Trade Rumors: Philadelphia Phillies Cliff Lee to Arizona Diamondbacks?

By Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

With the trade deadline just a few hours away, the Arizona Diamondbacks are looking to acquire an ace pitcher.

• The Diamondbacks may have discussed a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies involving Cliff Lee and Justin Upton, according to FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal. Felix Hernandez could also be on the D-Backs’ radar. It’s unclear whether either player is available, however. The Mariners front office has been adamant about keeping Hernandez, and Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick recently said there was a good chance Upton will remain with the team through the deadline. CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman checked with Seattle Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik, who said he hasn’t changed his mind about trading Hernandez.

• The Philadelphia Phillies willingness to trade Cliff Lee, and the Red Sox willingness to deal Josh Beckett shows how much each team wants to restructure their finances, according to the New York Post’s Joel Sherman. Sherman also notes that the New York Yankees are unlikely to make a big move.

Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles talk Joe Blanton’s Medicals

By Jack Moore | CBSSports.com

The Philadelphia Phillies have faxed Joe Blanton’s medical records to the Baltimore Orioles‘ team orthopedist, a potential first step in approving a trade, Roch Kubatko of MASN reported Monday.

Blanton is in the final year of a three-year, $24 million contract and with the Phillies 16.5 games out of the NL East race holds value only as a trade chip. He has struggled with the home run ball this season, allowing 22 in 20 starts, the main factor behind his 4.59 ERA. Still, a fantastic 118:15 K:BB ratio gives teams like the Orioles reason to hope.

Joe Blanton has struggled with elbow injuries recently, making multiple trips to the disabled list in 2011 with right elbow inflammation.