Phillies Acquire Cliff Lee

Multiple sources are reporting that the Phillies and Indians have agreed, pending physicals, on a deal that would send Cliff Lee to Philadelphia.
The Phillies would, reportedly, send RHP Carlos Carrasco (AAA), IF Jason Donald (AAA), C Lou Marson (AAA), and RHP Jason Knapp (A), to Cleveland, in exchange for Lee, and OF Ben Francisco.

While it is disappointing not to pick up Roy Halladay, acquiring Lee, without dealing top prospects Kyle Drabek, Dominic Brown, or Michael Taylor, is a great move. A rotation of Cole Hamels, Lee, Joe Blanton, J.A. Happ/Pedro Martinez could go deep in the playoffs, with Martinez/Happ/Rodrigo Lopez/Brett Myers bolstering the sagging bullpen. (Starter Jamie Moyer and reliever Chad Durbin seem likely to be the odd men out, when the playoffs start.)

Ben Francisco gives the Phils a legit RH bench bat/late-inning defensive replacement for Raul Ibanez. Eric Bruntlett can return to being a utility infielder, who is used sparingly. John Mayberry, Jr. can return to Lehigh Valley (AAA), and play more regularly.

As for the players the Phils gave up:
Jason Donald doesn't seem to be anything more than a utility infield prospect. Not a lot of upside there.
Lou Marson could be a suitable backup catcher, but likely won't hit (or field) well enough to supplant Carlos Ruiz. Travis D'Arnaud was the Phillies' likely "catcher of the future", even before this deal. (Unless you consider Sebastian Valle to be the "catcher of the future.")
Carlos Carrasco could be really good, #2 starter good. He has the stuff, but lacks the poise. However, he is certainly young enough to gain the necessary maturity to be a mid-rotation starter, and he has been very unlucky this season (in AAA).
Jason Knapp is an incredible prospect- 18 years old, throws high-90s heat. But anything could happen here, fireballers that young don't always pan out/stay healthy.

The Phils gave up some quality prospects, but they definitely improved their WFC II/III chances, without seriously jeopardizing their ability to contend in subsequent seasons.
Great job by Phillies' GM Ruben Amaro!

(Of course it would be a REALLY great job, if Amaro still managed to get Halladay. Don't see that happening though...)

Sub-Major Transactions (Taylor Promoted to AAA)

Outfielder Michael Taylor was promoted to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA).
The Phillies' top position prospect OPS'd .982, and wOBA'd .440, with the Reading Phillies (AA). The 23 year-old could be with the parent club in September, and competing for a roster spot next spring. Or, he could be traded in the Halladay Deal. (He should be on the "Untouchables List", with Kyle Drabek and Jason Knapp. But should anyone be untouchable, when dealing for Halladay?)

The Reading Phillies (AA) placed catcher Tuffy Gosewisch on the DL, with a left hand fracture. C/OF/1B Tim Kennelly was recalled from Clearwater (A).
Gosewisch is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. The 22 year-old, Australian-born Kennelly, a Florida State League All-Star, will split catching duties with Kevin Nelson.

Pitcher Scott Mathieson was promoted to Clearwater, from the GCL Phillies. Mathieson continues the journey back to the majors, where he threw 37 innings for the 2006 Phillies. Mathieson was a top Phillies' prospect, before arm woes (TJ surgery in 2007) set him back.

Threshers' starter Julian Sampson has been placed on the 7-Day Disabled List.
Sampson pitched well in Lakewood (low-A) last season (3.99 FIP), but has struggled with Clearwater (5.46 FIP).

Top prospects Dominic Brown and Freddy Galvis are rehabbing for the GCL Phillies (Rookie), and should return to the Threshers this week. Finally, some support in the lineup for Steve Susdorf!

Top prospect Jason Knapp of the Lakewood Phillies was placed on the 7-Day DL.
Knapp is expected to miss a couple of weeks with "arm fatigue." The 18 year-old northpaw, is one of the organization's untouchables (hopefully).