Phils' Blanton continues to draw attention

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CLEARWATER, Fla.Joe Blanton is one of the most popular guys in Florida these days.Not because hes a nice guy. (He really is.)Because hes a pitcher who could be had in a trade and those guys always get a lot of attention at this time of year.The usual gaggle of scouts smeared on sun block and gathered in the box seats behind the backstop to watch the Phillies righthander make his third start of the spring Thursday. They were joined quite noticeably by newcomers from Boston and Baltimore. The Red Sox are one of the clubs looking to add a veteran arm and the Orioles might be on that list, too.Blanton allowed three runshis first of the springon four hits over five innings of work in a 6-4 win over the Atlanta Braves. He struck out four and did not walk a batter. One of the runs he allowed came on a home run by Matt Diaz. The other two came in an inning when he allowed three singles.
Blanton said he was pleased with the way he felt physically. That is the most important concern for him this spring as he continues to prove his health after missing most of last season with an elbow injury.A healthy Blanton could impact the Phillies in one of two ways:The team could use him as one of its regular starters and ride him to his free agency. Maybe Blanton has a big year in red pinstripes. Its a win for him and a win for the Phillies.But the Phils could also find a club to take Blanton in a trade. Trading him is far from imperative, but the Phils would consider it. Their bulging payroll will once again be near the 178 million luxury tax threshold and dealing Blanton and all or some of his 8.5 million salary would give them some flexibility that could come in handy nowsources say the Phils are looking to trade for an infielderor at the July trade deadline. If Blanton is dealt, the Phils would slide Kyle Kendrick into the rotation. Team officials believe he is ready for the role.Blanton is not concerning himself with any of this.He has been traded once already in his career and has been the subject of more rumors that last three winters.Its a business, he said. I understand that. Just another year for me. Its better than being overlooked. Somebody trying to get you is always a positive.Our job as players is to get ready and play. We dont think about that stuff much. I hear it once in a while, but a lot of times theyre just rumors that float away. It doesnt bother me. The questions dont bother me.My dad hears it and tells me. Hell see something online and say, What do you think about it? and Ill say, I dont think about it. Its wasted effort.Blanton joined the Phillies in July 2008, in a trade from Oakland.I never listened to trade rumors in Oakland, he said. Sometimes its the one you dont hear about that creeps up and happens. I never heard Philly when I was with Oakland.Blanton was able to give scouts a look at his entire repertoire. He mixed in curveballs for the first time. He threw cutters and changeups and his bread-and-butter sinker.The scouts, no doubt, will continue to peek in on Blanton as the spring unfolds, but he wont pay any attention to them. Hell just continue to prepare to pitchmaybe for the Phillies, maybe for someone else.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com.

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