The Los Angeles Dodgers are out of the running for C.C. Sabathia, according to a major-league source, an indication that the Milwaukee Brewers may be nearing a trade for the Indians’ left hander.
The Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays also are bidding for Sabathia, but neither of those clubs are expected to top the Brewers’ offer.
Class AA outfielder Matt LaPorta is the centerpeice of the Brewers’ proposal. The Indians also are expected to receive two more prospects in the deal.
LaPorta, a right-handed slugger who is below-average defensively, would be a better fit for the American League. He was the Brewers’ first-round pick in 2007, and played first base at Florida, but the Brewers converted him to left field — a position occupied by Ryan Braun, who is signed through 2015.
The Indians badly need power. Center fielder Grady Sizemore leads the AL with 22 home runs, but designated hitter Travis Hafner hit only four before going on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain on May 30 and catcher Victor Martinez had zero before going on the DL June 12 with a right-elbow injury.
LaPorta has 20 home runs and 66 RBIs for Class AA Huntsville.
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