Phillies among the finalists in fierce battle for All-Star closer

The Philadelphia Phillies still own Major League Baseball's best record. It just doesn't feel that way at the moment.

The Phillies, like many of the league's top teams, have sputtered in July. They haven't won a series since sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 11 and are 9-10 on the month overall, including 2-5 since the All-Star break.

Luckily, now is the time of year to improve upon an already-good roster, and the Phillies are committed to doing so. They acquired righty outfielder Austin Hays from the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, and they don't appear to be done shopping.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported on Saturday that the Phillies are among the finalists to acquire Miami Marlins closer Tanner Scott via trade. Scott, 30, is a free agent at the end of this season and is among the top closers in the league this season.

"(The Phillies are) among five more teams also at the front of the pack seeking the best closer sure to be dealt by the trade deadline," Heyman said.

The other top destinations for Scott are thought by Heyman to be the Dodgers, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Seattle Mariners.

It's easy to see why Scott is so heavily coveted at this season's deadline. Aside from being named the Marlins' lone All-Star this season, Scott has a 1.18 ERA, having not allowed an earned run since June 13. He's also punched out 53 batters in 45.2 innings.

Between José Alvarado, Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm, and Orion Kerkering, the Phillies have a deep group of relievers with great stuff, yet no true closer. Adding Scott as a strong option to at least compete for the full-time closer role would be a tremendous benefit.

However, there is clearly stiff competition for Scott's services, and between the Yankees, Orioles, and Dodgers, there is a lot of desperation considering how much those teams' bullpens have struggled of late.

Whether Philadelphia wins out in the Scott sweepstakes remains to be seen. But the rental lefty is virtually guaranteed to be moved, so we'll all know the answer by 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

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