Still, it is worth mentioning that 4 years ago the Phillies finalized their trade for then-Houston closer Brad Lidge at the GM meetings, a move that proved to be the first of a series of high-profile acquisitions over the next four seasons. Back then, it was young centerfielder Michael Bourn leaving the Phillies' fertile farm system. He proved to be the first in a parade of well-regarded prospects dispatched to various organizations in return for veteran talent. Three of the Blue Jays' top prospects - catcher Travis D'Aarnaud, centerfielder Anthony Gose and righthander Kyle Drabek - are ex-Phillies farmhands. Same goes for three of the Astros' most promising minor leaguers: righthander Jarred Cosart, first baseman Jonathon Singleton and outfielder Domingo Santana.
The Indians saw a strong start to 2011 by former Phillies prospect Carlos Carrasco scuttled by Tommy John surgery, but infielder Jason Donald had a solid offensive season as a jack-of-all-trades utility man.
Even if Ruben Amaro Jr. has identified a high-end trade target, he will have difficulty making that acquisition without moving talent off his major league roster. Amaro has built a reputation as one of the more aggressive deal-makers in the game, pursuing his targets with little regard for the marketplace or the opinions of pundits and fellow personnel men. Just last week, he put the finishing touches on a still-unofficial 4-year, $50 million deal for ex-Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, doling out richest contract ever for a reliever while raising concerns about how he intends to address the various questions that still face him this offseason.
Among those questions:
1) WHO'S ON THIRD?
