Joe Blanton News

Ruben Amaro Jr. and his top lieutenant, Scott Proefrock, stepped into an elevator at the Marriott and headed across the street for what they described as a "trade meeting" with another team.

View full size photo>> On Sunday night, AOL Fanhouse's Ed Price tweeted the following regarding the Phillies starting pitcher Joe Blanton : To the list of Ps avail.

Just came from Ruben Amaro Jr.'s briefing with the Philly media. There isn't anything imminent, but here are a few highlights: -Given the asking price of many seventh- and eighth-innings relievers in this market, and given the Phillies' limited payroll, Amaro said the club is "going to have to try to be creative" to satisfy its remaining needs.

The Phillies locked up catcher Brian Schneider on Tuesday, signed infielder Juan Castro on Thursday and were expected to complete a deal with free agent Placido Polanco in short order.

A's boost infield in trade with Cubs - Oakland acquired infielders Jake Fox and Aaron Miles on Thursday from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for righthander Jeff Gray and minor leaguers Matt Spencer and Ronny Morla.

The Phillies have until 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday to add players to their 40-man roster to protect them from next month's Rule 5 Draft, but there were no expected last-minute additions.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. was on his way to Citizens Bank Park at 8 a.m. on Thursday to make final preparations for baseball's free-agent signing period, which got under way at midnight Friday.

Philadelphia Phillies The Phillies have been the class of the NL the past two seasons and the farm system has had plenty to do with it.

"Based on how he played, and how he responded, he's looking forward to playing next year," Martinez's agent Fern Cuza told FOXSports.

Let's catch up with where the Phillies stand as teams can sign free agents beginning Friday.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has told right-hander Pedro Martinez that the Phillies have not closed the door on his return in 2010, but are focusing their efforts elsewhere.

"We have two top-of-the-rotation guys," Amaro said flatly when asked about the Phillies' interest in acquiring another elite starter.

As they dealt with their present pain and watched the Yankees celebrate a World Series title, the Phillies weren't able to immediately remedy their shattered spirits with thoughts about their bright future.

Domingo Santana, of The Phillies also have used prospects in trades, as was the case in 2009 with Lee, 2008 with Joe Blanton and after the 2007 season with Brad Lidge.

Posted by Christopher Glotfelty It was a pleasure to watch Cliff Lee during the playoffs.

The way the baseball calendar works, there is no such thing as an offseason. Truth be told, 2010 began for the Phillies long before Shane Victorino grounded out to Robinson Cano on Wednesday night to end the World Series.

Appleton's Gerry Davis, 56, is umpiring his fourth World Series. In his 26th season, he is the crew chief.

As Phillies manager Charlie Manuel contemplates how things might have proven different in this year's World Series, he won't concern himself with wondering what might have happened had he opted to bring Cliff Lee back on short rest in Game 4. Despite the fact that the decisive runs weren't scored against Joe Blanton that evening, there will be some ...

The Yankees and Phillies enjoyed an off-day on Friday as they get ready for Game 3 tonight at Citizens Bank Park.

In today's paper we took a look at five questions facing the Phillies this offseason, starting with their projected payroll and ending with the rotation.