I am just replying to Squire's insinuation that Arrieta is just making excuses for himself.
But I would say your response is in total agreement with me, highlighting the fact that it makes no difference. If he's "banged up" and pitching poorly he should go on the IL, if he's got a serious injury that he wants to pitch through but can't actually pitch well, he should go on the IL and if he needs surgery he's going on the IL. And as far as the Phillies trying to make the playoffs and address their rotation, the desperate need for an upgrade already stems in part from the fact that Arrieta has merely been adequate.
But of course, politics, and $20 million, and the not-unreasonable hope that, if the injury is manageable, an Arrieta who can turn it around is still better than anyone in AAA, will all play into it. The time to make a long-term investment still isn't here.
What it really does is put pressure on Klentak to come out of the all-star break with a starting pitcher, instead of waiting until July 30. But that would be costly.
Matt Gelb threw out the possiblity of Damon Jones being the next guy up.
Re: Hamels that just sounds like a bunch of talk radio people who think the Cubs season is over. They are in first place! They have the same record (and the same problems) as the Phillies. Too early to say if the Cubs are selling... or if the Phillies are buying.
Here's the source of the rumor:
At the end of the day I don't put any stock in the notion that the Cubs would do Hamels a favor. They will get the best deal that they can get, and he will likely approve it if there aren't alternatives. Just like when the Phillies traded him.