Trade for reliever reportedly in works

01/23/2006
PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies' offseason search for much-needed bullpen help may have led them to the Cleveland Indians, and one of three possibilities.
Multiple baseball sources suggested Monday that outfielder Jason Michaels may be dealt to the Indians for either Guillermo Mota, Arthur Rhodes or David Riske. Representatives from the Phillies declined to comment, citing a policy of not discussing trade rumors.
Such a deal is contingent on Boston and Cleveland completing the speculated swap that would send Indians outfielder Coco Crisp to Boston for Mota and prospect Andy Marte. That deal is reportedly pending physicals, a stage the Phillies and Indians would have to complete before their deal could be announced.
The deal between the Indians and Red Sox, as well as the Phillies piece, has been widely speculated in local news outlets for the past few days. If a deal is consummated, it would guarantee Ryan Madson's switch to the starting rotation.
Michaels, 29, is coming off a season in which he set career highs in batting average (.304), on-base percentage (.399) and doubles. He spent most of his 105 games in center field, but has played all three outfield positions. He was rewarded this offseason with a $1.5 million contract.
Off the field is another story. He was arrested in July for allegedly punching an officer outside a Philadelphia nightclub. He avoided a trial last week and was placed on six months' probation and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. Also, the acquisition of Aaron Rowand and the expected fourth-outfielder status of Shane Victorino made Michaels expendable.
The reliever the Phillies acquire will likely become the team's primary setup man for closer Tom Gordon. All have had experience in late-inning situations as a setup man or closer.
Rhodes, the lone lefty of the group, is 36 and coming off a season in which he posted a 2.08 ERA in 43 1/3 innings, a rebound from a 5.12 ERA in 2004. A 15-year veteran, Rhodes is familiar with general manager Pat Gillick from their time together in Baltimore, from 1996-98. He has one year and $3.7 million remaining on his contract, part of which is being paid by the Pirates, who obtained him from Oakland in a deal for Jason Kendall, then flipped him to the Indians.
Mota, 32, is familiar with the National League East after spending the past 1 1/2 years with the Marlins. Last season wasn't his best, as he posted a 4.70 ERA in 56 games. He'll earn $3 million this season.
Riske, 29, agreed to a one-year, $1.8 contract last week. Setting up for Bob Wickman, the righty logged 73 2/3 innings, and allowed 55 hits. He allowed 11 homers, a cause for concern in Citizens Bank Park.

Source: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/