He Shall Be Lee-ving

July 29, 2009
Jul
29
Top 0Comments

Well, that was fast.

Barring any horrid findings from the ever-present physical exams (such as Lou Marson developing a sudden case of club feet or Ben Francisco's adamantium skeleton), Cliff Lee will be heading to the defending champion Philadelphia Phillies. The reported trade sends Lee and Francisco to the Phillies in exchange for minor leaguers Marson, Carlos Carrasco, Jason Knapp and Jason Donald, a somewhat lesser haul than, say, Roy Halladay would have brought.

Lee is an interesting case study in how one good year can change your fate. Long considered "just OK," Lee seemed consigned to a role as a lefty starter who hangs around for years and years by virtue of his handedness and durability. Of course, if a guy goes 22-3 while posting a 2.54 ERA, opinions of him will shift drastically. Lee's 2009 isn't quite up to his 2008, but teams who have seen what he can do aren't scared off by his 7-9 record ... or at least, the Phillies aren't.

The Phillies could definitely use the pitching help. Ace Cole Hamels has been underwhelming, and Jamie Moyer is showing his age. Joe Blanton has had a decent season, but Philadelphia has relied overmuch on J.A. Happ as of late. Now, the team has both Lee and Happ, as opposed to Halladay and no Happ. The prospects they gave up were good, but did the Indians get enough in return for their ace?
staticfish
“

This is a smart move by the Phillies. They find themselves searching for another arm to improve their rotation and solidify themselves as a NL powerhouse, and with Lee they accomplish both. It is true, Lee is not Doc Holliday, but as a supplemental talent, Lee will provide the shot in the arm necessary. In getting Cliff Lee, they gave up less and get a year and a half of upper-tier talent.

” -- staticfish
jwindle1975
“

The problem is not Shapiro or Wedge. It's Larry Dolan who isn't willing to be a buyer in the market. At least Dan Gilbert gets it that you have to spend money to get a winner. Until we get an owner that realizes that, the Indians will still look to recapture the "lightning in a bottle" method of getting guys before they turn into stars and locking them into longer term deals.

” -- jwindle1975
tybae40
“

This will make the Phillies extremely dangerous, but you have to question having that many finesse pitchers in your rotation. They almost completely rely on the umpire's strike zone. If the ump isn't giving them the corner strikes, they lose almost all effectiveness.

” -- tybae40

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Tags:

Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Indians, Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Ben Francisco, Lou Marson, Jason Donald, Carlos Carrasco

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