Phillies acquire Lee

PHOENIX – The Philadelphia Phillies, not satisfied with last year’s World Series title, put themselves in position to be the first National League team in 33 years to repeat Wednesday, acquiring 2008 American League Cy Young winner Cliff Lee.

“We think we have a chance to win the World Series again,” said closer Brad Lidge, whose team is trying to become the first N.L. club to win back-to back titles since the Cincinnati Reds in 1975-76. “We’re getting a guy who can really help us in the postseason.”

The Phillies, who also acquired outfielder Ben Francisco in the deal with the Cleveland Indians, traded four prospects: Triple-A right-hander Carlos Carrasco, infielder Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson and Class A pitcher Jason Knapp.

The Phillies said it was most difficult to deal Knapp, 18, who throws 98 mph. Yet they were able to not trade any major leaguers and hang on to much of their top young talent, including pitchers Kyle Drabek and J.A. Happ and outfielders Michael Taylor and Dominic Brown.

“What’s so great about it, too, is that we’re still keeping our team intact,” outfielder Jayson Werth said. “It’s tough not to be happy.”

The Phillies have a formidable 1-2 punch in World Series MVP Cole Hamels and Lee. The rotation also features Happ, Joe Blanton and Jamie Moyer, with recently signed Pedro Martinez possibly making his debut next week.

Lee, a left-hander who is 7-9 with a 3.14 ERA, is the second defending Cy Young winner to be traded by the Indians in two years, after CC Sabathia was dealt to Milwaukee last year. Unlike Sabathia, who became a free agent, Lee, 30, has a $9 million club option for 2010.