Phillies trade Pence to Giants for catching prospect Joseph
The Philadelphia Phillies traded right fielder Hunter Pence to the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, parting with two of their starting outfielders in a span of about two hours to signal the start of a rebuilding phase for the five-time defending National League East champions.
The Phillies announced the trade Tuesday.
The Giants agreed to trade outfielder Nate Schierholtz, top catching prospect Tommy Joseph and minor league right-hander Seth Rosin to the Phillies in addition to cash considerations in the deal. Joseph, who also plays first base, was ranked the Giants' No. 2 prospect entering this season. He hit .260 with eight homers and 38 RBI in 80 games for Class AA Richmond this year. Rosin is not considered a high-level prospect. Schierholtz has six big league seasons under his belt with a .270 career batting average.
Pence, batting .271 with 17 home runs and 59 RBI for the Phillies, was acquired from the Astros last season and hit .314 with 22 home runs and 97 RBI in 154 total games.
Earlier Tuesday, the Phillies traded centerfielder Shane Victorino to the Dodgers.
The Giants reportedly were deep in discussions to acquire other outfield help, including a deal for Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano, but landed the younger -- and cheaper -- Pence instead. Pence is arbitration eligible before the 2013 season and has a $10.4 million salary for 2012.
All-Star MVP Melky Cabrera, acquired in an offseason trade with the Royals, is in the final season of his contract.
