First off, are we really supposed to believe Ed Wade’s attempt to flex muscle and his imagined Friday deadline? Like how long do you think Rube and Ed were on the phone before Rube’s stone cold silence broke Ed’s spirit? Two seconds? Five? No more.

Then, after imposing at least some will on Big Rube, getting him to offer up Brown and the Phillies’ two best prospects, Jarred Cosart and Jonathan Singleton, lame duck Wade still wasn't happy, allegedly.

Here’s the latest:

Ken Rosenthal confirms this report by Jayson Stark:

The reason for that is this: The Phillies initially offered their two best prospects, pitcher Jarred Cosart and first baseman Jonathan Singleton, and were told that wasn't enough. The Phillies then offered to include their right fielder, Domonic Brown. But the Astros, according to one team that spoke with them, would prefer to spin Brown elsewhere for multiple prospects than take him themselves.

 

In addition, Rosenthal also reports the Astros are trying to move Michael Bourn, Wandy Rodriguez, and Brett Myers.

Right now, most reports agree the Phillies are searching for a third team to enter the deal. Rob Ellis, on 610 WIP, said that team could be the Yankees.

I still have no problem moving all three of those guys, since the odds are only one turns out to be a legitimate Major League star… but Wade is out negotiating himself now. A boat’s a boat, but the mystery box could be anything. It could even be a boat!

Just take the boat, Ed.

I'll take the mystery box!

UPDATE: Jon Heyman still feels it will get done.

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Hot for Hunter.