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Amaro Jr: "Perhaps That Great Baseball That They Once Played Is A Little Behind Us"

PHILADELPHIA (CBS)—That 2008 World Series parade feels like decades ago.

Since that glorious Red October about six years ago when the Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win the World Series, the Phillies (25-36) have steadily declined and now find themselves neck-and-neck with those same Rays (24-41) at the complete other end of the baseball spectrum.

Ruben Amaro Jr., who took over as Phillies general manager in 2009, finally admitted maybe that championship caliber team doesn't exist anymore.

"A lot of these players have brought some great baseball to us, perhaps that great baseball that they once played is a little behind us," Amaro Jr. told the WIP Morning Show during his weekly Tuesday morning phone call. "The bottom line is we have to do what is best for the organization and at the same time, we have to realize the fan base does connect with a lot of these guys."

Listen: Ruben Amaro Jr. on the WIP Morning Show

For the first time as general manager, Amaro Jr. will likely be looking to sell at the July 31st trade deadline. He says if that does come to fruition, fans will have to accept the rebuilding process.

"Every single day we have to asses whether or not we should add to this group or if we should start moving some of the group and some of the pieces to get better in the long term," Amaro Jr. said. "I will tell you that if we start to do that [sell], we're going to have to be accepting of the fact that it's going to be a bit of a struggle for a little while. How long? I don't know, but if we start to do that we are going to be relying on younger players who are not as seasoned and may not be prepared to play the type of baseball that a championship club may require."

 

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