Amaro Says He's Looking To Sell, But Improve

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Phillies hit the MLB all-star break 11 games under .500 and 10 games back in the National League East. Not exactly what general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. was hoping for when compiling the roster in the offseason.

Now, just about two weeks away from the July 31st trade deadline, Amaro wants to sell while improving.

"I would think so, but with that said, it's more about improving," Amaro told Angelo Cataldi and the WIP Morning Show on Tuesday when asked if he is in 'sell-mode.' "I think we're always kind of rebuilding and that's where we're at.  I don't think that---as I said before---I don't think the fan base and I don't think we're in a position necessarily, where our finances are and the support that we get in the community, to put our organization in a position to say, 'OK you know what, we're just going to be bad for about five or six years and that's OK.' That's not OK. That's not OK with me. Our job is to try to build a contender and try to be a contender every year. Now, we may have to take a couple steps back to move forward and at least at this moment that's what I'm thinking, but things can change a lot over the next couple of weeks and we'll see where it goes."

Listen: Ruben Amaro Jr. on the WIP Morning Show

The Phillies only 2014 all-star is Chase Utley, who expressed his love for Philadelphia when asked about the possibility of being traded. Utley has a full no-trade clause as part of MLB's 10-5 rule, but Amaro says he must listen to all offers, including ones for the beloved second baseman.

"Chase has always been a guy who expressed he's in it for the long haul and I'd be happy to have him be part of that," Amaro explained on Tuesday. "That said, it would be stupid of me not to at least keep our eyes and ears open on possibility that can make us better. I'd rather do it with Chase on our club---I'd rather do it with several guys on our club---at the same time we certainly have to keep our minds and eyes open as far as what can make us better for the future."

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