I was thinking yesterday, watching the Phillies being terrible that we should trade for Cliff Lee. First, since we'd be assuming the final three years of his $20+ million contract (most of it, at least), we wouldn't have to give up any good prospects. The Phillies would be getting the sub-Cutter Dykstra type prospects. Also, from the Phillies perspective, they'd have enough money to resign Hamels, further reducing the type of prospects we'd be required to give up.
On the Nationals, Lee would be the substitute for Jackson as Jackson is likely to want a contract longer than three years. He'll sign for less per year but probably more years.
That's an interesting thought. Not sure if the Phils would trade him in division like that. I doubt it, especially if they do get Hamels sign, I'd imagine they'd still believe that Hamels/Lee/Halladay is still pretty dang good the next two to three years.
