This report comes from the Cleveland Plain dealer and Paul Hoynes.
Before Ben Revere and before Michael Young, the Phillies offseason course could have been much different had this deal gone down. According to Hoynes, the Phillies made a strong push for Cleveland Indians shortstop and number three hitter Asdrubal Cabrera but came up short in their pursuit:
Before the start of the winter meetings last week in Nashville, the two teams were talking about a trade that would have sent shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to Philadelphia for right-hander Vance Worley and prospects.
Philadelphia offered Worley and two prospects. Worley made 23 starts last season, going 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA, before having right elbow surgery in September. He was 11-3 with a 3.01 in 2011 and reportedly will be ready for spring training. The Indians asked the Phillies to sweeten the deal, but they said no.
Cabrera would have played third base for the Phillies.
This is a nice indication of Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro's approach to assembling the team: finding young, controllable players that could stick around for a while. A switch-hitter, Cabrera would have been a nice fit.
While the Indians look to trade Cabrera, their asking price is high and they may not find a taker.
