WASHINGTON - Nobody was shocked. That was not the reaction in the Phillies' clubhouse on the day the team traded away Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence at the deadline. Players understand how the business works better than we ever will, and they can read the National League standings, too. Truth be told, some people expected more trades that never materialized, involving starting pitcher Joe Blanton and others.
Still, there was this odd sensation.
"Without a doubt," second baseman Chase Utley said. "Shane's been here for a long time. He's been a very big part of this club. It is weird not seeing his face. It's weird not seeing Hunter. But that's how baseball works sometimes. This time of year can be a little tricky."
