Phillies bolster pitching, land Lee from Indians
Source: Agencies |
July 31, 2009, Friday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
LOOKING for an ace to bolster their so-so rotation, the Philadelphia Phillies acquired Cliff Lee on Wednesday from the Cleveland Indians, who traded the reigning pitcher of the year for the second straight season.
The World Series champions Phillies gave Cleveland four minor league prospects for Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco.
"I'm going to miss all these guys here, but it's an opportunity for me to help a team that's in first place," Lee said after the Indians lost to the Los Angeles Angels 3-9 in Anaheim, California.
"They're the defending world champions. So as far as that goes, I'm excited."
The National League East-leading Phillies sent Triple-A pitcher Carlos Carrasco, infielder Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson along with Single-A pitcher Jason Knapp to Cleveland.
Last year, Cleveland dealt CC Sabathia, then the reigning Cy Young winner and in the final year of his contract, to the Milwaukee Brewers. Sabathia helped the Brewers into the postseason before signing a US$161 million, seven-year contract with the New York Yankees.
Lee turns 31 next month and his contract includes a US$8 million club option for next season.
"At the root of this deal was balancing the conviction of our ability to compete in 2010 with the opportunity to impact the team's construction for years to come," Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro said in a statement.
Lee gives the Phillies another top starter to join Cole Hamels. The left-hander is 7-9 with a 3.14 ERA in 22 starts this season after going 22-3 with a 2.54 ERA last year. Hamels, the MVP of the World Series, has been inconsistent this season. He's 7-5 with a 4.42 ERA, though he pitched well in a victory at Arizona on Tuesday.
The Phillies have a comfortable lead in the division - seven games ahead of second-place Florida going into Wednesday's games. They've sought pitching help since No. 2 starter Brett Myers had hip surgery in June. Jamie Moyer leads the staff with 10 wins, but he is 46 and has a 5.32 ERA.
The World Series champions Phillies gave Cleveland four minor league prospects for Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco.
"I'm going to miss all these guys here, but it's an opportunity for me to help a team that's in first place," Lee said after the Indians lost to the Los Angeles Angels 3-9 in Anaheim, California.
"They're the defending world champions. So as far as that goes, I'm excited."
The National League East-leading Phillies sent Triple-A pitcher Carlos Carrasco, infielder Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson along with Single-A pitcher Jason Knapp to Cleveland.
Last year, Cleveland dealt CC Sabathia, then the reigning Cy Young winner and in the final year of his contract, to the Milwaukee Brewers. Sabathia helped the Brewers into the postseason before signing a US$161 million, seven-year contract with the New York Yankees.
Lee turns 31 next month and his contract includes a US$8 million club option for next season.
"At the root of this deal was balancing the conviction of our ability to compete in 2010 with the opportunity to impact the team's construction for years to come," Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro said in a statement.
Lee gives the Phillies another top starter to join Cole Hamels. The left-hander is 7-9 with a 3.14 ERA in 22 starts this season after going 22-3 with a 2.54 ERA last year. Hamels, the MVP of the World Series, has been inconsistent this season. He's 7-5 with a 4.42 ERA, though he pitched well in a victory at Arizona on Tuesday.
The Phillies have a comfortable lead in the division - seven games ahead of second-place Florida going into Wednesday's games. They've sought pitching help since No. 2 starter Brett Myers had hip surgery in June. Jamie Moyer leads the staff with 10 wins, but he is 46 and has a 5.32 ERA.
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