MLB Trade Rumors: 5 best fits for Brandon Phillips
By Greg Patuto
3. Toronto Blue Jays
What a team the Blue Jays have. Reigning AL MVP Josh Donaldson, superstars like Troy Tulowitzki, Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion. How could they lose? Well, the reason is because they have mediocre starting pitching and a shortstop in Tulo that has not lived up to expectations. The Jays currently have a good record at 55-44 but sit in third place in a very competitive three team race in the AL East.
The Blue Jays currently have Devon Travis and Darwin Barney playing second base. To beat out the Orioles and the Red Sox, they will need to improve that position. Here is where Brandon Phillips comes into play. Adding the gold glover up the middle will sure up their defense. And how does this one through five sound; Phillips, Donaldson, Bautista, Encarnacion, Tulowitzki. Sounds pretty good to me.
The AL East is a division that could very well have both wild card teams come from. Just three games separate the top three teams and it does not look like any of them are going to go away anytime soon. With the Orioles battling some injuries, this is a good time for a team like the Blue Jays to make up some ground and a deadline deal can help them do just that.
Bautista is set to return from an injury any day now and this is a team that needs to score runs to win. There has been rumors about Bautista and Encarnacion possibly being traded before the deadline but that does not appear to be in the cards.
One of the most exciting lineups in baseball can become even more exciting with the fire, energy and passion that Phillips brings to a team on and off the field.
Next: 2. Miami Marlins