt Stairs from the Blue Jays for a player to be named later.

Stairs, who was designated for assignment earlier in the week by the Blue Jays, has had a disappointing season so far, hitting .250 with 11 home runs and 43 RBI’s.

I’m really not a fan of this move.  The Phillies really had a chance to make a bigger splash by the August 31st trading deadline, by going heavy after a guy like Kotsay, or bringing in Huff.  They once again settled for the bargain.  Instead of getting an outfielder who can platoon with Jayson Werth and contribute regularly, they go out and get a 40 year-old outfielder whose only purpose will be riding the pine.  Maybe one day the Phillies front office will realize when you shop at a yard sale, all you’re getting is other people’s junk.

If there’s one bright spot to this move it’s Stairs career numbers at Citizen’s Bank Park.  In 8 career games he’s batting .444 with six home runs and 10 RBI’s.