I’m not sure what would get it done, I’m not really sure what the Phillies would want specific player-wise. But you got the right idea, they probably want an OF prospect as “replacement” in their farm system and some reliever types. They probably could use some starters too, Madson and Floyd didn’t work out for them last year, so they probably wouldn’t mind a starting pitcher prospect.

But I think if the Giants play their cards right, like shift money by giving the Phillies, say, $4.6M in 2006 then get $4.6M from them in 2007, that and Benitez would be good enough to get Burrell, as that would free up $10M in 2006 for them to bid on top free agents like Soriano, Lee, and now JD Drew for their OF or even a good/top starting pitcher.

I would rather not give up any prospects to get Burrell and I don’t think that’s necessary to get Burrell because that clause that made you worry the deal is not doable, it actually puts us in the catbird seat, the Phillies can only deal him to us, not to anyone else, and they have a small window of opportunity now to deal him and save money for other acquisitions, before free agents sign with other teams. So their choice is keep Burrell, who is not part of their long-term plans, or trade Burrell for Benitez for a chance to pick up Soriano, Lee, or Drew, meanwhile they have Victorino and others as backups if they fail to sign someone. If the Giants can play the game right, I think they can get the trade done without giving up prospects.

I had forgotten about Pat’s ‘Bay Roots’. I really do think he would be a good fit at 1B but the no-trade clause is going to be a stumbling block.

What prospect would you send? Do you think Benetiz, Fred Lewis, and Brian Anderson would get it done?

He was actually a 3B in college, and was trained to be a 1B coming up the Phillies system, so he could probably play either position for us, with some practice in spring training. That could make it more comfortable for him and he might hit better.

Nice dreaming getting good players at 1B and 3B, I assume the Giants are still targeting getting Bonds, so he and Burrell would suck up about half of the $45M that the Giants supposedly have to spend, with still RF, 2B, 1B/3B, and C open, plus some relievers and perhaps another starter.

We should be able to package Benitez with a prospect or two to get Burrell, depends on what they want in return, but we might have to give up a good prospect to do this deal.