Bedtime Fan Fuss - Is Philly really undesirable?

As the Phillies continue to sit by and settle for players like Ryan Franklin (who is a combined 23-44 as a starter the past three seasons), other teams have discovered a way to quiet their stars' trade demands. Just wait for the Phillies to offer Bobby Abreu.

Once again last week, Philadelphia tried to send Abreu packing to no avail. This time, the trade offer was for the disgruntled Baltimore Oriole Miguel Tejada, a perennial MVP candidate. Tejada made his trade demand a couple of times, most recently on Dec. 29. Within 37 hours of hearing the rumors that he might be shipped to the City of Brotherly Love, Tejada rescinded his demands and reaffirmed his commitment to Baltimore.

It got me thinking, is Philly really undesirable. Sure it's muggy in the summer, but with the harvest of cash his contract guarantees him, Tejada could fly himself, and a planeload of Dominicans, to and from every series. He wouldn't have had to spend the winters in town. It's the fourth largest market in the country, grander than that of the Orioles. And, Philadelphia's hitter-friendly stadium is newer.

So what could it be? Perhaps it's the front office's neutral approach to the improvement of the ball club. Tejada and others are not dumb in knowing that they would be the only star in town, and likely the main goat if team expectations are not achieved. The Phillies, as talented as they are, really have no names for the marquee, nor a face for the cover of the media guide. They're kind of like a "who's that?" team.

Sure the dumping of Jim Thome was a coup for the Phillies as they were able to move the huge contract of a broken player. But it is only a benefit if that money is spent on improving the team. Using the money to add bums like Franklin is equivalent to telling jokes at a funeral.