Phillies 'waiting with open arms' for trade partner

Philadelphia has just eight wins at this point in 2015 and after an active offseason may not be done moving major league pieces. Several clubs are seeking starting pitching, and Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe was told the Phillies are "waiting with open arms" for a trade partner.

Cole Hamels, Jonathan Papelbon, and Chase Utley are all pieces that can be moved to teams who are confident in their ability to make the playoffs. Hamels, 31, has posted a 4.14 ERA and 5.44 FIP in 37.0 innings with the Phillies to this point in 2015. He told reporters last week he loved the atmosphere in St. Louis but allowed six runs in six innings against the Marlins on Saturday night. Papelbon saved 39 games last season and drew a notable amount of interest all offseason, and Utley could be dealt to a contender despite his 10/5 status which enables him to block a trade.

Utley could prove to be a valuable left-handed hitting option, however the contracts of both Papelbon and Hamels may make both pitchers difficult to trade. Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro recently said he would be open to paying a decent portion of Hamels' remaining contract, although the same may not be true for Papelbon.

While a deal is not imminent and all of the three could remain with the Phillies for the remainder of the season, a deal with the Red Sox may be realistic. Cafardo adds Philadelphia continues to watch Boston's minor league system, and is most notably interested in center field prospect Manuel Margot. The Phillies have not been linked to lefty Henry Owens, but Eduardo Rodriguez and Brian Johnson may intrigue the club.

The Phillies are looking to rebuild, and after acknowledging they may not be in contention come the All-Star break could become notably active. Philadelphia was not afraid to move several veteran pieces last winter, and if the club could find the right deal, a few more major league pieces could be traded away.