Blanton wasn't affected by trade rumors

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WASHINGTON -- About 15 minutes before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline, while many speculated about his future with the Phillies, Joe Blanton was throwing his normally scheduled bullpen session.

And as it turned out, though his name had been tossed around a lot in trade rumors, Blanton remained a Phillie when the deadline passed.

"I went out and threw my bullpen [session] like I always do," Blanton said. "That was right around the Trade Deadline time. Nobody stopped me. I guess they would have stopped me if they were going to do something."

Blanton (8-9. 4.59 ERA), whose name had often been connected to the Orioles over the last two days, said the last 24 hours leading to the Deadline were "like any other 24 hours." He added that he has "been in too many trade rumors to think about it."

"It is what it is," he said. "I mean, I was fine with whatever happened. If I stayed, I was happy, if I'm somewhere else, I'm happy. I'm good with whatever. I don't know. I know that's not a very good answer. I just never really thought about it. It was just another day."