Major League Baseball

Phillies tight-lipped about trade market

Published Jul. 21, 2010 4:43 a.m. ET

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Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Tuesday night that he is “not close” to any deal.

However, the Phillies are among the most active teams on the trade market, working to add a starting pitcher and possibly trade right fielder Jayson Werth.

One major-league source said, “Balls are flying every way," and Amaro did not dispute that account.

“We’ve had contact with many clubs on many fronts,” Amaro said.

The Phillies were trying to add a top-of-the-rotation starter even before left-hander Jamie Moyer left Tuesday night’s game after one inning due to a strained elbow.

Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt and Diamondbacks righty Dan Haren are the top two pitchers on the market, but neither is close to getting moved, sources say.

Amaro is in regular contact with Astros general manager Ed Wade, his former boss with the Phillies. The two had dialogue Tuesday, but the Astros also are talking with other clubs about Oswalt, who has a full no-trade clause and can effectively choose his next team.

The Diamondbacks, too, are speaking with several “interested” clubs about Haren, and the Phillies are among those teams, sources say. But the D-Backs, like the Astros, want a significant package for their ace — and the Phillies might need to trade Werth, a potential free agent, to create financial flexibility and obtain additional prospects.

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