ESPN.com is reporting that the Phillies are in talks with the Royals about acquiring Ron Mahay in exchange for minor-league SS, and current Olympian, Jason Donald.
Mahay is sporting a 1.81 ERA with 17 holds in 54.1 IP this season. He is 2nd among MLB relievers with 50+ IP in ERA (behind only Chad Durbin). Mahay would not be a rental as he is signed for next year at $4 million. He is a left-handed reliever with better control than J.C. Romero and would be a definite asset to the team for this year and next.
If Donald is indeed the price we pay, it is a hefty one, and a little more than I would give up if I’m Gillick. However, with Rollins under contract through the 2011 season, Donald would not be in the Phillies plans until 2012, when he would already be 28. Donald has been very impressive this year, hitting .308 with 14 HR and 54 RBI for Double-A Reading. He would likely be the Royals starting SS next season.
Personally, I think that Donald is too good to give up for Mahay, especially when our bullpen is already pretty good and we have Happ coming up to fill a lefty-bullpen role. What do you guys think?
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How quickly things change. Check out this update:
Phils ‘not close’ on Mahay
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Posted by Jayson Stark
A source with knowledge of the Phillies’ trading discussions now says they’re “not close” to any deal for left-handed reliever Ron Mahay. They plan to continue to explore all their left-handed relief options.
Ugh…
Mahay would be a great addition, Donald’s too high of a price. Now if we started talking Mahay and Greinke for a package including Donald, count me in.
Do it if you can. I would look at Happ as an upgrade needed for the rotation, not counting on him in key situations against big lefties. He is not a seasoned reliever, and may not be able to transition to the bullpen real easy. Myers may be abole to much easier, but we would still need another lefty in the pen. Why not trade Donald? The only return the Phillies will get for him will probably be by trade, if not now, later
What do the Royals want with Donald anyway, Mike Aviles is only 27 and has been their best player this year.
I love the idea of getting Mahay. It’s just that for whatever reason I’m getting Ryne Sandberg flashbacks. Brrrrr!!!
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