The Phils get...Cliff Lee!?
by Scott Butler 7/29/09
The Phillies somewhat surprised everyone Wednesday by announcing they have traded for left-handed pitcher Cliff Lee. The Phillies received Cliff Lee and right-handed outfielder Ben Francisco from the Cleveland Indians for Jason Knapp, Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald and Lou Marson.
Considering the fact that the Phillies did not need to give up any of the players that Toronto demanded, it sure seems like Ruben Amaro, Jr. pulled a Houdini act. No, we did not get Halladay, but Cliff Lee is a close second. Those who wanted Roy Halladay will probably not be particularly excited about this deal, but the fact that we did not give any of our best prospects to get Lee is nothing short of amazing.
Here is a little more information on the players in the deal:
To the Phillies:
Cliff Lee is 31 years old and was the American League Cy Young winner last year and is 7-9 with a 3.14 ERA this season. He is making $5.75 million this year and has a $9 million club option for next season.
Ben Francisco is a 33 years old and played left field for the Indians this year. He is hitting .250 with 10 home runs and 33 RBI this season. His arrival most likely means that John Mayberry, Jr. will be heading back to Lehigh Valley.
To the Indians:
Jason Knapp is the centerpiece of the four-player package. A second-round pick in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, his fastball is clocked around 98 mph. He is just 18 and was 2-7 with a 4.01 ERA in Class A Lakewood, but some scouts have said recently that they think Knapp has more upside than Drabek.
Carrasco (6-9, 5.18 ERA) has struggled this season in Triple-A, but the Phillies remained high on him.
Infielder Jason Donald has struggled in Triple-A this year, hitting .235 with 2 home runs and 34 RBIs in Triple-A.
Catcher Lou Marson is hitting .294 with 1 homer and 24 RBI in Triple-A and has the potential to be an everyday catcher.294 1 24has the potential to be an everyday catcher.
If you read my previous articles, I did not want to mortgage the future for a pitcher that may only be here for a year and a half. But I also wanted a boost to the pitching staff. I love this deal because it adds a top-notch starter without giving any of our top prospects.
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