What should Ruben do?

There is snow on the ground Mid-February, so that means one thing, another baseball blog. The Phillies are vast approaching pitchers and catchers reporting to camp and the overhaul of the team is still incomplete. Since I know Ruben reads everybody's blog I'll throw my two cents in.

First is trading Papelbon: I do not care if we get any prospects for him, he is a cancer to the clubhouse. On a team that is trying to rebuild a team does not need a top line closer. With Ken Giles in the wings and a young bullpen in general let them grow without Papelbum.

Second is trading Howard: I have met Ryan Howard in person and he is really nice, and I will always root for him. Ruben though has made it clear that he does not want Howard anymore. If they have to eat 90% of the contract they have to do it. Howard clearly is done with Philly, and the best thing is to part ties. I think a good fit would be in Tampa. With Howard gone this frees 1st base for Ashe, Franco, or Ruff, and keep the youth movement going.

Third is signing Brandon Beachy: Sign him to a minor league deal and see if there anything left. At worst he is rotation depth. At best a good starter and maybe he could even be traded at the deadline to get more prospects.

These moves are for after the season start

Trade Carlos Ruiz: I love Chooch and he was an unsung hero when the phillies won in 2008. During the season a title contender team's catcher is going to get hurt, it has happen every year for like the last 5 years. Having a catcher who can control a staff will be very valuable to a team and maybe the Phils can get a good prospect in return

Trade Cliff Lee: As soon as Lee can prove he is pitching well and is healthy I would trade him. I think if you can get a decent prospect for him it would be worth the trade.

Last move trading Cole Hamels: This move should have been done months ago, but at least Ruben is afraid to pull the trigger. The Red Sox and Phillies are playing a game of chicken seeing who will blink first and cave in. The phillies need to stay strong now. If they want Betts they shouldn't settle, because they feel like they need to trade. Now we have to wait and hope Cole doesn't get hurt. Some team will fill they need an ace and make a big trade and get a big time prospect. Like last year when the A's trading for Jeff Samardzija.

So these are the moves I would make, tell me what you think on twitter @MCC612