This from the Boston Herald:
We still don't really know who the particulars of the trade are, but I feel pretty confident that Crisp and Marte are the primary participants. The fact that the article goes on to say that "The Red Sox will send a package including reliever Guillermo Mota and prospect Andy Marte to the Indians" indicates that more than just Marte and Mota would be included in the trade, and probably more than Crisp would be going to Boston.
Jason Michaels has been a name mentioned on and off with the Indians. The Phillies have been using him as a platoon player in center field for most of his career, and with the acquisition of Aaron Rowand from Chicago, that probably won't continue to happen. Michaels' biggest positive is his ability to get on base (career OBP of .380). He can also play all three outfield positions, which would allow the Indians to move Casey Blake to left field.
Jeff DaVannon was also mentioned as a fallback if talks between the Indians and Phillies break down. I like Michaels a lot better, so hopefully it wouldn't come to that.
So while we don't have any specifics on the trade(s) just yet, it seems the two sides are getting real close to completing it. There's still a lot of fallout to cover if the deal does happen, but I'd like to wait until after if/when the trade is finalized.
UPDATE: The Globe chimes in with another update further confirming the extent and seriousness of the talks. All sources are consistent in indicating that the Indians' ability to obtain another outfielder is the main issue holdling up a trade, not their ability to come to terms with Boston. [Jay]
UPDATE: Paul Hoynes weighs in:
UPDATE: Sheldon Ocker weighs in, without much new to add: