By Lewis Gould
Ruben Amaro Jr.’s incompetence knows no bounds.
The Phillies’ general manager has so far been unable to swing any deals, with the exception of trading the great but soon-to-be-over-the-hill Jimmy Rollins to the Dodgers.
No deals for Cole Hamels, Jonathan Papelbon, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard or anyone else who might fetch more than a bag of balls in return.
It’s no secret that the Phillies are trying to trade 37-year-old outfielder Marlon Byrd and Jon Morosi of FOXSports.com reports that they “were close to a deal” that would send him to the Reds but “it fell apart.”
Byrd is owed $8 million in the final year of his contract and is coming off a season in which he hit .264 with 25 homers and a .757 OPS in 154 games, including a terrible 185/35 K/BB ratio and poor defense.
Cincinnati is looking for a left fielder, so perhaps the two sides will re-visit talks later.
