Race For an Ace is Over: Phillies Acquire Cliff Lee From Indians

According to Fox Sports writer Ken Rosenthal, the Phillies and the Indians have reached an agreement that would send Cliff Lee to the Phillies in exchange for four minor-league players: pitchers Carlos Carrasco, Jason Knapp, infielder Jason Donald, and catcher Lou Marson. The deal is currently pending a review of medical records.

Many were wondering why Carrasco was scratched from his start in AAA Wednesday morning, while Donald and Marson were scratched from the lineup. Knapp, who turns 19 in August, is sidelined with an injury, however he is seen as the key piece of the deal, and he can throw about 97 mph and currently has one of the best strikeout ratios in all the minor leagues.

This means the Phillies got the ace they wanted without giving up any of their top prospects that were requested by Toronto. There is a possibility the Indians could send the Phils cash to cover part of Lee’s salary.

Philadelphia acquires the reigning AL Cy Young, who beat out Roy Halladay for the Cy Young last season, without giving up any of their top three prospects: Dominic Brown, Kyle Drabek, and Michael Taylor. Lee has the best ERA since the start of the second half, as he also leads the majors in innings pitched with 152 2/3, and a 3.14 ERA, despite posting a 7-9 record. 

On top of Lee, the Phillies got the right-handed bat they needed in Ben Francisco.

My question is, does this make the Phillies the favorite in the National League, better than the Dodgers and the Cardinals?

In my mind this deal puts them over the top and does make them the favorite in the National League, as the Phillies get the ace they need.