Phillies get Lee, Francisco from Tribe
Posted on: July 29, 2009 1:41 pm
Edited on: July 29, 2009 2:01 pm
Frustrated in their attempts to acquire Roy Halladay, the Phillies have acquired Cliff Lee from the Indians instead, multiple sources involved in the talks told CBSSports.com.
The teams were in heavy discussions this morning, and as of early afternoon, the deal had come together, pending physicals. The Phillies, who have been searching for a right-handed bat, will also get outfielder Ben Francisco from Cleveland.
The Phillies will send pitchers Jason Knapp and Carlos Carrasco, shortstop Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson to the Indians, an American League executive told CBSSports.com's Scott Miller.
Halladay was always the Phillies' first choice, but an asking price that began with both Kyle Drabek and J.A. Happ was deemed too high by some in the Phillies front office. Lee, who won the 2008 American League Cy Young award and is having a good follow-up season, was regarded as a reasonable backup plan.
The Indians had also scouted Drabek, but he isn't in the trade. While Knapp is still in Class A, some scouts regard him even more highly than Drabek.
Posted on: July 29, 2009 1:41 pm
Edited on: July 29, 2009 2:01 pm
Frustrated in their attempts to acquire Roy Halladay, the Phillies have acquired Cliff Lee from the Indians instead, multiple sources involved in the talks told CBSSports.com.
The teams were in heavy discussions this morning, and as of early afternoon, the deal had come together, pending physicals. The Phillies, who have been searching for a right-handed bat, will also get outfielder Ben Francisco from Cleveland.
The Phillies will send pitchers Jason Knapp and Carlos Carrasco, shortstop Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson to the Indians, an American League executive told CBSSports.com's Scott Miller.
Halladay was always the Phillies' first choice, but an asking price that began with both Kyle Drabek and J.A. Happ was deemed too high by some in the Phillies front office. Lee, who won the 2008 American League Cy Young award and is having a good follow-up season, was regarded as a reasonable backup plan.
The Indians had also scouted Drabek, but he isn't in the trade. While Knapp is still in Class A, some scouts regard him even more highly than Drabek.
There was no way the Indians were ever getting Drabek. If the Phillies were not going to give the BlueJays Drabek for Halladay then there was no way they would give him to Cleveland for Lee. I am not sure how much you know about the prospects that the Indians just landed but Knapp is only 18 and throws 99 mph, Marson is a very good catcher who played for team USA last year in the Summer Olympics, and Donald is also very good but would have never played in Philly because of Rollins. IMO I would much rather have Knapp then Happ. Happ is nothing more then a career 3 man. Some scouts say that Knapp has a better chance to be an ace at the top level then Drabek. I could understand why your mad now but in three years this deal could work out very well for the Tribe.
I haven't seen any team tank their roster this bad since Charlie O (?) with the A's back in the 70s.
both the Tribe and the Pirates are simply turning over their entire roster.
Shame for fans of those teams.
both the Tribe and the Pirates are simply turning over their entire roster.
Shame for fans of those teams.
Like the move a lot...however, and this will sound unpopular, but I wanted Jason Donald to stay on the team since J-Roll is getting weaker and weaker. Solid major league short stops are hard to find and guys like Furacal can make a killing even though he is hurt all the time. Welcome to Philly Mr. Lee.
Fivestarjake-nice work keeping it real.
Fivestarjake-nice work keeping it real.
