Blue Jays and Phillies talking Papelbon trade

Ken Rosenthal posted on Facebook(doesn't he have a paying gig somewhere) that the Blue Jays were talking to the Phillies about Jonathan Papelbon "late last week". Ken says the Cubs are interested too.

Papelbon, 34, is guaranteed more than $8 million for the rest of this season, and his $13 million option for next season will vest if he finishes 26 more games; he has finished 22 thus far.

The trade talks hinge on a sliding scale. The Phillies are willing to pay a large percentage of Papelbon's remaining money to land better prospects. The Jays and Cubs want to pay as little as possible in both dollars and players.

About the Jays talks:

The most recent talks between the Phillies and Jays were late last week. Since then, the Phils have increased their scouting of the Jays' minor-league affiliates, trying to identify players they might want in a trade.

Papelbon, 34, has a limited no-trade clause that allows him to block a deal to the Blue Jays, but the Jays do not believe that would be an issue.

Apparently the Cubs are still interested, even after signing Rafael Soriano.

Papelbon has a 1.13 ERA in 24 games, 24 innings. He's allowed 16 hits, 1 home run, 6 walks and 29 strikeouts and has 12 saves. I'll admit to a personal disliking of the guy. Maybe I can get over that, if he saves us some games.

The Jays have only had 6 saves this season, Brett Cecil's last save opportunity was May 4th, but odds are we will have some close wins, sooner or later.