The Philadelphia Phillies recently were dealt a heavy blow.
José Alvarado was suspended for 80 games after failing a performance-enhancing drug test. The Phillies' bullpen already was in question and now they will lose Alvarado for 80 games and he won't be eligible for the postseason.
The Phillies obviously are still one of the top teams in the league, but their bullpen needs some work and because of this, CBS Sports' R.J. Anderson made a list of potential fits for Philadelphia. One that stood out was Colorado Rockies breakout star Jake Bird.
"No. 7. Jake Bird, RHP, Colorado Rockies," Anderson said."A lot of front offices would look at Bird, in the midst of a career season fueled by the prioritization of his slider, and see an opportunity to sell high -- even if it means missing out on employing him for the rest of his team-control years. You never know what the Rockies are going to do, as their deadline (and year-round) approach often befuddles other organizations. As such, for as bad as Colorado has been this season, it's totally possible that the front office elects to hold here."
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Bird has been lights-out this season for the Rockies. He has appeared in 19 games so far this season with Colorado and has a 1.86 ERA and 35-to-14 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 29 innings pitched. He's 29 years old and isn't a big-name target so maybe the cost wouldn't be as high as for someone like Kenley Jansen.
Should the Phillies go after the Rockies breakout star?
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