Now that the Phils have locked up Cole Hamels long-term for big bux (140 mil), they most likely will be looking to dump some salary heading into the deadline. I heard a guy on Philly radio say that the Phils asked for Brad Lincoln as part of a package for Shane Victorino, but the Pirates said 'no thanks.' And obviously we wouldnt trade Starling Marte for Victorino, but what if Hunter Pence was included?

For Pence AND Victorino, would you consider giving up say Marte, Lincoln, Gregory Polcano and maybe V Black / J Inman (Phils are desparate for live bullpen arms)? Is that too much? Not enough? Do you consider adding / subtracting other pieces like Alen Hanson (as a Marte replacement, preferably not in addition to Marte)? Or maybe Jeff Locke / Justin Wilson?

To me, a Pence / Victorino package would immediately upgrade 2 trouble spots for us (a leftfielder that can lead off and a power bat for the middle of the order), and would allow Jones and McGehee to become an everyday classic platoon at 1B.

I think we have plenty of pieces to entice the Phils, but is it worth the risk on our end? With the Phils possibly having thier hands tied a bit and looking to dump salary, maybe the package wouldnt have to be quite as sweet? To me, if it meant giving up one of Marte / Polanco / Hanson, plus Lincoln, a AAA Lefty, and another lower-level prospect (one of the Zach's preferably, maybe Victor Black, hopefully not Kingham), I would do the deal. Am I crazy?

And finally, while it's hard to call any game at this time of year a "must-win," a win this afternoon sure would be nice. And good lord, not sure I can get any angrier watching the Reds sneak out win after win after win and seeing Chapman continue to blow through the 9th inning without a threat. Thank god we have Barmes and The Fort on our side.