Cleveland Indians trade Cliff Lee, Ben Francisco to Philadelphia Phillies for four prospects

ANAHEIM,Calif -- 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 righthanded pitchers Carlos Carrasco, Jason Knapp, catcher Lou Marson and infielder Jason Donald.

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.

"This guy could be the key to the deal," said an MLB source. " He's got a great pitcher's body."

There is some thought that the Indians might not be done dealing, especially regarding Marson. The Indians have prospects Wyatt Toregas and Carlos Santana in the minors, so this might mean they would deal Marson, or possibly Victor Martinez.

Said one source, "The deal is about as official as an unofficial deal can be. Both sides are checking medicals."

Knapp, 18, is 2-7 with a 4.01 ERA at Class A Lakewood of the Sally League. He has 111 strikeouts and 39 walks in 85 1/3 innings. He's expected to come off the disabled list soon.

Donaldson, 24, just came off the disabled list following knee surgery. He's hitting .236 (49-for-2089) with one homer and 15 RBI. He hit .307 (57-for-362) with 19 doubles, four triples, 14 homers asnd 54 RBI at Class AA Reading last year. He also played well in the Arizona Fall League last year, making the all-prospect team.

Marson, 23, had 17 at-bats with the Phillies this year. He's hitting .294 (52-for-211) with one homer and 24 RBI at Leigh Valley.

Carrasco, the Phillies No.1 ranked pitching prospect for the last three years is 6-9 with a 5.18 ERA at Leigh Valley. He's made 20 starts, striking out 111 and walking 38 in 114 2/3 innings. Carrasco has not pitched well this year.

Last year Carrasco, 22, was 9-9 between Reading and Lehigh Valley with 155 strikeouts and 58 walks in 151 1/3 innings.

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