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MLB Trade Rumors: Cliff Lee To The Phillies?

The Phillies are apparently the "mystery" team, and Jim Salisbury from Comcast Sports Network has the following tweet:

Well placed source says Lee deciision is close and Philsi are finalist w Yanks and Rangers.

Wow. Imagine that starting rotation of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels? We may know more later this evening, but Lee apparently loved his time in Philly. The Phillies are working to deal starter Joe Blanton to fit Lee under their budget.

Update: (Monday 9:26PM):

Tweet from ESPN's Jayson Stark on the Phils chances of dealing Joe Blanton:

Surveyed 3 teams to see if Joe Blanton is moveable if #Phillies sign Lee. Consensus was yes, but they'd have to eat half his $17M remaining.

17 minutes ago via web

Update (Monday 9:33pm):

From ESPN's Jerry Crasnick

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. traded Lee to Seattle last December in conjunction with the team's acquisition of Roy Halladay from Toronto, but sources said Lee developed a fondness for his teammates and the city of Philadelphia and would be interested in returning if the Phillies can come up with a package that's competitive with the Yankees and Rangers. If the Phillies were able to pull off a Lee signing, he would join Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels in a dream rotation for Philadelphia.

Update: (Monday 9:53pm):

Tweet from Jack Curry from YES

Wonder what has taken Cliff Lee so long? There is a belief he is heading to the Phillies

8 minutes ago via Mobile Web

Wow....this is really starting to look very bad for the Yankees, in my opinion. They said today that Zack Greinke is not their fallback option should Lee sign elsewhere, but you have to think they will make a play for Greinke, right? Then again, the Royals want starting pitching and up-the-middle prospects for Greinke. The Yankees have the pitching prospects, but not a top up-the-middle prospect.