Second base has become a liability with the club as Ryan Goins, Devon Travis, and Darwin Barney have all failed to take the starting job and run with it. This team is known for its strong battling lineup, but the hole at second, both at the plate and in the field, could prove costly over the second half of the season.
A number of rumors have hit social media in recent weeks and while most are just fan speculation, there are a couple that make sense.
A couple of weeks back Joe Tricarico suggested the front office make an offer to Cincinnati for veteran Brandon Philips. The Reds are looking to move the 35-year-old, but he has a no-trade clause and reportedly rejected a couple offers. A chance to play in the post season and for a team with plenty of offensive firepower, however, could be just what is needed to pry the former second round draft pick out of Ohio.
Phillips isn’t setting the world on fire this season, batting just .256, but he did hit over .290 in the 2015 MLB season and has a career average of .272. Phillips also has a little pop in his bat and can steal a few bases if needed, making him a great fit for the Blue Jays.
Toronto find themselves six games back in the AL East, but just one game back in the race for a wild-card spot in the American League playoff race. Adding another veteran to help provide leadership in the locker room and a player that has the experience to help on the field, could be the boost this club needs to make a run like they did last year and once in the playoffs, anything can happen.
