Joe Blanton Arrives

In their annual shopping trip for mid-level pitching talent, the Phillies acquired A’s right-hander, Joe Blanton. To land Blanton, the Phils shipped minor league prospects Adrian Cardenas, Josh Outman and Matt Spencer to Oakland.

While many have already trashed this deal, deeming the cost too-high for what looks to be a mediocre starter, I am taking a wait-and-see attitude on this one. Clearly, Blanton has struggled so far this season in Oakland. But, like most of the published reports today say, throw out Blanton’s four worst starts and he comes in with a pretty respectable ERA of 3.58. Maybe the clichéd “change of scenery” argument works here. Plus, Blanton most likely will take Adam Eaton’s place in the rotation. How much worse can this guy be? At the worst, we may have just acquired the lesser of two starting pitching evils.

As for the price tag, we can’t judge that until these prospects shake out. Second base prospect, Cardenas, is the prime piece of this group the Phillies shipped in this deal. Most criticize the Phils for not holding on to this guy. However, with Chase Utley blocking his path to the bigs, there was a good chance Cardenas would be moved at some point anyway. That leaves the question – did the Phillies receive enough value?

Of course, we must take solace in the fact the Phillies didn’t give in and move a more defined prospect in pitcher Carlos Corrasco. I’m no expert, but I imagine it’s easier to replenish position players in the system than stud pitchers. Even if this deal totally tanks, I have to believe the risk is worth taking.

I guess chapter 1 of the Joe Blanton story will be written sometime this weekend when it looks like he’ll get a start against the Marlins.