Hamels and Lidge for Halladay?

Even as the Phillies have accumulated their longest winning streak in nearly 20 years, much of the news flow has dealt with the team's efforts to acquire a prime time pitcher or two before the trading deadline.

And all the while, the current much-maligned staff has been nothing short of stellar, and deep. Happ, Blanton, Moyer and Lopez have been solid starters; Condrey, Durbin and Park have been exceptional as middle and long relievers; Madson seems to find an extra mile/hour in his fastball in each outing. And waiting in the wings, there are some very exciting minor league prospects.

But how's this for irony? The Phillies' two most unreliable pitchers may be their most celebrated hurlers - Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge. Hamels, while the victim of some bad luck and lack of offensive support, has been inconsistent since day 1, unable to hold leads and unable to get to the late innings.

Lidge has been doing a pretty good Mitch Williams/Flash Gordon imitation, digging a hole for himself with walks or hit batsmen as we close our eyes while he tries to climb out. It's becoming evident that his early season struggles were not injury-related as management tried to make out.

How about Lidge and Hamels for Roy Halladay? OK, just kidding.