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Ruben Amaro Jr: "They Are This Poor"

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. is admitting changes will need to be made, as the Phillies are now 38-51 with the July 31st trade deadline on the horizon.

"It's disappointing, particularly the offense," Amaro told reporters before Monday night's game in Milwaukee against the Brewers. "What more can you say other than we're not swinging the bats very well. I didn't anticipate our guys being this poor. Because they are. They are this poor. We think that they're better, but they haven't shown it. So at some point we're going to have to make some changes. Some guys, once they are ready to play, may be factors for us."

Amaro then joined the WIP Morning Show on Tuesday and said, "Frankly, I stand by the remarks [made on Monday]. We just have not swung the bats well. I predict changes will be coming."

Listen: Ruben Amaro Jr. on the WIP Morning Show

The strong quotes from Amaro were prompted by the Phillies offensive struggles, as they have hit .170 in the previous six games before Monday night, losing 13 of their last 16 games to that point. The Phillies were swept on Sunday by the Pirates, the eighth time they have been swept this season.

"If we're going to make changes, we make changes to get better," Amaro said. "Everything we think about is thinking about how we can improve our club. Will we be better? That's what you have to analyze."

Amaro mentioned guys like Grady Sizemore, Darin Ruf, and Freddy Galvis---when healthy---as players he may call upon in the near future. When asked about Maikel Franco Amaro said, "He's swinging the bat well. Hey, listen, I'm looking for people who can swing the bat because we're not doing it here. If he gets to the point where he starts swinging the bat consistently, he's a guy who could be in play, too."

 

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