Phillies acquire Cliff Lee

[HollywoodLeo]

Phillies get Lee, Francisco from Tribe - CBSSports.com

Frustrated in their attempts to acquire Roy Halladay, the Phillies have acquired Cliff Lee from the Indians instead, multiple sources involved in the talks confirmed to 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.

[Kingdom]

Got a nice SP without giving up the players Toronto wanted for Halladay, not bad. But it's good to see Cleveland land several prospects with some potential, they're dreadful.

Victor Martinez next?

[Providence A's]

I wonder if Halladay gets moved at all now. If he does, it seems like it will be for less than they wanted from Philadelphia.

[ljshorty89]

Sounds like the Phils gave up their top position prospect, and 2 of their top 3 pitching prospects (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Seems like a lot to give, even though Lee is a good pitcher.

I wonder how Lee will adjust to the NL, but also to the bandbox the Phillies play in....

[Kingdom]

They avoided giving up Happ, Drabek, Brown, etc. it's not that bad. It could be good for both, cause Cleveland really did need some talent at the same time the phillies can't depend on the rotation they have. Rodrigo freakin' Lopez!

[Witlon]

Keeping Brown was the biggest coup for Philly, even though the Indians really had no need in adding outfield help.

Big winner of this trade in Cleveland?

Matt LaPorta should take over as the everyday LF.

[ljshorty89]

I dunno, I don't think as much of Happ as others do. I mean, Carrasco was one of their top prospect with Bastardo and Drabek. Donald is arguably their top position prospect. Knapp was considered as good or better than Drabek at the start of this season. I mean, they still gave a big haul...

[Shadow29]

Phillies prefer Drabek over Knapp. Donald didnt really have a position for the Phillies with Utley in the way, plus Taylor and Brown are rated higher within the organization. PLus we didnt give up Happ so we solidify the rotation without losing any production.

Plus now we dont need Pedro. Phew

[ljshorty89]

Phillies prefer Drabek over Knapp. Donald didnt really have a position for the Phillies with Utley in the way, plus Taylor and Brown are rated higher within the organization. PLus we didnt give up Happ so we solidify the rotation without losing any production.

Plus now we dont need Pedro. Phew

Alright, I'm just going on reports I've read. Are you really that high on Happ?

[Shadow29]

Well he's better than any other option unless Myers can live up to what he said and be back by September. Even then I dont know which Myers will show up.

He's better than Kendrick, and thats who he's usually compared to in the way he came in and won games. But he's got some good stuff and has always K'd quite a few people. I think he has staying power but I doubt he'll be a #1 or 2 in the end.

[ljshorty89]

Keeping Brown was the biggest coup for Philly, even though the Indians really had no need in adding outfield help.

Big winner of this trade in Cleveland?

Matt LaPorta should take over as the everyday LF.

Apparently not. LaPorta stuck in AAA, with Trevor Crowe getting the call up.

Well he's better than any other option unless Myers can live up to what he said and be back by September. Even then I dont know which Myers will show up.

He's better than Kendrick, and thats who he's usually compared to in the way he came in and won games. But he's got some good stuff and has always K'd quite a few people. I think he has staying power but I doubt he'll be a #1 or 2 in the end.

I see. I mean, Happ has been pretty good this year, and I agree he's better than Kendrick(who's a 4/5 starter at best). But to me, Happ projects only slightly better, a poor man's 3 or a decent 4....