Fansided

Power Ranking each MLB team in aftermath of Trade Deadline

By Kyle Franzoni

Jul 31, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; (Editors note: Caption correction) Kansas City Royals pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) throws a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; (Editors note: Caption correction) Kansas City Royals pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) throws a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 25, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) is doused with water after throwing a no hitter against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Chicago Cubs 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 25, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) is doused with water after throwing a no hitter against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Chicago Cubs 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

30: Philadelphia Phillies

ACQUIRED: LHP Matt Harrison (from Rangers), RHP Jake Thompson (from Rangers), OF Nick Williams (from Rangers), C Jorge Alfaro (from Rangers), RHP Jerad Eickhoff (from Rangers), RHP Alec Asher (from Rangers), RHP Cody Pivetta (from Nationals), RHP Jimmy Cordero (from Blue Jays), RHP Alberto Tirado (from Blue Jays)

TRADED: LHP Cole Hamels (to Rangers), RHP Jonathan Papelbon (to Nationals), OF Ben Revere (to Blue Jays), LHP Jake Diekman (to Rangers)

The Philadelphia Phillies came into the deadline with the unenviable task of not only having to move their ace and set the table for the future, but also move numerous other pieces that served as a weight around the neck of the franchise. With Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jonathan Papelbon, Ben Revere and more on the block, Ruben Amaro had a lot of work to do.

Amaro stuck to his guns heavily leading into the deadline, especially in regards to Hamels, and many general managers were vocal that they felt he was going to cost himself the opportunity to move the lefty due to his demands. The stand-off paid out well for the Phillies, as they infused their system with much needed pitching and hitting prospects by flipping Hamels to the Texas Rangers, Jonathan Papelbon to the Washington Nationals, and Ben Revere to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Alas, the Phillies are still the worst team in baseball and the deals struck at the deadline aren’t likely to morph them into a contender this season or next. Harrison can step into the Philadelphia rotation and take the place of Hamels, but none of the rest of the prospects acquired will help the Phillies for a few more seasons. Additionally, the team will still look to move Utley, Howard, or both through a waiver trade in August.

It was a win at the deadline for the Phillies, but reality is still reality and this team has a lot to do before it can be a contender again.

Next: 29: Miami Marlins

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