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Phillies fall to Giants to snap series win streak
July 29 CSN Philly
Winning, like beauty, has a way of hiding certain flaws. And with a 65-39 record, nine straight series victories and no back-to-back losses since early June, the Phillies have been able to mask some ugliness. But against the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants over the past three nights, it was as if those blemishes were put on display with a magnifying glass. Oh sure, even though Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay did not take a turn against the Giants, the Phillies again proved that they can pitch with any team in baseball. However, after the 4-1 defeat, those missed opportunities were costly.
Phillies’ trade focus: Pence, Quentin, Adams
July 29 CSN Philly
The San Francisco Giants introduced their big trade-deadline addition during a news conference at Citizens Bank Park late Thursday afternoon. As Carlos Beltran spoke about trying to help the Giants win another World Series, Phillies officials were encamped four floors above in an effort to swing a deal for a player that they hope will make a difference in their quest to win a second World Series in four years. According to people with knowledge of the situation, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. is aggressively trying to make a trade before Sunday afternoon’s non-waiver trade deadline.
Source: Astros could trade Pence as soon as today; Phillies lead candidates
July 29 Houston Chronicle
The Astros are deep into talks to trade right fielder Hunter Pence before Sunday’s trade deadline, perhaps as soon as today, and the Philadelphia Phillies are the leading candidate for his services, according to a person with knowledge of the discussions. There are multiple teams with interest, including the Braves, according to multiple reports. But talks with the Phillies have progressed furthest, the person said. Astros general manager Ed Wade, as a policy, does not comment on trade possibilities before a deal is finished.
No evidence White Sox want to part with Quentin, but have dangled Dunn
July 28 ESPN.com
Despite reports Wednesday that the Phillies are turning their attention to Carlos Quentin in the wake of their lack of progress on the Pence front, executives of three teams told the Daily Rumble they’ve seen no evidence the White Sox have serious interest in trading Quentin, now that they’ve pulled to within 3.5 games of first place. One name we were told they did dangle, just to see what happened: Adam Dunn. ”
Polanco batting second and playing third base in rehab appearance
July 28 LehighValleyLive.com
As reported on Tuesday and confirmed by the Lehigh Valley IronPigs late Wednesday night, Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco will begin a rehabilitation stint today at Coca-Cola Park. Polanco is in the starting lineup at third base for today’s crucial International League North Division game against Pawtucket. Lehigh Valley has taken the first two games of the series from the PawSox to stretch its division lead to four games.”
July 28 Allentown Morning Call
Francisco may be Phils’ odd man out
July 29 Camden Courier-Post
The nearly constant trade winds blowing through Citizens Bank Park have been the overwhelming topic of conversation of late, but a looming trade likely won’t be the only roster shake-up in store for the Phillies this weekend. Placido Polanco played six innings with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday, going 0-for-2 with a walk before being lifted for a pinch runner. Polanco reported no pain from the bulging disk in his back after the game, and the plan is for him to play again tonight — possibly a full nine innings.
Call for more offense intensifies after defeat
July 29 Camden Courier-Post
Sitting atop the bench before the opening game of this series, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel did his best to downplay the significance of three games in July. It is Manuel’s mantra for six months of the year: one game at a time, none bigger than last or more significant than the next. But there is something different about these games against the Giants. The Phillies felt the sting of an early playoff exit last year, and Manuel doesn’t like being knocked down.
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