The Yankees don't need another outfielder, even with Sheffield becoming a free agent. They have Damon, Matsui, Abreu, and Cabrera so the outfield is still a team strength and they have the option of resigning Sheffield.

Since the Yankees are still in "win now" mode, they must acquire proven major league pitching, both starters and relievers. The Phils would have to begin negotiations with Lieber and Gordon, then throw out as many names as possible that do not include Meyers and Hamels. Unfortunately, I cannot imagine a scenario in which the Phils could acquire A-Rod and not part with either Meyers or Hamels. As much as all Phils fans would drool over a lineup that included A-Rod, the Phils don't have enough pitching to be able to afford to give up Meyers or Hamels. Since those are exactly the type of players that the Yankees need, I don't think the the Phils can be serious contenders in the A-Rod sweepstakes.

I don't know whether I'd be okay with moving Utley just yet, although I do think that once his play starts to decline in a few  years, he'll decline rapidly.  And, let's not forget, if Utley were to be moved, the majority of the fanbase would have a collective heart attack.  So for that reason alone, he'd never be included.

He's hit .243, with a .313 OBP and a horrifying .318 SLG.  He's a singles-hitter who doesn't get many singles.  That's... not good.

Nunez to ARod is probably about an 8-game swing in the standings - you're essentially going from the very worst starter at that position to the very best.

I'm personally not one who thinks budgets are "hard"... I don't care what the expected profit margin is, and what targets they've set in order to achieve it.  Primarily because I think they're terrible at this, so I assume they're incorrect; secondly, because I think the addition of ARod, and some playoff baseball, would make the team hugely profitable, even if the payroll went $15M over "budget".

They've announced a payroll level, announced that they don't make money... I don't believe the 2nd part, which makes the first part a fairy tale.

I don't think the average fan cares if the talent is homegrown or not. Look at how popular Sal Fasano and Aaron Rowand were. They aren't even good baseball players! Jim Thome was revered like a god here, until he got banged up and his performance slipped. Homegrown player Pat Burrell is the #1 whipping boy in Philadelphia right now.

I don't know whether any realistic trade for A-Rod could be achieved by the Phillies, without weakening another area (starting pitching, particularly) to the point that the offensive upgrade no longer represents an improvement. And of course the salary considerations are significant. But it's certainly worth exploring.

(By the way, how would it be a "moral downgrade?")