Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

WHAT A DAY THIS IS TURNING OUT TO BE!

Yesterday, the annual General Manager Meetings — more low-key than the famed “Winter Meetings,” but talks still happen — kicked off in Phoenix, where GMs will be able to start laying the groundwork for some trades and free agent signings and more. That’s where Ruben Amaro said this:

“We’re looking to improve in all areas. We’re looking to improve this year, but we’re more concerned with what we’re going to be doing down the road, improving down the road. Ultimately, you’d like to not have to take a step backward, but if that’s what we have to do for the longterm viability and sustainability of our club, that’s what we’ll try to do. Like I’ve said, we’re open to talk about anybody.”

But it’s not just “open to talk,” according to Jim Salisbury, who is reporting that the famed “rival executive” says the Phillies are “trying to blow the whole thing up,” and “everyone is for sale.” The biggest pieces the Phillies would be hesitant to move, according to this same executive, were Cole Hamels and Ken Giles. They should definitely be more hesitant about the guy who is 24.

Not on that “hesitant to move” list is Ryan Howard, who is reportedly rousing some interest within the Royals organization. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Royals think Howard could be their replacement for Billy Butler in the everyday DH role, but only if the Phillies are willing to eat most of his contract, which they reportedly are.

And as for the one piece – but not the big one – who could be coming in rather than going out? Yasmany Tomas’ agent met with Amaro yesterday, but they’re reportedly “just talking” at this point. The Phillies are still the frontrunner to land Tomas, but they’ve played spoiler to other people’s plans before — they are not down with O.P.P. — so anyone can do it to them.

UPDATE: Salisbury says the Royals thing is overblown, according to a source:

“Teams discuss every player,” the person said.

The Royals are looking for a designated hitter, but they’d prefer to add someone with more versatility, probably a player that can play some outfield, as well. Sounds like Marlon Byrd, another Phillie on the trading block, could be more of a fit for the Royals.

Dammit.