Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco are headed to the Phillies for four prospects, if all the players involved pass their physicals.The deal, according to one American League executive, could become official "within 10 to 24 hours."
Lee is expected to make his next start Friday for Philadelphia. The Indians will receive right-handed pitchers Carlos Carrasco and Jason Knapp, catcher Lou Marson and infielder Jason Donald.
The player the Indians didn't get was right-hander Kyle Drabek, the Phillies' top pitching prospect. The Phillies' refusal to give up Drabek for Toronto's Roy Halladay led the Phillies to pursue Lee.
"If Drabek isn't going to go for Roy Halladay, he's not going for Cliff Lee," said one source.Knapp, reportedly the key to the trade, is still on the disabled list. Donald just came off the disabled list following knee surgery.
The is the second year in a row the Indians have traded a Cy Young winner. CC Sabathia went in 2008 and Lee is headed out today.
Knapp, 6-5, 230, has been clocked throwing his fastball at 99 mph and is consistently clocked around 95 mph.
Lee is making $5.75 million this year. The Indians held a $9 million club option on him for 2010. He will be a free agent after 2010.
It was clear the Indians weren't going to be able to sign Lee to a multiyear deal when they turned down his request for an extension in spring training.
Francisco is making $421,400. Francisco is hot right now. He's hitting .329 (23-for-70) with five homers and 10 RBI in July.
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