LEE TO PHILLIES
The Philadelphia Phillies acquired pitcher Cliff Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco from the Cleveland Indians for pitchers Carlos Carrasco and Jason Knapp, catcher Lou Marson and shortstop Jason Donald.
What does it give the Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are still atop the NL East, despite losing No. 2 starter Brett Myers for most of this season, but they will need another top hurler behind Cole Hamels if they hope to head back to the Fall Classic. Enter Lee, who jump-started his career with last season's AL Cy Young award. The Phils also have the option to keep him around for next season if he pans out. Francisco is a nice depth addition for Philly's outfield. All-in-all, a nice deal for Philly, who wanted Roy Halladay but would have obviously had to give up more than this to get him.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
The Indians have financial issues due to their struggles of recent seasons, and here they get a nice package of potential core players for last year's Cy Young winner and a solid-but-not-stellar outfielder. The key is the pitching, since Carrasco has been seen as a potential ace for a few years now and Knapp is highly regarded. Both pitchers are struggling a little in the minors this season but both are also flamethrowers who can be dominant at times. Meanwhile, Donald has been one of the more underrated shortstop prospects in the minors for a while but, like Carrasco and Knapp, is struggling this season in the minors. The also-struggling Marson gives Cleveland nice depth at backstop, but is likely stuck behind top catching prospect Carlos Santana.
Fantasy impact
