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Blockbuster LA-Cleveland deal unlikely

Rumored deal would have involved Loney, Lee, Martinez

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By Rhett Bollinger / MLB.com

07/26/09 5:59 PM ET

Major League sources told MLB.com on Sunday that there is no truth to FOXSports.com's report that the Dodgers are in serious talks with the Indians about a trade that would send left-hander Cliff Lee and catcher Victor Martinez to Los Angeles for first baseman James Loney, a young starting pitcher such as Clayton Kershaw or Chad Billingsley and prospects.

The sources told MLB.com that those players have not been formally discussed and that no deal is imminent.

The Dodgers, however, have scouted Lee recently but sources say the club has not had negotiations with the Indians about trading for both Lee and Martinez.

The Dodgers are interested in trading for an experienced starter such as Lee or the Blue Jays' Roy Halladay but have been reluctant to part with either Kershaw or Billingsley.

The original report also said that the Indians were looking at Double-A third baseman Josh Bell, Double-A outfielder Andrew Lambo, Triple-A left-hander Scott Elbert and Triple-A right-hander Josh Lindblom as part of the proposed trade.

Rhett Bollinger is a reporter for MLB.com This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.