It was an unpopular move from a fan's perspective, but the blow was ultimately softened by Halladay's Cy Young 2010 season. The Phillies later claimed that they were uncomfortable signing Lee to an extension at the time, despite his love of the team and the city.
Cliff's willingness to return to Philadelphia was quite clear when he signed a 5-year, $120 million deal with the team, which also includes a vesting option for a sixth year, turning down about $20-30 million and extra years from both the Rangers and the Yankees.
About a week earlier, free agent and former Phillies rightfielder Jayson Werth signed a 7-year, $126 million contract with Washington Nationals (read my previous entry if you want my opinion on that one). Jayson Werth's desire to take the most money was contrasted in popularity by Cliff Lee's desire to take less and return to Philadelphia. What made Lee's decision even sweeter to Philadelphians is the fact that he turned down the New York Yankees, who are accustomed to always "getting their man" with their bottomless pockets. Cliff Lee has instantly become one of the most beloved athletes in the city of brotherly love because of this move, but the Phils are pushing a tight budget.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. needed the OK from ownership to elevate the payroll to a franchise record $160 million plus for a special player like Cliff Lee. However, the Phillies are looking to move some of that payroll before opening day and a player like Joe Blanton has become expendable with $17 million remaining on his contract for the next 2 seasons.
With so many teams in need of starting pitching these days, Blanton could be a valuable piece for any club in need of some help. He isn't an overpowering pitcher, but he is consistent when he's healthy, and there's something to be said for having a guy who you know what you're going to get out of him each and every time his day rolls around. Now, they would have to eat some of his salary to trade him, which is okay, but depending on how much it is, they would be better off keeping him and having more pitching depth.
Another name that's come up in possible trade talks has been Raul Ibanez. Moving him would be complicated, however, for a variety of different reasons. The first is that he is owed $11.5 million this year and the Phils would probably have to eat 75% of his salary. Another is the fact that he has a full no-trade clause in his contract, which he would have to waive to accept any trade to another club. He would also want to be guaranteed an extension with any team that acquires him, which is highly unlikely at his old age. The best case scenario would involve an American League team that sorely needs production from a designated hitter. Whether or not Raul would accept a role as a consistent DH is unknown. All of these factors make it hard
The Phillies have some minor holes to fill, and now that they have four starting pitchers that can go deep into games, they should be able to get by with a bullpen of mostly youngsters from within the organization. Still, it would be nice to bolster the roster a bit with some young, major league-ready guys in return for Blanton or Ibanez. Another outfielder, preferably right-handed, a reliever, and some bench help would be a welcome addition to the team.
They are in good position though, because Big Joe's contract doesn't start paying him until opening day, and by that time another team's starter could go down with an injury, and that would put the Phils in command of any deal. They will be patient and wait to hear a deal they like and that suits their needs. Meanwhile, fans should be happy: they have potentially the best rotation ever.
Only 2 months until pitchers and catchers report!
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