Rest easy, Nation: Lee becomes a Phillie
Posted by Pat Gallen, Wed, July 29, 2009 05:09 PM | Comments: 54
Analysis, News, Posts
All signs pointed toward Roy Halladay. For days and weeks, it was Roy this, and Roy that. Many a restless night was spent pondering the possibilities. What will it take to get Doc? Happ or Drabek? Brown or Taylor? Will Ruben let J.P. Ricciardi have his way? Forget about all of that, because the Philadelphia Phillies bagged another former Cy Young Award winner instead.
A deal was struck with the Cleveland Indians that will send lefty Cliff Lee, along with outfielder Ben Francisco, to Philadelphia in exchange for four minor leaguers. Those four players are 18-year old class-A pitcher Jason Knapp, 22-year old Carlos Carrasco, catcher Lou Marson, and infielder Jason Donald.
That bounty is FAR less than what the Toronto Blue Jays coveted for their star arm, and it’s sending shockwaves through the major leagues.
After failed attempts to nail down a deal for Halladay, the Phillies grew tired of the Jays exorbitant demands and made a counter move. By virtually stealing Lee, the Phillies now become the front-runner once again in the National League. The price they paid was miniscule compared to what Toronto wanted, and for the time being, Ruben Amaro resembles the GM-version of Einstein.
This trade conjures up an array of emotions for Phillies fans. On one hand, many are enthralled with the job Amaro has done in receiving a number one starter for relatively decent prospects. It’s also a move that may put even more distance on an already impressive NL East lead. On the other, Halladay was wanted so desperately that some will still be left wondering what life could have been like with arguably the best pitcher in the game.
Obtaining Lee guarantees the Phillies nothing. Certainly, on paper, they look mightier than their counterparts, but while Lee does make it a two-horse team at the top, there are still questions surrounding him. Many wondered if last season was a fluke. He won 22 games after spending much of the 2007 season in the minor leagues. Don’t forget, he was scuffling for quite a while before he found his present form.
Lee, also, has not been as dominant as last season. In 223.1 innings in ’08, Lee allowed just 214 hits and only 63 earned runs. In 152 innings this year, he has given up 165 hits, and already, 53 earned runs. Some have given the excuse that he played on a terrible Indians team. And while that does hold true for the most part, Lee has not been nearly as sharp as a year ago.
With Roy Halladay, there are no questions to be answered. He is THE premier arm in baseball, and that notion has become widely recognized by many in the game. There are no worrisome traits in Halladay; he has had no minor league stints, and presents a far better track record.
But beyond the sliver of doubt comes great joy to a city that has been lucky enough to find boatloads of it recently. Lee helps this team in a myriad of ways.
Instantly, he will stabilize a rotation that has been, at times, suspect. Over the past few weeks, the staff has stood up and righted itself. However, you can never have too many quality pitchers. Cole Hamels had struggled to find his groove for the better part of the season, although he is slowly rounding back to his former MVP-self. Jamie Moyer is up and down, and the fifth starter was a mystery, and still is at this point.
Lee is now your ace. By taking the mounting pressure off of Hamels, it can only help the young stud become even more comfortable. It slides the rest of the rotation into a more relaxed role as well. Everyone now knows they have one of the best to lean on every fifth day.
The acquisition of Lee also brings a collective sigh of relief from the bullpen. Overworked in the early going, the relievers have done an admirable job treading water throughout the ’09 campaign. In recent weeks, injuries have plagued the bullpen, so the Lee Factor comes into play here.
Since a putrid start on June 30 in which he allowed seven earned runs in three innings, Lee has posted five straight quality starts. Sprinkled in those outings were back-to-back complete games. He has three total CG’s on the season, not to mention five other starts of eight innings. Lee currently leads the American League in innings pitched, something that has to make Lidge and company smile.
Sure, he is 7-9 on the season, but with the added run support he is bound to receive, plus the benefit of playing for a championship contender, look for those numbers to level out. Some other stats that are eye opening regarding the tall left-hander: Lee averages less than two walks per nine innings, a sign that he will not give in to the hitters. He has given up just 10 home runs on the season, a positive reinforcement when playing in Citizens Bank Park. When facing left handed hitters, Lee has allowed only seven extra-base hits this year, with just one being of the long-ball variety.
High praise is certainly in order for Ruben Amaro and his team of scouts and front-office employees. They made a strong push to make this ballclub as strong as possible, and while the number one guy on the board remains, there is very little to complain about after this trade. By keeping J.A. Happ, Kyle Drabek, Dominic Brown, and/or Michael Taylor, their youthful core is still intact.
So, as you lay your head down tonight, while watching the Phillies battle the Diamondbacks, of course, it should be a little easier to rest comfortably. No, it’s not our boy Roy, but it’s still a monumental addition. Sleep well, my friends. Cliff Lee is a Phillie.
Posts: 0 Petey Pablo
Great deal for the Phils; very well done by Rube.
Posted: 05:13 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 the lopez!
are there other possible trades in the works?
Posted: 05:22 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Grrrumpy Miner
good move by Amaro on a personal Level….Cliff Lee is on my fantasy team and now instead of hard luck losses,he has a chance to win games with that damn team youse guys have…..JP Richardi has been left holding the bag.Again,good move Phils FINALLY have a bona fide ace.
Posted: 05:27 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Scotty
Strengthening a second half team is never a bad thing. Adding Lee and Francisco can make the run in a blistering shot at going back to the show, not to mention the best away record in the history of baseball.
Posted: 05:29 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 joedad
The only hole is closer so I expect an addition of a closer-setup type such as Qualls or Sherrill as insurance should Lidge continue to stink.
Posted: 05:32 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Duffie_D
With this move, I’ve gotta think that Halladay will not be moved until the off-season. Even though JP seems to have been a bit too stubborn here, I still think he’s not dumb enough to trade Halladay to any in-division rivals. Since teams like the Dodgers, Angels, and Rangers have barely been on the periphery of these negotiations the whole time, all signs point to Roy staying put for now.
This really is a great deal for the Phils. Donald may be a nice player, but he’s clearly not going to supplant Rollins at shortstop. Marson may also become a nice player, but I am perfectly comfortable with the solid presence of Ruiz behind the plate while waiting to see if d’Arnaud pans out. Carasco was dropping off, and Knapp obviously was the centerpiece of this trade with his ceiling (which is arguably higher than any other pitcher in the system).
Cliff Lee is not the best pitcher in baseball, but he is still an ace. Now we have two guys who, when they’re on, can go up against any other pitching tandem and not be overmatched. Although I still think pairs like Lincecum/Cain, Carpenter/Wainwright, Sabathia/Burnett and Lester/Beckett are better, I definitely think that the Phils pair can hang with those now. Combine that with our superior offense and I feel very good about our chances of reaching the World Series again.
Posted: 05:38 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Morris Buttermaker
I’d take a 37 inch tv for $500 than a 42 inch TV for $1000.
I love this deal. And with the Phillies offense, I don’t see Lee versus Halladay really making that much of a difference. OK, the Phillies win the World Series in 5 games instead of 4. It’s just a matter of time until the Phillies overtake the Dodgers for the best record in the NL.
Posted: 05:47 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 shag beta sigma delta
I don’t get this article calling Lee the Ace of this staff, Did you watch the game last night, Cole was flat dealing, and is the Phillies Ace, Lee has not pitched a game in a philly uniform. I do not know way I am getting so upset about a label to be honest with you. But hey, a great trade for the phillies, and if they make the playoffs do not be surprised if the rotation looks like
Hamels
Blanton
Lee
Happ
Just to split up the Lefties and take some pressure of Lee, since he has never pitched in the post season. Than again it could add pressure if the series is tied 1-1. But I like to split up the lefties
Posted: 05:57 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 1376 Pat Gallen
Morris, awesome analogy.
Posted: 05:59 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Andrew
The TV analogy is perfect. And you dont need 2 big screen TVs.
If halladay went in the national league now. I might be a little worried. But I dont think the jays GM is capable of making a deal. He sucks.
Posted: 06:03 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Dave
Hey, kind of off-topic, but who are the infield prospects for the Phillies? I know we have some good outfield talent (Taylor, Brown etc.), pitchers and a good catching prospect in D’Arnaud, but who do we have in line when Rollins, Feliz and Howard leave?
- Dave Sydlik
Posted: 06:19 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Keith E
On this one Amaro=Keith Allen
We picked up another Blanton type of player in that he only needs a change of scenery. This is a good deal in that we don’t lose a current starter.
Welcome to Philadelphia, Cliff Lee.
GO PHILLIES!!!
Posted: 06:23 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 jmus97
lee and fransisco are both sitting on the Indian’s bench right now wearing Indian’s jerseys
Posted: 06:28 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 DJ
All I have to say is Lee is and has been way better than Sabathia and look at what Sabathia did when he came to the NL. This is a great trade. Amaro filled two holes with one shot and it really didn’t cost much at all.
Posted: 06:29 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Phillies acquire Cliff Lee « SprungOnSports
[...] acquire Cliff Lee Jump to Comments -Check out the reaction from my colleague Pat Gallen at PhilliesNation. -The Phillies have acquired Cliff Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco from the Phillies for Class A [...]
Posted: 06:30 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 NateB
Amaro is a genius. Cliff Lee is amazing!!
Posted: 06:38 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 mike
Lee and Francisco were still sitting in the indians dugout, that i’ve never seen. Hopefully Knapp passes his physical.
Posted: 06:50 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 shag beta sigma delta
I have a dream trade now, package Lee and Drabek for Halladay,
how can you sound sarcastic while typing
Posted: 07:02 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Nick
KEEP HAPP IN THE ROTATION
Posted: 07:03 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 george
george sherrill next?
Posted: 07:07 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 1376 Pat Gallen
DJ, I wouldnt say Lee has been WAY better than Sabathia. Are we talking about this year, or career?
Sabathia has been far more steady over a longer period and has a Cy Young as well. If your talking this season, it seems the effects of Sabathia pitching way too many innings last season is hurting his performance. If you recall, he went on 3 days rest multiple times for the Brewers after his trade.
So to say C.C. is not as good as Cliff Lee is a bit off. They are definitely both near the top though.
Posted: 07:07 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Michael Stubel
DO NOT shift Happ to the bullpen to make room for Pedro. No way!
Posted: 07:14 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Havoc
I love the one two punch of Hamels and Lee, and I think Blanton and Happ will each give you a legitimate shot of winning the games they pitch. The thing that everybody is hung up on with these pitching match ups of can Hamels beat Lincecum, or is Wainright better than Lee is that Hamels doesn’t have to beat Lincecum he’s up against the weak lineup that hits for him. The Phils now have two aces at the top and two solid #3 pitchers in Blanton & Happ. With the defense and offense we sport there are hardly any holes on this team… I say that cause I believe in Lidge. I wouldn’t be oppossed to giving up Lopez, and a guy or two for a real good reliever.
Posted: 07:16 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Pat Gallen
You’ve got to feel for Happ if he indeed is sent to the bullpen. That’s a slap in the face to be honest.
I get that Moyer has the longevity and is the elder statesman, but thats a blow. Pedro is signed, hasnt signed a pitch, and already the Phillies say he wont be in the bullpen. Maybe, this is a stall tactic, incase Pedro is ready anytime soon?
Posted: 07:24 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 David
Going To Buy my Cliff Lee jersey as soon as they start making them woooooooo! Lets get ready for October Baby
Posted: 07:27 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Dave
This is an awesome rotation. Hamels, Lee, Blanton, Happ and then Moyer/Pedro (I refuse to believe they’ll move Happ back into the bullpen as things stand right now).
Why would they move Happ from the rotation? You want to play mind games with a young pitcher you did your best to keep from moving? Who’s only going to be the mop-up guy in the bullpen?
DO NOT WANT.
Posted: 07:28 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Havoc
I think judging from what we’ve seen of Happ. He’s got the kind of mental makeup to succeed wherever the Phils need him. However, before we jump the gun. Let’s remember that the people who are saying Happ to the bullpen are the same guys who are angry about the Lee deal… they also said that we’d sign Halladay, and that we couldn’t get a top starting pitcher without dealing Drabek & Happ… So let’s take their “theory” with a grain of salt.
Pedro still has to prove he can pitch. If he does pitch well and is looking good I’ve got no problem with improving our bullpen by using Happ. If Pedro struggles in his rehab games, well then he can come up here and work in the bullpen and maybe we’ll get a performance like Park has had. If Pedro doesn’t have to hold anything back he’ll probablybe more effective.
Posted: 07:30 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 bigbobster
Nice, one Buttermaker…I didn’t like the idea of giving up a solid #3 in Happ, especially if you want to win in 09 and 10. This appears to a be good trade, as we can go against anybody’s #1 and #2 in a short series — and even if the Indians get the same results from these prospects as they did from their trade in 02 when they gave up Colon to the Expos for Grady Sizemore, Brandon Philips (should have held onto him) and a young pitching stud named….Cliff Lee!
Posted: 07:36 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Woodman
TRADE OFFICIAL! The medical reviews are completed. Welcome to Philly, Mr. Lee.
Posted: 07:45 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Manny
Seriously, if they plan to send Happ to the bullpen to make room for Pedro, who hasn’t pitched a single inning with the Phillies… the Phillies would automatically become the dumbest team in the league… Seriously, who in their right mind even considers moving a ROY candidate to the pen? Delirious!
Posted: 07:47 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Manny
If they want Pedro to pitch in the rotation, LET HIM EARN IT… that means, pitch better than Moyer or Happ… Good luck with that!
Posted: 07:52 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 pb
Does anyone know what is going on with Antonio Bastardo? I know he was put on the 15 day DL back in the end of June….but I haven’t heard if he’s begun pitching again at any level or when he might
Posted: 08:21 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 christopher
why in the world would anyone think the phillies are planning on moving happ to the bullpen for pedro?? they practically turned down roy halladay to keep him on the team. if anything they’re probably thinking of using pedro from the bullpen right now (if he even makes it up to the big leagues).
Posted: 08:21 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Andrew
i will throw a fit if they move happ to the pen. I am sure I wont be the only fan. Leave happ out and let them hit him or something.
o one else even considers a 6 man roatation/ I love idea myself. Esp since the phils have very few off days in the second half.
Posted: 08:21 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Jeff of NoVa.
I would suspect that Moyer would move to the pen or Pedro. If Pedro pitches like old Pedro or close to it, he goes in the rotation no questions asked, Moyer or Happ would hit the pen.
Happ has been pretty dominant, Moyer has been solid, having his off games as usual.
If Pedro is lights out against AAA, I find it hard to believe that he would go in the pen, especially since we have lack of righties in the rotation and our lefties in the pen are dinged.
Posted: 08:41 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 cm
pb: According to http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/fantasy/wsfb/news/injuries.jsp#team143 Bastardo will resume throwing soon and could be ready by early August.
Posted: 08:45 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Jeff of NoVa.
So will Drabek go to AAA now to take Carrasco’s spot. I vote for that! Get him ready for next year!
So we can have
Hamels
Blanton
Lee
Drabek
Happ
Studly rotation
Posted: 08:58 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 mikemike
Jeff Drabek will stay at reading most likely and have about 4 more starts and shut down,They want to limit his innings coming off surgery, He will shut down until february when pitcher report. This is what I am hearing by people who follow the minors.
Posted: 09:15 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Chrissy
As long as Halladay stays out of the NL then I’m a happy girl.
Now I want more than ever to get another championship. It’d be great to be the team to put a ring on Cliff Lee’s finger.
Posted: 09:18 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Repeat!
Philly is not done trading with Cleveland just yet. There’s a rumor that has Drabek and Happ going to Cleveland for V. Martinez and Lebron James.
Posted: 09:19 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Baseballbriefs.com
Baseballbriefs.com tracking back Rest easy, Nation: Lee becomes a Phillie…
Baseballbriefs.com tracking back Rest easy, Nation: Lee becomes a Phillie…
Posted: 09:42 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 pb
thanks cm, he could be a bullpen option or back to double A we shall see
Posted: 09:42 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 j reed
Don’t know if someone mentioned this but the article says Halladay hasn’t had a minor stint…this is wrong
During the 2000 season, Halladay sported a 10.64 ERA in 19 games, 13 of which he started. At the beginning of the 2001 season, Halladay was optioned to Class A Dunedin Blue Jays to rebuild his delivery.
Halladay’s fastball was clocked up to 95 mph, but it had little movement, and his pitches were up in the strike zone, which was ultimately the reason why his 2000 season was so unsuccessful. He worked with former Blue Jays pitching coach Mel Queen. The problem, Queen realized, was Halladay’s total reliance on his strength—his attempt to overpower batters with straight-ahead pitches. Within two weeks, Halladay had altered his arm angle for a more deceptive delivery, and added pitches that sank and careened.[3] Instead of throwing over the top, he chose to use a three-quarters delivery (the middle point between throwing overhand and sidearm). Originally a fastball pitcher, he became reliant on keeping his pitches low across the plate, regardless of the type of pitch thrown. The adjustments proved successful. After a month and a half, he was promoted to class AA Tennessee, and a month later, to class AAA Syracuse. By mid-season, he was back in the Blue Jays’ rotation. He posted a 5–3 record with a 3.19 ERA for the Blue Jays in 16 starts in 2001.
However, this isn’t a sore spot with me… to come from this to his present form says alot about his character, and his knowledge of pitching.
Posted: 10:01 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 CJ
as long as you guys dont get halladay im ight cuz lee is a one hit wonder
Posted: 11:02 PM on July 29, 2009
Posts: 0 Dr. Baseball
Who is a better batter? Halladay or Lee?
Posted: 12:26 AM on July 30, 2009
Posts: 0 ActuallyChilled
Who is Jeff Drebek?
Posted: 03:17 AM on July 30, 2009
Posts: 0 Alberta Jays Fan
When it’s World Series time and the Phillies are on the ouside looking in, remember, your GM promised you this fate. When you settle for SECOND BEST you deserve what you get. A grateful Jays fan says Thank You.
Posted: 06:59 AM on July 30, 2009
Posts: 0 Amazinsux
One thing is for sure, Alberta. come World Series time, the JAYS will have been outside for about 3 months looking in! What a bunch of losers!
Posted: 07:45 AM on July 30, 2009
Posts: 0 Shawn
I seriously doubt that Drabek will be traded. Ruben tried so hard to keep him out of the trade for Halladay, to trade him now would not make sense.
Posted: 09:15 AM on July 30, 2009
Posts: 0 Philly Texan
What’s up with the Jays fans talking smack?
Try at least making postseason why don’t ya? What’s it been, like 16 years now.
Posted: 10:08 AM on July 30, 2009