MLB Trade Rumors: Cliff Lee for Justin Upton?

Early this morning FoxSports Ken Rosenthal reported that the Diamondbacks are looking to trade for an ace starting pitcher, possibly dangling outfielder Justin Upton for said ace. Yesterday we learned that the Phillies are in fact making Lee available so this rumor may have legs.

The Dodgers dealt minor leaguers Leon Landry and Logan Bawcom to the Mariners for reliever Brandon League. With a bullpen that is already deep, it appears the Dodgers will be dealing Josh Lindblom to either the Phillies or the Cubs in return for Shane Victorino or Ryan Dempster. The Dodgers could replace Lindblom with League, and they also have Rubby de la Rosa rehabbing from Tommy John Surgery, so he could be added to the deep Dodgers bullpen in a few weeks as well.

If Upton is dealt, this increases the value of outfielder Gerardo Parra for fantasy owners. Parra offers a little bit of pop, solid BA and some stolen base potential.

Dempster has repeated to the Cubs front office that he will only accept a deal to the Dodgers, so this should happen by 4pm ET today, in my opinion, especially after the way Aaron Harang got hit around last night.

The Blue Jays traded outfielder Travis Snider to the Pirates for reliever Brad Lincoln late last night, so this ends the Snider era in Toronto. I am not sure how much playing time he will receiver in Piittsburgh, with Starlin Marte recently recalled from AAA. Maybe the Pirates will ultimately deal Marte for a starting pitcher or for Indians outfielder Shin-Soo Choo?

The Blue Jays also dealt minor league outfielder Eric Thames to the Mariners for reliever Steve Delabar. In two deals, the Blue Jays added bullpen help for two outfielders who probably had no future with the team. I guess this means the Blue Jays will get to see if Anthony Gose can be their center fielder of the future.