PHILADELPHIA -
With the trades of outfielders Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence, the Phillies are essentially waving the white flag this year in the hopes of waving a championship pennant next year.
It's not a total rebuilding process, since we're keeping our core pitching staff of starters Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels along with closer Jonathan Papelbon.
Pence and Victorino, both fan favorites, had messages for Phillies fans Tuesday on Twitter.
Pence said, "Thank you Philadelphia for all your support and passion. Excited to see what awaits me in San Francisco! "
And Victorino said, "Mahalo to the @Phillies and the AMAZING fans in Philly for a great run. A lot of unforgettable memories in this city. I'll miss you guys!"
From his Shane Victorino Foundation Twitter account, the "Flyin' Hawaiian" said he has "amazing memories in Philly" and is "proud 2 leave a great legacy here with the @ShaneVictorino Nicetown Boys & Girls Club."
He then admitted that he had a tough moment watching highlights of his time as a Phillies player, and he sent a photo of him and his family heading to Los Angeles.
Victorino also tweeted Jimmy Rollins congratulations on his inside-the-park homer in Tuesday night's 8-0 win and added, "Thanks for being the guy I looked up to bro and showing me the way!"
Here's the haul the Phillies brought in for the two trades: For Victorino, they get two pitchers, reliever Josh Lindbloom, who is in the majors now, and Ethan Martin from Double-A.
For Pence, the Phillies get outfielder Nate Schierholtz, catching prospect Tommy Joseph, and pitcher Seth Rosin.
But the Phillies also free up cash, avoid the luxury tax and can make more moves in the future.
General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said the foundation is there for a championship.
"Well, we can't control the injuries and things that happen. But I do believe in my heart of hearts that we have the core, the nucleus of players that are going to be a championship-caliber club," Amaro said. "I could be wrong. I've been wrong before. But I think that with some of the flexibility that we have now and I think with the base of talent we have out here, we still have championship-caliber talent."
