Tribe deals Phillips to Reds for player, cash

He was Cleveland's starting second baseman in 2003, but struggled since.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Infielder Brandon Phillips, a one-time starter who never fulfilled expectations in Cleveland, was traded by the Indians Friday to the Cincinnati Reds for a player to be named or cash.
The clubs announced the deal shortly before the first pitch of the Indians' home opener against Minnesota.
Phillips won the starting job in spring training and was at second base for the Indians on opening day in 2003. But he struggled and was sent back to the minor leagues at the All-Star break after batting just .210 -- the AL's lowest average among qualifying players -- in 88 games.
Spent last two years in minors
The 24-year-old has spent most of the past two seasons at Triple-A Buffalo. He was a September call-up in each of the past two years, but batted just .129 (4-for-31) with one RBI.
"We feel Brandon still has a chance to be a very good major league player," Indians assistant general manager Chris Antonetti said. "It was a question of timing. His development and that of our team didn't align."
Also, the Indians had run out of options on Phillips, who came over with Grady Sizemore and Cliff Lee in the six-player deal that sent Bartolo Colon to the Montreal Expos in June 2002. Antonetti said there were "a handful of teams" interested in Phillips.
Already have three at second
The Reds seemed an unlikely fit. They've already got three second basemen -- Rich Aurilia, Tony Womack and Ryan Freel -- and an All-Star shortstop in Felipe Lopez.
"It wasn't too long ago that Brandon Phillips was one of the best prospects in baseball," Reds manager Jerry Narron said. "If you have a chance to get that type of player, you take a chance.
"I know it gives us too many guys at second, but that's just the chance we're going to take. We're going to do everything we can to try to make it work and try to get these pieces to fit."
Phillips was at his home in Georgia when the deal was struck. He plans to fly to Cincinnati today and be in uniform for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh.
Phillips had a decent spring training this year, but he couldn't beat out Ramon Vazquez for the Indians' utility infield spot.
Struggled with hitting
He has always been a spectacular fielder, even after being moved from shortstop to second base. But Phillips' swing has been his downfall. While with Cleveland, he fell in love with hitting home runs and despite efforts by the Indians to make him a better contact hitter, he never became one.
In 135 major league games, Phillips drew only 19 walks and struck out 92 times.