After signing free agent Cliff Lee to a five-year, $120MM pact, it's no secret that the Phillies need to trim payroll. In fact, if they don't move well-compensated pitcher Joe Blanton, they'll have no room to make any acquisitions at the trade deadline, a source tells Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The right-hander is due $8.5MM over each of the next two seasons.
The market for Blanton should become more clear once Carl Pavano, now the market's top free agent starter, signs with a club. Blanton is five years Pavano's junior and wouldn't be a bad consolation prize for any team. It's also possible that the Phillies could hang on to the 30-year-old, but as Rosenthal pointed out, it would handcuff the club. With the teams that have been linked to Pavano as a guide, where do you envision Blanton winding up?
Where Will Joe Blanton Land?
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He'll remain with the Phillies 19% (1,937)
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Other 18% (1,863)
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Rangers 18% (1,830)
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Nationals 14% (1,471)
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Twins 11% (1,145)
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Tigers 11% (1,131)
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Pirates 8% (849)
Total votes: 10,226