Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
According to CSNPhilly.com, the Phillies turned down a Red Sox proposal in which the Sox would have sent Jacoby Ellsbury to Philadelphia in exchange for left-hander Cliff Lee.
"According to multiple sources, the Red Sox approached the Phillies about a Jacoby Ellsbury for Cliff Lee deal and were told that Lee was not available," the report said. "The Phils won’t break up their Lee-Cole Hamels-Roy Halladay trio. (Check back in July if the team is not in contention.)"
The Phillies needed a center fielder, but instead of trading for Ellsbury or pursuing any of the prominent free agent center fielders, the team traded for Twins center fielder Ben Revere. Red Sox team sources have said that the team would consider a trade of Ellsbury (in the aftermath of signing Shane Victorino) only if it meant a considerable upgrade to the team's rotation.
WEEI - Report: Phils said no on Ellsbury-for-Lee
Sorry for the extremely late dump. Today is not my day...
If you needed confirmation that the Red Sox intending on trading Ellsbury, here you go.
I actually like this trade for both clubs. Boston gets themselves another reliable starter to combat the bats in the AL East. Phillies get the major, and sorely needed, upgrade in their outfield. Win-Win.
But I don't blame Philadelphia for saying 'no thanks'; and I doubt their desire to keep their rotation intact was the deciding factor. I think it all comes down to Jacoby's contract situation. No one is going to ship of a quality starter (or any player of value, really) for a potential one-year rental.
Sure, Cherington will most likely be able to find a team willing to dump off a bloated contract, or maybe obtain another player whose contract is about to expire, but nobody willing to part with somebody like Cliff Lee. I do like the Sox being aggressive and trying to move Ellsbury. That's the right call. And I'm fully willing to accept a trade where Boston only gets 50 cents on the dollar. But we have several months to go before Spring Training.
A lot can change between now and then, or even in-season. A team, like Philadelphia, with an abundance of starting pitching, may realize they're an Ellsbury away from a World Series. Or Jacoby could just commit to someone long-term. Wouldn't that be nice.
Rest of the links:
Herald - Pedro Martinez ‘open’ to a Sox job | David Ortiz glad to be free of Bobby Valentine | Globe - Pedro Martinez: I pitched clean | David Ortiz not yet fully healthy | WEEI - Terry Francona to receive Boston BBWAA’s Emil Fuchs Award | CSNNE - Report: Dempster turns down Sox offer | Damon wanted to return to Red Sox
