Cards' DeRosa delivers shocking news to former Indians teammate Cliff Lee

ST. LOUIS -- Mark DeRosa was the bearer of shocking news Wednesday.

DeRosa, who was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals from Cleveland on June 27, called former Indians teammate Cliff Lee, the American League Cy Young Award winner in 2008, to congratulate him on being dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies.

The problem was, it was the first Lee had heard of it, leaving DeRosa in a somewhat ticklish situation.

"I said, 'It's coming across the ticker that you got traded to the Phillies,'" DeRosa said. "He was sitting in the clubhouse in Anaheim with Kerry Wood and said nothing had been told to him yet."

Lee, a left-hander who was 7-9 with a 3.14 ERA with the Indians, including a 3-0 victory over the Cardinals on June 14, was 22-3 with a 2.54 ERA last year.

The Phillies also acquired outfielder Ben Francisco in the trade, which sent four prospects to the fading Indians. Lee, 30, is making $5.75 million this season, and Philadelphia holds an option on him for 2010 at $8 million.

The Phillies shifted their attention to Lee after they were unable to put together a package for right-hander Roy Halladay that satisfied the Toronto Blue Jays.

"Cliff's a legitimate No. 1 starter," DeRosa said. "I hate the fact that he's going to Philly, but at the same time, I'm happy for him because he deserves to be pitching in some big games. He was a great teammate."

Both the Phillies and Cardinals began Wednesday in first place. Philadelphia held a seven-game lead over Florida and an eight-game bulge over Atlanta in the National League East; the Cardinals led the Cubs by one-half game, Houston by 2 1/2 games and Milwaukee by 4 1/2 games in the National League Central.

DeRosa knows it's not a stretch to believe he could face Lee in the postseason.

"Absolutely," he said. "I'm friends with a lot of guys in the league. But when the game starts, you say hi when they get on base. Besides that, you're trying to do your job."

DeRosa didn't want to leave Cleveland, but with the Indians falling out of contention and teams inquiring about his availability, he knew a trade was a distinct possibility.

"I'm blessed to be put back in an opportunity to win a championship and be back in the NL Central, battle, be around guys that care about winning and (play for) a manager that's probably going to the Hall of Fame, no question," De Rosa said. "For me, it's been a boost of energy."

DeRosa wasn't sure whether Cleveland would continue to break up its team after it traded him. There have been rumors that Wood, who has 14 saves in 18 chances and a 4.93 ERA, also is available. But Wood is earning $10 million this season and will make $10.5 next year.

Catcher Victor Martinez, who has 15 homers and 67 RBIs, could also be on his way out of Cleveland.

"I asked them that when I was traded: 'Is this the first of many moves?'" DeRosa said. "They didn't know at that time. For him to go, he's a bona fide No. 1. I'm sure they got a lot for him.

"I'm disappointed things didn't work out in Cleveland, but at the same time, I'm excited as heck to be here and for him, excited for him to be on a team that's probably going to be in the postseason and he's going to be pitching in some big-time games."

DeRosa hopes Lee doesn't endure a slow start with his new team. DeRosa went 0-for-15 before finally collecting a hit with the Cardinals. He also spent time on the disabled list after playing just three games with his new team.

"It was depressing coming over here and not getting a hit for 15 at-bats and getting hurt," DeRosa said. "But I trusted I was eventually going to hit a little bit."

DeRosa began Wednesday hitting .240 with the Cardinals (12-for-50), with half of his hits being home runs.