Expected rumors and reasoned speculation indicate that the Phillies will look to trade either Michael Bourn or Shane Victorino this winter in return for pitching.
It makes sense, after all, speedy, cheap/young, somewhat "toolsy" outfielders are the one area in which the Phillies have a degree of redundancy. Adding a spark to ignite the hot stove fire are statements from the Phillies front office indicating that their highest priority is pitching and that they doubt they can make headway via free agency.
But is there really a redundancy in the outfield? Odds are that Aaron Rowand will depart through free agency, which makes either Victorino or Bourn the starting center fielder, which in turn makes Jayson Werth the everyday right fielder. This would probably represent a slight decrease in defense but possibly a big drop off in offense.
In the end, these are the risks the Phillies are going to have to take, this is probably the cost it will take to improve the pitching staff. And, it's entirely possible that Gillick will be able to add a corner outfielder through free agency. Adding one of those is much easier than adding a pitcher that can make a difference.
So, I ask you Readers, are you comfortable trading Victorino? Bourn?
And as an off-topic bonus question, which interests you more this weekend, the Colts/Patriots game or the Eagles/Cowboys game?
