Watch CBS News

Amaro On Buy Or Sell: "I Will Have A Much Better Idea At The All-Star Break"

PHILADELPHIA, PA (CBS) -- With the team currently sitting at 10 games below .500, Ruben Amaro Jr. has been forced to answer a lot of questions concerning the future of his team. The Phillies closed out the month of June with a four-game sweep at the hands of the Atlanta Braves and Amaro is fully aware that something may have to be done.

The organization, particularly Dave Montgomery, has expressed a desire to not implode the team's core but Amaro made it clear that the Phillies are answering the phone.

"We've had continuous conversations with several clubs," Amaro said on 94 WIP's Morning Show on Monday. "I've probably talked to 15-20 clubs."

Listen: Ruben Amaro Jr. On The 94 WIP Morning Show

The extent of those discussions is unknown as is the Phillies' intention in those talks. There is still some mystery as to whether the team is looking to buy some pieces to help them get back into the NL East race, or whether they are ready to move some of the team's key players.

"I will have a much better idea at the all-star break." Amaro said about whether or not the team should buy or sell. The Phillies have 13 games to go before the All-Star game and their record over that period will seemingly have an influence on Amaro's thinking.

Amaro admitted that on the team's most recent home stand, he was pleased with the overall pitching performance, but he was discouraged by his hitters approach at the plate. He even recalled some lessons imparted on the team by former manager, Charlie Manuel.

"Charlie Manuel used to talk about it all the time," Amaro said. "You've earned the right to get ahead in the count. Now you've earned the right to swing at a good pitch."

Amaro sees it as a combination of impatience and trying to do too much to cure their offensive woes.

The Phillies GM also addressed the idea of the team starting from the ground up and focusing on years down the line and he made it clear that an all out rebuild is more than likely not going to happen.

"In our marketplace, and with what our fan base is all about, I don't think [a total rebuild] is fair." Amaro said. "I don't think it's fair to them. I don't think it's fair to our organization. I don't think it's fair to the players on the field."

With two weeks until the All-Star break, the Phillies players will have to show ownership whether or not the core group is worth keeping together and whether or not the team should be buyers at the deadline. No matter how they perform, a full on fire sale does not appear to be in the cards.

You may also be interested in these Sports stories:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.