Phillies need a Holliday?

As many of you know, the Phillies have been actively persuing a trade with the Rockies for outfielder Matt Holliday. Holliday is a great talent who consistently hits for average and has nice power, but is he worth the cost?

Here's the thing, Colorado is asking for top prospects along with a major league outfielder to replace Holliday. For the Phillies that could entail either Shane Victorino or Jayson Werth. In addition the Phillies would likely need to include top prospects such as IF Jason Donald, RHP Carlos Carrasco, and C Lou Marson. 

Holliday's contract expires at the end of the 2009 season, and will likely move onto a different team. Why? Because if any of you are familiar with his agent, Scott Boras, you will know that Boras is very aggressive and often pushes his clients to test the free agent market. 

As the offseason moves along it seems as if the Phillies are moving away from Holliday, and I think that is a good move. The Phils would need to deal their future to get a guy who would only be here for one year.

So who else is out there? 

One of the best options could be veteran Milton Bradley. Bradley is a free agent and finished the 2008 season with a .321 batting average, 22 long balls and knocked 77 runs for the Rangers.

However, Bradley comes with a lot of baggage. He has been involved in many on field altercations throughout his career, and has a fiery temper. Most recently, he made headlines while playing with San Diego by getting in a verbal altercation with first base umpire Mike Winters. Bradley tore his ACL during the argument while restrained by manager Bud Black. 

Besides Bradley and Holliday the Phils may also have some interest in Rays' free agent Rocco Baldelli. Baldelli was at one time a top prospect however has been plagued with medical issues throughout his career.

I say, let Holliday go for now (probably to the Cardinals), and focus on either Bradley or Baldelli.

I am a bit worried about Baldelli's health and whether or not he will be able to give 100% every game. 

I think that the Philadelphia is the perfect place for Bradley and I am really not worried about his issues. Should the Phillies sign him, I think Charlie and the boys will make it very clear before he even steps through the door that any antics will not be tolerated.