According to Buster Olney of ESPN The Magazine, the Phildelphia Phillies pre-trade deadline priority is a middle-of-the-oration starter. Olney speculates that they are looking at someone better than right-handed pitcher Jeremy Guthrie of the Baltimore Orioles.

One of the big problems the Phillies face is figuring out what trade chips they have.  Their system has been depleted over the last couple of years with trades. We spoke earlier about what possible trade chips they have on the farm.

Although not a starter, the Phillies have been mentioned as a suitor for Kerry Wood of the Cleveland Indians. Wood could help as a set-up man or a backup closer to Brad Lidge. The Indians and Phillies have a cordial relationship with each other since they made a trade involving Cliff Lee last July.