It's Not Going To Be Beltran

By: Seth Everett

Carlos Beltran will be in Philadelphia tonight, but he'll be in the San Francisco Giants' lineup. They did acquire him for a young pitcher who was ranked higher (#33) than Jarrod Cossart (#37) on the MILB.COM's Top 50 Prospects list. That's the main reason why Beltran is wearing the SF uniform tonight.

Where should the Phillies go from here?

I still think the Phillies should be smart with their finances. The fact that they are close to the luxury tax threshold is something I think they should be smart about. No NL Team has ever paid luxury tax money.

That being said, I am mildly intrigued by Carlos Quentin. Clearly, his 20 home runs are a welcome addition, but last year he hit just .211 vs. lefties. This season, its 50 points higher, but that was my big caution. Price tag is always what concerns me the most, both in terms of prospects & finances. White Sox GM Ken Williams loves to make a big splash, and I just think it best if this is not a blockbuster trade.

The Phillies are continuing to be high on Hunter Pence. Nobody that I've spoken to in Houston has said he's more likely to go, despite Atlanta's pursuit.
I do hear the Phillies are interested in a bullpen arm. I don't find that necessary, but I guess I can refer to the age-old cliché "You can never have enough pitching." Although Heath Bell's acquisition could be something that Ryan Madson might have to cope with.

I'll be on "Extra Innings" tonight after the Phillies game on WPHT 1210 AM. I'll also be on WIP at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow with Angelo Cataldi with the latest on the Phillies. In addition, I'm fill-in hosting for Rob Ellis from 7-10 p.m. on WIP, & then "Extra Innings" on WPHT. Clearly, there will be a lot of Phillies talk in my life the next 24 hours.