By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
July 1 2014, 12:00PM EDT.
@Philabaseball

Having dropped eight of their last 10, the Phillies open a 10-game road trip Tuesday with a series against the Marlins.

The good news for the Phillies is the club has performed marginally better on the road this season than at home, but now they sit 10 games below .500 and 8 1/2 games off the pace in the NL East. 

"Not a good spot to be in," said Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg. "Hopefully with the day off on Monday and with some games on the road we can turn this thing around."

Sandberg won't admit it, but the Phillies are in deep trouble.

The payroll is fifth highest in baseball and the average age on the roster (31) is the oldest in the majors. Compounding matters, the team ranks near the bottom in every offensive category and has been dreadful at Citizens Bank Park.

Put everything together and you have a team in need of dismantling prior to the July 31 trade deadline.

Phillies Notes:  A.J. Burnett has a 2.59 ERA over his last four starts, but lost last week to the Marlins after surrendering three runs via three walks and five hits ... After hitting a pair of homers on Sunday, Marlon Byrd's .806 OPS ranks 11th among outfielders in the National League ... Sean O'Sullivan cleared waivers on Monday and has an option to declare free agency or accept an assignment to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

- The Philadelphia Baseball Review is the top baseball news source in Philadelphia, providing news coverage and analysis of the 2014 Phillies and baseball in the Philadelphia region.

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