As the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches, the Philadelphia Phillies still have the biggest trade chip in Cole Hamels.

Some executives believe that the market value for the left-hander is actually greater than it was earlier this season now that teams know where they stand.

However, teams that have spoken with the Phillies are still saying that Ruben Amaro Jr. remains "fixated" on players those clubs have continuously balked at trading. One sources said that at some point, Amaro will have to be "more creative" to get a deal done.

It has been reported that the Phillies are willing to pay a portion of what remains on Hamels' contract to facilitate a trade includes top prospects.