Phillies Deadline Dead: Victorino, Pence Head West in Trades with Dodgers and Giants; Blanton, Pierre Stay Put

The Phillies have been among baseball's most active teams at the July 31st trade deadline over the past few seasons. For the first time since 2006, though, they were selling and not buying.

First came the deal sending 2008 World Series champion and postseason hero Shane Victorino to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Phillies acquired relief pitcher Josh Lindblom and minor league pitcher Ethan Martin.

Late in the afternoon, the Phillies finalized the widely discussed Hunter Pence trade with the Giants, receiving outfielder Nate Schierholtz, Double-A catcher prospect Tommy Josephs, and High-A pitcher Seth Rosin.

Somewhat surprisingly, neither Joe Blanton nor Juan Pierre were dealt, although both are strong candidates for August trades, as both would likely be able to pass through waivers.

It's the end of an era. As recently as 2011, Victorino was the Phillies best position player over the whole season, and Pence seemed to be a major cog and a part of the Phillies' future.

In response to both moves, the prodigal kid Domonic Brown has been called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, and backup catcher Brian Schneider has been activated. Charlie Manuel has already indicated that Brown will play nearly every day. I hope so.

The Good Phight Crew will be breaking down the trades in more detail in the coming days. In the meantime, thanks for reading, and stick close.