Joe Blanton Rumors: Orioles, Phillies Still Discussing Trade

UPDATE 11:45 AM EST: Talks between the Orioles and Phillies are beginning to fall apart, report Todd Zolecki and Britt Ghiroli of MLB.com:

Money continues to be stumbling block on Blanton deal. Better chance than yesterday it doesn't happen.

— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) July 31, 2012

Orioles simply don't want to pick up that salary and two sides differ on what Philly should get back.

— Brittany Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) July 31, 2012

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Original Story 9:01 AM EST: The Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies are continuing to discuss a trade involving right-hander Joe Blanton, though the holdup is the other players involved and the amount of salary switching hands, reports Jayson Stark of ESPN:

#Orioles & #Phillies still haggling about $ and player(s) on Blanton. Quality of players depends how much $ Phillies eat.

— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 31, 2012

Yesterday it was reported that the Phillies and Orioles were discussing Blanton, and that Baltimore had gone as far as requesting the veteran’s medical history from Philadelphia.

Orioles' top infield prospect Jonathan Schoop was reportedly asked for by the Phillies, but Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com says the O’s declined to trade the 20-year-old for Blanton.

Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun has reported that the Orioles will likely only have to surrender a minor leaguer for Blanton, though the quality of the player going to Philadelphia will depend on how much of Blanton’s salary the Phillies agree to take on.

Last night, Connolly said he wouldn’t be surprised if negotiations drag toward today’s deadline, as the Phillies feel they have other suitors for Blanton.

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Would Blanton be a good pickup for the Orioles?

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