Some Phillies Links For You, July 2, 2012: Breaking Up is Hard to Do, All-Star Ruiz, Phillies Sign Dominican Outfielder

Cole Hamels: Trade Bait
An inevitable development, made all the more sad by the fact that a trade would mean I'd need a new screen name. While a trade is far from inevitable, and perhaps not even likely at this point, the mere fact that we are at this point is sobering.

Phillies' playoff hopes on life support
Once again, I quote the esteemed scholar Harold Bloom when I say: "No sh*t, Sherlock."

Smiling Halladay feeling no pain
Why is he smiling? Doesn't he know the fans are hurting?!!?!

Phillies Notes: Pitcher Roy Halladay aiming for return shortly after All-Star break
If he's not 100%, why rush? Just throwing good money after bad. Rest and reload for 2013.

Philadelphia Phillies Send Three Players To The 2012 All-Star Game In Kansas City - CBS Philly
Carlos Ruiz, Cole Hamels and Jonathon Papelbon will help make up the National League roster at the Midsummer Classic on July 10th in Kansas City.

The real sad thing is that Ruiz, who has been such an important and overlooked part of the team's success over the past few seasons, has been mostly overlooked. He finally breaks out with the bat, and the team is miserable.

Thome reports to O's ready for new role
Necessary, but sad. Good luck, Jim.

Yankees acquire RHP Chad Qualls from Phillies
Bold prediction: Chad Qualls turns it around in New York, posts solid numbers down the stretch. In response, I will huff paint.

Phillies' slugger Ryan Howard is a hit at Coca-Cola Park.
Coke and a smile, you S.O.B.s!

Baseball America Prospects Blog - Phillies Sign No. 20 International Prospect Jose Pujols
The Phillies jumped quickly after last night's midnight start to the International signing period. "Philadelphia has signed Dominican corner outfielder Jose Pujols for $540,000. Pujols, 16, has tremendous righthanded power and bat speed from his lanky 6'4", 175 pound frame."

Per BA's Ben Badler (@BenBadler), here's video of Pujols. Let the prospect fetishism commence!

National League East Check-In:

Washington Nationals Win, 8-4, Take Two Of Three From Atlanta Braves In Turner Field. - Federal Baseball
Pains me to say it, but if the Phillies are truly out of it, I hope the Nationals win this thing. The the alternatives are the Barves, Mets, and Marlins, it's a devil's bargain, but not a difficult choice.

Clayton Kershaw Comes Up Big For Dodgers - True Blue LA
Dodgers snap seven game losing streak, beating the Mets 8-3 thanks to some sloppy defense from the Metropolitans.