[h1]Dodgers, Indians in serious talks about Lee[/h1] [h2]by Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, FOXSports.com[/h2]
The Dodgers and Indians are in serious discussions about a blockbuster that would send left-hander Cliff Lee and catcher Victor Martinez to Los Angeles for first baseman James Loney, one of the Dodgers' young starting pitchers and prospects, according to major-league sources.
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| James Loney could be on his way to Cleveland. (Stephen Dunn / Getty Images) |
The deal still faces significant obstacles due to the number and nature of players involved, one of the sources said. But the Dodgers clearly are not content with their club, even though they have built a wide lead in the NL West and the best record in the National League.
If the deal occurs, the Dodgers would control Lee and Martinez not only for the rest of this season but also for all of 2010. Both players are under affordable club options for next season, increasing the Dodgers' willingness to pay a steep price.
It is not known whether the Dodgers would part with left-hander Clayton Kershaw or right-hander Chad Billingsley in the package. Class AA third baseman Josh Bell, Class AA outfielder Andrew Lambo and Class AAA right-hander Josh Lindblom are among the prospects under discussion.
Martinez presumably would play first base for the Dodgers, replacing Loney. Lee would replace Kershaw or Billingsley, giving manager Joe Torre the more experienced starter that he covets.
