Buzzmaster

  (2:56 PM)

Steve Phillips will be here in a few minutes, so send in those questions!

Steve Phillips

  (3:11 PM)

A couple of big trades happening today. We'll see how it impacts the rest of the trade marekt. What's on your mind?

Matt (Hermosa Beach, CA)

Don't you think the Indians could of got more for Lee in this market?

Steve Phillips

  (3:12 PM)

Well, whenever trades like this happen, the buyer always looks like they made the better deal. People don't recognize the name or quality of the prospects acquired. I was a little surprised that the Indians didn't get any major league ready pitching talent in the deal. But they did get four quality prospects that will all be at the major league level at some point.

Scott (Harrisburg, PA)

Steve, did you hear the news today? J.P. Riccardi just threw up in his mouth. A cautionary tale for trying to drive too hard a bargain. Phillies got in Cliff Lee 95% of what Halladay would've given them, plus Lee is a lefty AND the Phillies gave up less to get him.

Steve Phillips

  (3:14 PM)

I don't think that JP Riccardi should have traded Halladay for the package that the Phillies gave up for Lee. I understand why Riccardi was asking for the move, because he has arguably the best pitcher in the AL. The trade deadline hasn't passed. There are still teams interested in Halladay. STay tuned because he might come out of this looking good. For the Phillies to get Lee without giving up Drabeck, Happ or either of their outfielders, makes it a remarkable deal for the Phillies.

David (Cleveland)

Is it me, or did it seem the Indians got totally robbed on this trade? Giving up a Cy Young winner, and not getting one of their top 3 prospects in return seems ridiculous....

Steve Phillips

  (3:15 PM)

You have to look at it from the Phillies perspective. The catcher will now back up Kelly Shoppach and they'll move Martinez to first base. Carrasco may take a spot in the rotation next year and the other pitcher the year after that. They think they got four major league ready players who could start for them. Not a bad package overall.

Dan (CT)

Do the Jays take the best offer on the table for Halladay (which looks like the Red Sox at this point), even if it's below what they really want for him, or do they hold onto him?

Steve Phillips

  (3:17 PM)

I think that if the Jays don't get the package that they want, they should hold Halladay back. They shouldn't take less because the Philllies went away in the negotiations. They could always take less later, why take it now? In the offseason, teams that aren't in contention now may be able to make some moves and trade for Halladay. If the right move isn't there, I would hold Halladay back and make the move in the winter.

Steven (Nj)

What do you think of the Tony Bernazard mess?

Steve Phillips

  (3:18 PM)

Well, I understand why the Mets made their decision, as accountability is a major theme for Mets ownership. The press conference turned into a circus as my friend Omar Minaya let emotions get involved. Those press conferences are best when you stick to the script and answer a few questions and get out of there. I suspect that Omar will make one more statement of apology and then put the whole thing behind him. But it was an ugly day in Mets-ville.

Joe (Dayton, OH)

In your experiences as a GM, how much hesitation was there in trading with a team in your own division?

Steve Phillips

  (3:20 PM)

If all deals are equal, the GM would prefer to trade outside of the division. That's understood. But I never really shied away from considering those kinds of trades. Because if the deal's right for your team, you shouldn't worry about your castoffs and how they're going to impact the other team. I would understand how Riccardi would think about trading Halladay to the Sox or Yanks, because once he becomes a free agent, he can sign with the Sox or Yanks just as much as any other club.

Brian (Milwaukee)

I am assuming that the Brewers are sellers right now. Do they have anything to sell, or are they better off trying to make a deal in the offseason?

Steve Phillips

  (3:21 PM)

The Brewers have to make some decisions on Bill Hall and JJ Hardy. Are they part of the solution in Milwaukee and at what position. I'm not sure they're going to be sellers just yet as the Central Division and Wild Card is still a long way from being decided.

Steve Phillips

  (3:21 PM)

Don't be surprised if the Brewers don't try to buy before Friday afternoon.

Jeff (Gibbstown NJ)

Steve,What is your take on the Mariners trading for Jack Wilson and Snell?.......I thought they were going to be sellers with Washburn the key trading piece

Steve Phillips

  (3:23 PM)

I think it means the Mariners have decided they're buyers and they're going to make a run at the AL West. With Erik Bedard on the DL, Snell slides into that position. It probably also means that Washburn isn't going anywhere. It's a statement to the fans that the rebuilding process is headed in the right direction. That's an important message in a market like Seattle. They've been a pleasant surprise this year.

Jeff (Chicago)

What do the Cubs need to do before Friday's deadline? Could Cubs fans expect a left-handed reliever like Arthur Rhodes?

Steve Phillips

  (3:24 PM)

I think the Cubs definitley are looking to add a left handed reliever. I would also like to see them make a move for Freddy Sanchez from the Pirates. The Cubs offense has been intermitent this year. Sanchez is a consistent performer. If they got Sanchez, it would protect them on the health of Ramirez. It would free up Fontenot to play third if Ramirez went down.

JAY (Detroit)

Steve Will the Tigers add a bat for there Lineup?

Steve Phillips

  (3:26 PM)

The Tigers could probably use a backup catcher another reliever and maybe a corner outfielder. I don't get the impression that they have the financial backing to make a play for a big bat. I would have loved to have seen them get into the Halladay sweepstakes, but that doesn't look like it's going to happen. Dave Dombrowski is one of the best out there so if there's a deal to be made, he'll get it done.

Donald (Mo)

Steve,If the Braves could get another bat would you then consider them as a real contender?

Steve Phillips

  (3:27 PM)

The Braves have great starting pitching depth and some options in the bullpen, as long as the relievers stay healthy. Offense has been an issue. Though they've been better since the all-star break. They desperately need Chipper Jones and Garrett Anderson to play as much as possible and stay healthy. The Braves are an interesting thing, but I'm not sure they have enough speed or power to consistently score to support the pitching.

Zach (Williamsburg)

Steve, do you see the Orioles moving George Sherrill and if they do what could we expect in return?

Steve Phillips

  (3:29 PM)

There is a lot of speculation that the Orioles will move Huff, Sherrill and Baez, if their asking price is met. There has been a lot of comments that the Orioles are aiming high and that a deal could be difficult to make. Sherrill would be a very interesting option for teams that want protection in the closer's role or a left handed reliever who can get both left handed and right handed batters out. Sherrill is more than just a lefty specialist and he has a lot of pedigree.

Charlie (Monterey Park, CA)

Is it a mistake if the Dodgers stand pat for the deadline? We really need an ace.

Steve Phillips

  (3:30 PM)

I think the Dodgers could use some bullpen help for sure, and potentially another starting pitcher. There were rumors of a potential Aaron Harang and David Weathers from the Reds, but nothing seems to be happening from that.

Adam (Holland, PA)

Do you think the Phillies are done?

Steve Phillips

  (3:31 PM)

I think that the Phillies may still consider adding a reliever, especially with the fact that they have three members of the 'pen on the disabled list. The good news for Phillies fans yet, because they didn't give up any of their blue chip players in the Lee deal, they still have the flexibility to consider other options.

Derek (Minneaoplis, MN)

Do you see the Twins picking up any middle infield or bullpen help in the next day? Or possibly a starting pitcher now that Slowey is likely out for the year?

Steve Phillips

  (3:33 PM)

The Twins are looking for a shortstop as well as some bullpen depth. There has been a lot of speculation about Orlando Cabrera landing in Minnesota. But there are not a lot of teams looking at shortstop, so if there were any deals to be made,I would think they might have been done by now. THe Twins are still in the race, but with the loss of Slowey, that hurts. Don't count them out just yet. I still think they can win that division.

Mike (Coppell, TX)

Steve - Rangers are at a fascinating position it seems. Top-rated farm system that is bulging with pitching; and are contending a year early (vs. their plan for 2010) . Considering the fiscal problems they are having, what do you see them doing at the deadline?

Steve Phillips

  (3:34 PM)

Texas has had some discussions on the Halladay sweepstakes. My guess is that they're going to be limited for some of their considerations because of their rumored financial issues. It's too bad because the Angels have fallen back to the pack some and it's there for the taking.

Andrew (Jerusalem Israel)

As a Phillies fan, I'm extremely happy with the deal, but now we have four left handed starters, don't you think that could be problematic come playoff time? I mean it makes pitching a bit more predictable doesn't it?

Steve Phillips

  (3:35 PM)

The Phillies are a bit left handed dominant now with their pitching, just like their lineup. It hasn't hurt them offensively by any means. I suspect it will not hurt them that much with their pitching. They have four quality left handers. Despite their similarities they have enough differences to keep the other team off balance. I would much rather have four left handers than four right handers in my rotation.

Justin (New York)

What do you see the Yankees doing? If the Red Sox keep talking to the Jays about Halladay, will it force the Yankees to make an offer?

Steve Phillips

  (3:37 PM)

There is more pressure now on the Yankees and Red Sox with Halladay still available. If one or the other gets him, that team has a distinct advantage. The Yankees are already rumored to be in discussion with other starters on the marketplace. I think we're going to see those two AL East teams take it right to the wire on Friday afternoon.

Steve Phillips

  (3:38 PM)

It's going to be an exciting trade deadline and an even more exciting end to the season. Looking forward to breaking it down next week.