Phillies missed a chance to become the team to beat

With a chance to become the team to beat in the National League, the Phillies couldn't work out a deal to bring in a big bat or a left handed reliever.

General Manager Pat Gillick tried, I'll give him that. Unfortunately, trying doesn't bring championships. Gillick needed to get a big time deal done and he failed.

Reports had the Phillies possibly trading for Matt Holliday and Brian Fuentes a few weeks ago, but a deal could not be reached. The Rockies then decided not to be sellers.

The Phillies were also close to landing Manny Ramirez, but the star slugger instead went to Los Angeles in a three player deal.

Sure, the Phillies would have had to give up a lot of good prospects to make either of these deals, but the Phillies have a legitimate shot to win now. But they need another piece to do that.

Take the Angels for example. They are the best team in the majors, yet they were bold at the deadline and got stud first baseman Mark Tiexera. They found a way to make things happen. The Phillies did not.

Fortunatly for the Phils, the Mets and Marlins were unable to make any big moves either. The Marlins did get left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes.

All three teams still have major holes and a blockbuster trade for any would have given them a stranglehold on the division.

As is, all three teams will continue to struggle down the stretch and probably will not go far into the playoffs.

The Phillies had a chance to take control. They missed and will pay for it in September and October.