The upcoming weekend series against the Atlanta Braves could influence the Philadelphia Phillies stance on trades, especially when it comes to outfielders Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Rosenthal notes that the Phillies could decide to stand pat this summer for several reasons, including their impressive attendance numbers and the fact that star players such as Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Roy Halladay have all returned from injury.
It was reported earlier today that the Phillies have discussed Victorino with the Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds and Tampa Bay Rays.
An official of one of the clubs interested in Victorino said that the Phillies would have to cut their asking price down to half or otherwise narrow their focus eventually to just young relievers
The Phillies have asked the Pirates about right-hander Brad Lincoln, the Rays about right-hander Wade Davis, the Indians about right-hander Vinnie Pestano and the Reds about right-hander Logan Ondrusek.
The Reds have reportedly turned down a deal that would have sent Ondrusek to the Phillies for Victorino earlier in the week..
At the same time it was reported that the Phillies were eager to move Pence earlier this week, and the Los Angeles Dodgers have expressed interest in the 29-year-old.
