The Phillies opened the second half of their season with a 2-4 road trip through Pittsburgh and Minnesota. It should have been 4-2, but the bullpen blew a couple late-inning leads. The Phillies already had been looking for a late-inning reliever before the July 30 trade deadline, but the pen’s recent struggles only reinforced the idea that they must find somebody, not only to help them in the regular season, but in the postseason, too.

How far do the Phillies go? A half-season rental, which will be more affordable? Or a big fish who will carry a steep price?

Ruben shares his experiences acquiring Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt and Hunter Pence in consecutive trade deadlines from 2009-11.

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