Wes Helms traded to Marlins

Looks like the Phillies will get something for Wes Helms after all. Helms was designated for assignment last Wednesday, and the speculation was that the Phillies would lose him for nothing. After 10 days Helms would have been free to sign with any team, but, according to Todd Zolecki of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phils managed to trade him to the Marlins for cash.

This could be one of Pat Gillick's best moves ever: actually getting something in exchange for Helms. Helms returns to Florida, where he had his best season back in 2006. He will have plenty of opportunities to get his revenge on the team that dumped him, with the Marlins being a division rival of the Phillies.

The cash the Phillies got for Helms will hopefully be used down the road to fill holes in their bullpen.

Phillies Drop Helms

The Wes Helms Era is over in Philadelphia. With the recent signing of Rudy Seanez, the Phillies had to get rid of one player from their roster to make room, and Helms was the victim. Helms was designated for assignment, meaning the team has 10 days to trade or release him. Helms is owed just over 2 million for the rest of the season, which the Phillies will have to pay if they end up releasing him.

Since the signing of third baseman Pedro Feliz, Helms' days have been numbered. Helms has been a man without a position, and would have been relegated to pinch hitting duty if he remained with the team. Helms could end up being picked up by the Dodgers or Giants, two teams that have been rumored to have interest, but neither of them would trade for Helms when they can just wait for him to be released.

Helms was nothing short of a disappointment in his one year with the Phillies. Coming off a career year with the Marlins in 2006, where he posted a career-high .329 batting average, the Phillies took a chance on Helms being their everyday third baseman and signed him. The move backfired, as Helms' average dipped to .247 and he had a meager .297 on base percentage in 2007. Helms could have had some value as a pinch hitter, but there was no room for him on the roster.

The Phillies will still have to make one more move when Brad Lidge comes off the disabled list, which may happen on Saturday. The next likely player to go will be recently acquired Tim Lahey, who would have to be offered back to the Minnesota Twins.

It's the end of Wes Helms' career in Philly. Is anyone sad to see him go?

Snelling on waivers, Phillies interested in Freel?

Another roster move, and a confusing rumor as we approach Opening Day:

*Chris Snelling placed on waivers It appears that Wes Helms has won the last bench spot over Chris Snelling, who was subsequently waived. Snelling can't be sent to the minors until he clears waivers, so right now he is up for grabs. There are plenty of teams that are looking for outfield depth, so I would expect Snelling to get claimed.

*Phillies interested in Ryan Freel? Here is a rumor that makes very little sense, from MLBTraderumors.com. The Reds have been shopping Ryan Freel all spring, and it appears that the Phillies, along with the Twins, are showing interest in acquiring the versatile Freel, who can play second, third and all three outfield positions. I would be all for the Phillies getting Freel, a hustle guy who steals a ton of bases. Unfortunately, there is nowhere for him to play. The Phillies are set in the infield, and they just waived Snelling, which still leaves them with five outfielders. Freel would be an upgrade over someone like So Taguchi, but I just can't see Pat Gillick making a move for a player that has no position to play. Also, the Reds likely want pitching for Freel, and the Phils aren't exactly stacked in that department.

There are still rumors circulating that the Phillies are trying to find a taker for Wes Helms, with the Giants still in the mix. I don't have high hopes that Gillick will find a taker.

Phils Rumor: Helms to San Francisco for Kline

Wes Helms doesn't have a position on the Phillies this year. With the signing of Pedro Feliz, a right-handed third baseman, Helms has become redundant. Yes, he can play first base if Ryan Howard needs a rest, but so can a number of players already on the roster. Therefore, Helms has been the subject of quite a few trade rumors this spring.

The Phillies would love to move Helms, but his 2 million dollar salary makes it difficult. The Marlins were interested in Helms at one point, but they hate taking on salary, so a deal with them is unlikely. The San Francisco Giants are the latest team that might want Helms.

The Giants are desperate for a third baseman. Ever since Pedro Feliz signed with the Phillies, the Giants have been looking for a replacement. They have been involved in talks with the White Sox about Joe Crede, but the Giants would have to give up something of value to get him. The rumor being floated around now is that the Giants would trade lefty reliever Steve Kline to the Phillies for Wes Helms.

This deal makes sense for both teams. Kline makes almost as much as Helms, so financially it works out. The Phillies are also seeking another lefty, and although Kline isn't much of a pitcher, he's your typical LOOGY. He'll get you a few outs a week against tough lefty hitters.

The Phillies should jump on any offer for Wes Helms that gets them a serviceable major league pitcher, so I would be all for this move. Kline won't light the world on fire, but he'll still be more useful to the Phils than Helms ever would be.