Prior to the Winter Meeting talks between the Cleveland Indians and the Arizona Diamondbacks, general manager Chris Antonetti was in talks with the Philadelphia Phillies over a deal that would have sent All-Star shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to the City of Brotherly Love.
Paul Hoynes of The Plain Dealer reports that in return, the Phillies would have sent pitcher Vance Worely and several prospects. After an 11-3 season in 2011 where the then 24-year-old Worley amassed an ERA of 3.01, he made 23 starts in 2012, going 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA. His season ended with right elbow surgery in September. Worley would allegedly be ready for spring training, but the Indians asked the Phillies to sweeten the offer. They refused.
Thus, Worley was traded to AL Central rival Minnesota for outfielder Ben Revere. To fill their hole at third base, where they would have wanted Cabrera to play, the Phillies acquired Michael Young from the Texas Rangers.
Starting pitching remains as a priority and the Indians are reportedly still in talks with the Arizona Diamondbacks with hopes of acquiring some combination of Trevor Bauer, Tyler Skaggs and other prospects.
[Related: Tribe Adds Reynolds, But Can’t Stop Here]
