The Phillies almost got rid of JA Happ and prospects for Jason Marquis and left fielder Ryan Spilborghs a few weeks ago. In fact, according to the New York Post’s Joel Sherman, the deal would have happened if the Rockies hadn’t gotten hot at just the right time:  before the Rockies started their insane hot streak, Jason Marquis and Spilborghs were almost traded to the Phillies. The two sides reportedly discussed a deal that would have sent Marquis and Spilborghs to the Phillies for left-hander J.A. Happ and prospects. When the Rockies moved into wild-card contention, the deal folded.Probably works out best for both teams. Happ is, quite frankly, the Phillies best and most consistent pitcher in 2009. He’s also 4 years younger than Marquis. Spilborghs would have been a decent right hander off the bench. A few other thoughts:

• Eric Bruntlett is simply an awful, awful player. Which leads me to wonder: why did the team bring him back but not Tadahito Iguchi? Gooch was great for the Phils two years ago as a fill in for Utley. So why is he playing for the Chiba Lotte Marines and Eric Bruntlett is playing for the World Champs?
• Philliesnation asks: how will benching help Rollins?
• We Should Be GMs compares Moyer to Eaton, and asks who should the Phils cut ASAP. I say Bruntlett, but Trashner is right up there.