John Grabow is one of the left-handed relievers the Phils are reportedly looking at (Keith Srakocic/ Associated Press)

With nine days remaining until the MLB trade deadline, the Phillies are still showing up in a few rumors despite getting the starting arm they were looking for in Joe Blanton. The defending NL East champs were recently featured in rumors of a potential blockbuster deal that would have landed Colorado releiver Brian Fuentes and slugger Matt Holliday. The deal would have most likely forced the Phillies to sell the farm and deplete them of any prospects.

New rumors have the Phillies looking at a pair of Pittsburgh Pirates lefties, John Grabow and Damaso Marte. Fuentes is also a left-handed releiver so it would appear Pat Gillick and the Phils do want to make one last move to give J.C. Romero a helping hand as he is currently the only lefty in the pen for the Fightin’s.

Currently tied with the Mets for bragging rights in the division, the Phillies will get their first chance to see if their recent trade made sense. Joe Blanton will make his first start as a Phil today against Mets ace Johan Santana who holds a record of 8-7.