Two key members of Philadelphia’s latest failed championship bid may be on their way back to the City of Brotherly Love and Falling Short.  Phillies GM Ruben Amaro acknowledged Wednesday that he’s had contact with Pedro’s agent, presumably to try to get Pedro to save the team’s pitching staff midway through the season for the second year in a row.  But Amaro “feverishly attempted to downplay that possibility” — probably not wanting to seem too eager despite J.A. Happ’s long trip to the DL and starters Kyle Kendrick (4.80 ERA) and Joe Blanton (7.28 ERA) struggling mightily.

Reports also have the Phillies interested in re-acquiring Cliff Lee if the Mariners decide to trade him next month.  In probably the worst move of this offseason, the Phillies let Lee go as part of a three-way deal that got them overrated and totally unproved sack of crap Roy “Billie” Halladay.

Through Thursday’s games, the Phillies are stuck in third place, 3.5 games out of the NL East lead and the NL Wild Card, so they could clearly use all the help they can get.