Phillies stay course at deadline

A ton of chips would need to fall for the Red Sox to pry Michael Young out of Philadelphia. Credit: Getty Images

Is no news good news for the Phillies? Michael Young, Jonathan Papelbon, Cliff Lee, Carlos Ruiz and Chase Utley are still Phillies as the trade deadline has passed. The Phillies could still make a trade in August but for now Ruben Amaro is standing pat.

“We talked about some things,” Amaro said. “But we didn’t find anything that was satisfactory. I would like to upgrade the club. I’m looking toward the future. It will be a long haul for us to get back into the race. Crazier things have happened. But I have to be realistic. We could be looking more toward 2014 than 2013 at this point.”

That is the realistic view. The Phillies are well in the Atlanta Braves rearview mirror and far back in the wild-card race. It’s difficult to envision a club that has been over .500 for only four days this season to make a run at a playoff berth.

The Phillies were unable to shed some veteran players, who will be free agents at the end of the season. Michael Young may have made it difficult for Amaro to deal him. The established third baseman, who might have yielded a bullpen piece, reportedly was only interested in returning to the Texas Rangers via trade.

“I’m happy to stay here in Philly,” Young said. “I think we’re all happy with the way things worked out.”

Well, the Phillies’ organization would be happier if the club was within striking distance of Atlanta, who the Phillies host for a three-game series this weekend.

“We just have to win,” Young said. “We need to go on a winning streak.”

And hope the wheels fall off the Braves’ train. Atlanta, which isn’t exactly a powerhouse, fell apart in 2011.

“But when I look at the Phillies, I don’t see a team that has been on a winning streak all season long,” a NL scout said. “I don’t think it’s an issue that their due. I just don’t know if they can go on one. They need to go on a long winning streak to get back in the race.”