Here’s the word from Fox Sports miniature reporter Ken Rosenthal:
The Phillies have reached agreement with the Indians on a trade that would bring them left-hander Cliff Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco for Class A right-hander Jason Knapp, Class AAA right-hander Carlos Carrasco, shortstop Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson, according to major-league sources.
Wait… so the Phillies get last year’s AL Cy Young winner and they didn’t have to give up J.A. Happ, Kyle Drabek, Dominic Brown, OR Michael Taylor?
HALLELUJAH!
Like most people who root for the Phillies, I really had my heart set on Roy Halladay, that awful beard of his and ALL of those complete games, but Ruben Amaro made one hell of a deal here. Kudos, Mr. Amaro.
And I can’t confirm this second move, but any minute now I’m sure you’ll hear Eric Bruntlett and his gaudy .200 OBP will officially be DFA’d.
Sources: Phils reach agreement for Indians’ Lee | Fox Sports
151 Comments on “BREAKING! The Phillies Have Acquired Cliff Lee From The Indians”
Leave a Comment
- thomas on Ryan Howard Garden Gnome Night Highlights R-Phils’ Promotions
- The Lone Filafel on Ryan Howard Garden Gnome Night Highlights R-Phils’ Promotions
- Tam on Ryan Howard Garden Gnome Night Highlights R-Phils’ Promotions
- az on Ryan Howard Garden Gnome Night Highlights R-Phils’ Promotions
- Walklett on Ryan Howard Garden Gnome Night Highlights R-Phils’ Promotions
Phila-Centric
- 700 Level
- Balls, Sticks & Stuff
- Beerleaguer
- Big Five Post
- Crane Kick Chronicles
- Crashburn Alley
- Finger Food
- Fire Eric Bruntlett
- Four Days Rest
- High Cheese
- High Hopes
- House That Glanville Built
- I want to go to the zoo with Roy Halladay
- In Ruben We Trust
- Long Drive
- Macho Row
- Maule of America
- Nittanydelphia
- Okayplayer
- On The DL
- On The Edge
- Phightin’ Phils Phorum
- Philadelphia Will Do
- Philebrity
- Philled In
- Philliesflow
- Philly Gameday
- Philly Gossip
- Philly Skyline
- Phils-ville
- Phinally Philly
- Phoul Ballz
- Swing and a Long Drive
- The Good Phight
- The Insider
- The Shibe Times
- The Zo Zone
- We're the Team to Beat
- Whiz Witout
- Who Does He Play For?
- WSBGM’s
General
July 29th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
1st
And, this trade is AMAZING.
July 29th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Lee is a top 10 pitcher in the MLB. His numbers will be that much better pitching in the NL. The Phillies also have him locked up for cheap next year. Plus, we didn’t give up any of our top prospects. I’ve bashed Amaro in the past, but he really deserves a lot of praise for this deal. I am EXCITED!
July 29th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
I’m ok with this. Maybe we can use Drabek to get a closer.
July 29th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Would’ve loved to had Halladay and all of his “He’s the best pitcher in baseball, f@ggot!” internet status but I almost like this trade more. Next year having a rotation of Lee, Hamels, Blanton, Happ and Drabek, with Moyer being assigned to the role of “Honorary Pitching Coach” would be just fine by me.
Ibanez and Lee. Rube gets two high fives from me.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Seriously, the best part of this deal is Bruntlett going down. I can finally stop changing the channel everytime he’s up.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
This is a PHENOMENAL deal. Ben Francisco has a really high ceiling, and can put up jayson werth type numbers if he realizes his potential.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
ruben,
i’m sorry for all the mean things i’ve said about you. i’ll never do it again.
get lee, keep our best prospects,dont touch our major league team, much cheaper than halladay. damn nice move
July 29th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
I was against this until it actually happened and now i am giggles and gumdrops
July 29th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
This is an awesome deal – my only question – will this really send Bruntlett packing? Can Francisco back up Utley/Rollins? More likely it means that he wont be our first RH PH option, but unfortunately chances are he stays around for his defense…
July 29th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
dear God, i’m very sorry for making fun of ruben amaro, and i thank you for the lee blessings!!!
July 29th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
People know how negative I am. Well I am dancing around in my office right now with an erection.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
The best part is that we still have plenty of pieces left to acquire someone like George Sherrill to fill out our Bullpen. This is a great deal for just about everyone except Rodrigo Lopez.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Well done Amaro, although you still look like you were in Menudo.
im happy and Happ should be able to sit nice and comfortable tonight for his start out in AZ and not be worried about getting traded.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Francisco is a corner fielder, he wont be backing up the infield. Might not send bruntlett packing.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Awesome.
So name the rotation…I say Hamels/Lee, Hamels/Lee, Moyer, Blanton, Happ and Pedro moving in when Jamie Moyer breaks his hip.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
I knew this trade would happen after I left my computer and wasn’t refreshing every 30 seconds.
But this is great. Cliff Lee, a bat off the bench, they don’t have to get rid of their biggest named prospects… and Bruntlett will be sent down?? Awesome. I’m so excited for this
July 29th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Cliff Lee v. Tim Lincecum on Saturday
July 29th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
@Harry: Tell you what, this is one time where both you and I can agree, and be incredibly happy.
Welcome to the Fightins Cliff Lee. Do us proud.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Cliff Lee Record vs The NL – 12-2 Bring it, LA.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
A 4-lefty rotation? WHY??
July 29th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Hamels
Lee
Blanton
Happ
Moyer / Pedro
Blanton #3 to break up the lefty’s. Looks like Pedro will be trying to knock Oldman Moyer into the pen.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Awesome deal. The only downside is losing Marson and Donald, plus Carrasco was a favorite of mine, but it shouldn’t be that hard to just get the next Marson and Donald in the next draft and we already have better than Carrasco in Drabek and Happ who weren’t given up.
Amaro is doin’ work. So many scoffed at Ibanez, but that proved right, Pedro may just be Blanton-esque and show flashes of his old self at times and Cliff Lee will go deep into games like nobody’s business.
Three-peat?
July 29th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Who the fuck cares if we have 4 lefties in the rotation. The post season is all that matters, and you only need 3 pitchers for that. Teams are going to put their best bats out in the post season regardless of L/R matchups.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Wow Harry thats quite an image.
And Buster Olney is reporting all talks with Halladay are quiet. Maybe they’ll drop the asking price and we can get Halladay for a steal…. Sorry I’m dreaming.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Cliff or Roy?
July 29th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Marson is panning out to be a league average catcher. Donald is looking like a backup SS. Carraso wasnt as bad as his AAA numbers indicated because the defense behind him was probably the worst in the league. THe big prize for the Indians is obviously Knapp, who is just filthy. But, he’s only 18 years old so lets not worry about that now.
I think the whole “too many lefties in your rotation” is overblown. It really isn’t a negative.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Sell the rest of the farm (Drabek, Happ, Brown) and get Halladay too???
July 29th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Unfortunately, it will be Mayberry that is sent down not Bruntlett. Mayberry needs to be playing every day to work on his swing and Chollywood likes that Bruntlett can play anywhere.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
This reminds me of the time I was at Pizza Hut and I ordered a stuffed crust with sausage, peppers, and onions. They gave me a classic with just sausage and peppers. It wasn’t as good but I ate it anyway.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Haha, guranteed there wont even be an eye blinked in the direction of toronto this year.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Man, we are SO far from the Ed Wade days. Cholly, you got that horse you wanted. Bring the motherfucking noise, LA.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Na, I wouldn’t sell the rest of the farm for Halladay. I like things as is, maybe acquire some more bullpen help.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
nice job rube
July 29th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
I’m sensing a pattern. So who on the Indians will win the Cy Young this year and then get dealt at next year’s trade deadline?
July 29th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
I was having such a dull day at work today, then I returned to my computer to see this! I am stunned. Toronto must be kicking themselves right now. Didn’t a Toronto executive balk at the Phillies getting Lee without giving up Drabek? Yeah, in that guy’s face. Ruben proves that he learned well under Gillick.
3.14 ERA in the AL…with 9 LOSSES? Put him on our team and he might not lose again this season.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Still on the fence with this deal. I like that we improved our rotation dramatically without giving up the package Toronto wanted, but would have liked adding a strong righty. They still might not be done dealing though so we’ll see what happens in the next few days.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
I’m offering to drive JP Ricciardi to the unemployment office at the end of the season. That guy just shot himself in the foot by playing hardball with the Phillies.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Bruntlett is the only utility infielder on the roster, and you can’t call someone up either because that defeats the purpose of making room. Mayberry will be sent down.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Great job Rube!
Now, who does Lee bump from the rotation?
Francisco takes Mayberry’s spot right?
July 29th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
2 thumbs up!
@gm-carson =Hopefully francisco takes bruntletts spot
July 29th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
He has a son named Jaxon. He can pitch and give his kids sweet fuckin’ names
July 29th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Reno Mahe, err, I mean Bruntlett will stay on this team…. he is under Chollys desk right now
July 29th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq188/gimmeadpsd/MLB09TheShow_16.png
July 29th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Phils & Jays in the same hotel this weekend, I hope lee teabags halladay.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
send the best beard on our team down? seriously? the cards (ankiel’s porn stache and la rue’s fu manchu) and the d-bags (zavada’s prince edward!) have put the phillies facial hair to shame. we need bruntlett’s beard to stay respectable in the race for the MVB (most valuable beard). but i digress. oh, yea…this lee guy looks like he might could pitch good.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Get Cliff FUCKING Lee without giving up Happ, Drabek, Taylor, or Brown.
Let’s all bow.
Ruben Amaro is a FUCKING GOD.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Wiat, I may have missed something, but why is Bruntlett being sent down? If anyone, Mayberry is gone since Francisco is our new 4th OF. We don’t have a utility IF to replace the Garden Gnome just yet.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Great fucking Trade. Don’t give up anything. I think there is another coming, too.
They have starting pitching out the yah-yah right now. It’s crazy.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I can’t even begin to express how happy this makes me. I grew up in northeastern Ohio (been living in the Philadelphia area for 10 years) and I still follow and root for the Indians (easy to do since they never play the Phillies). If the Indians were going to trade Cliff Lee, there was no team other than the Phillies that I’d want to see him traded.
Ben Francisco has has seen a lot of starts due to Sizemore’s elbow issues, but he’s been a bit of a disappointment in Cleveland this year. They had pretty high hopes for him. He’s definitely an upgrade over Marberry Jr, who was never going to improve without more ABs and will almost certainly be sent down to AAA.
Which means Bruntlett isn’t going anywhere. Fuck…
July 29th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Ruben is the man.
But i was thinking. Since he did keep the main guys, could we see an offer now of jush Happ, Brown, and maybe even Rodrigo for Halladay? Retardi, Ricciardi sorry, knows he missed out on the Phillies first offer and could just accept something now. Just throwing it out there.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Welcome to the World Phucking Champions fellas. Happ, go take a nap.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
For some reason, all I can think of is someone making a sign that says Cliff LEEve. It sounds like you all are excited, and I’m not. I would have liked to keep Marson, but oh well. Mayberry is going down to play everyday, which is better for him, anyway.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Anthony Gargano just said Ruben called the Jays and offered the same package WITH Happ and the Jays turned it down.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Can we release Neck-Beard Bruntlett anyway? PLLLLLLEEEEEEEAAAAAASSSSSEEEEEE?
July 29th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
There’s no way a deal for halladay will be struck. Too expensive to have both.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Man, I doubted Rube before the season, but now with Ibanez and this trade…he’s on my good list. The man learned under Gillick. Well done.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
I still think we need a strong righty..but oh well. We’ll see what happens
July 29th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Donald/Marson are essentially throw-ins. The trade is basically Carrasco/Knapp for Lee.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
@harry more like Knapp for lee as of late. Hah.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Is there any way that this a play for Halladay? Acquire Lee for nothing, then turn around and offer him and Happ to Toronto?
I’m not sure if it’s even possible, but if it is and it happens? Holy phuck, Amaro is an evil genius.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Rich, there’s no reason the Jays would do that. They are trying to shed salary and acquire young talent. Young meaning 18-22 year olds.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Great trade. Love it. So what’s in the pipeline now? Are there any other moves to make or will this be it?
July 29th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
I think bullpen help is the only other move they’ll make, if any. I personally don’t think we need it though. With the surplus of pitching we have, lopez or pedro or possibly moyer could possibly be bullpen fodder.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
George Sherrill should be next on Rube’s radar.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
@Gaze I think the asking price for sherrill is too much, but I suppose a backup for lidge isn’t a bad thing.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
I like it. Lee will be a horse.
Halladay’s going to end up going to the Yankees next year for a case of Labatt’s, and a signed Derek Jeter jockstrap.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Ya know,i’m gonna kinda miss the mets rivalry thing for the next couple a years,i feel sorry for those sorry ass mother fuckin cot damn sum ma na bitch’s,Amaro has to feel pretty good about this!
July 29th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
While I don’t like it when the Mets win, I don’t care anymore. I like it when they lose, still, though.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
DITO , I need a hug , where is Carla!wfc’s
July 29th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
The Mets should pick up an anger management coach. You know, for the stretch run.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
A Derek Jeter jockstrap signed by Jessica Beil, Mariah Carey and Jessica Alba.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
I absolutely love this move. It will be interesting to see how the Charlie deals with having 6 SPs. I know winning is the bottom line, but can they really send Moyer packing to the bullpen to give Pedro a chance? It’s a diss to Jamie, but I think it’s the best option for the team.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
i’m looking for david aardsma from seattle but otherwise i think we’ve punched a ticket to a three-peat*
*copyright pat riley
July 29th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Being a Phils fan in NY makes me feel like that senior jock in high school who dated all the hot slutty freshmen girls meanwhile all the freshmen guys (Mets fans) go home and jerk off with their tears.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
they could send moyer to the pen until we play the marlins again
July 29th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Are Heath Bell and Chad Qualls still on the block and available? The Padres wanted alot for Bell though.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
the mets already have an anger managment coach,,ala,Linda Lovelace
July 29th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
@Brandon: I’d take Qualls, but Bell has been in my shitlist since the All-Star Game.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Remember 10 years ago when we were always on the losing side of these 4 nickles for a quarter deals? God, this feels good.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
This about sums it up.
http://www.someecards.com/usercards/viewcard/008df04e48fad4fdfcad188f4a632949
July 29th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
It’s funny, I was upset about not getting Halladay, but KGB, you’re right. We did just land a hell of a pitcher, and that should feel good.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
@KGB
Agreed, and even before that – whatever happened to Ryne Sandberg?. . . .
July 29th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
So when will there be a bunch of guys dressing in laderhosen acting like Cliff Jumpers from Price is Right?
July 29th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Moyer isn’t getting bumped. It’ll be Rodrigo. He did a great job filling in, and the Phillies brain trust can pat themselves on the back, and quit while they’re way, way ahead. If you said you expected Lopez to be anything more than a placefiller, you can punch yourself in the face, because you’d be lying. (© Ichiro Suzuki)
But I say the best move for the next week is to let Lopez take his turn, then pitch Lee on normal rest, bumping Blanton and Moyer back a day; then the off day lets the rotation re-start as Hamels, Lee, Happ, Blanton, Moyer.
July 29th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Sorry if this has been said, but I think Mayberry gets sent down.
Ruben pwns. Awesome deal. JP Riccardi left thumbing himself.
Maybe we trade Happ in a package to get Sherrill or Qualls?
July 29th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
What about PEDRO mang?
July 29th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
as harry the k is saying from above, “ruben amaro YOU ARE THE MAN!” i really like this deal, we get a cy young pitcher, still have happ, and drabek, and dominic AND mike taylor. wouldnt it be nasty if ruben felt this rush and called up ricciardi and got halladay? imagine that, halladay, lee, hamels, blanton, moyer, martinez. absolutely dirty arsenol. chuck wouldnt know how to act, he’d have a whole stable of horses. no but if we wanna keep rolling, i heard a few days back we were looking at willingham from the nationals. that would be sick. anyhow good job ruben, cant wait to see cliff in the red pinstripes.
July 29th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
I actually highly doubt that Bruntlett is going down. He gives them “versatility” in the infield that John Mayberry cannot provide. I think we’re going to see Jr. go down and E. Bruntz stay up here.
Fuck.
July 29th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Jayson Stark on Missanelli just said he thinks happ goes to the BP. Pedro/Moyer are the 4/5
Interesting.
July 29th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
@Mattaleao
I think Jayson Stark just choked on something phallic.
He is a schmuck
July 29th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
I like Jayson Stark, and that move makes the most sense to me. Happ has more experience in the bullpen, and he’s still a rookie-not the next coming of Sandy Koufax as so many people seem to be making him out to be. Moyer’s too old to get warmed up fast in the Pen, and Pedro has clauses in his contract about bonuses depending on starts and innings pitched. If they send him to the pen, he would file a grievance that the move was based on money-ala the Hall of Flamer Tommy Glavine.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
jayson stark is awesome! my brother and i used to fight over the sunday sports section to read his inside baseball page.
didn’t pedro say he didn’t mind coming out of the pen?
July 29th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
He also said he’d be willing to dig up Babe Ruth’s corpse…
July 29th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
The deal itself was largely one sided in the Phillies’ favor, but getting Cliff Lee at this point is a huge letdown for me.
The Phils went from great team to top contender with this move, but with Halladay they would have held the title of favorite for the next two seasons. Plus, who knows which Cliff Lee we’ll get the rest of the season? He was dominant in 2008, but has been anything but this year. Halladay does nothing but win games; Lee has had some brutal starts this season. Plus, who knows what we get out of these prospects (they may all end up tanking in the next 3-5 years), and now if Boston deals, it’s incredibly likely that we get the pleasure of having to beat Halladay to win it all.
Meh, I’m still not all that thrilled about it. I said this on another blog (and another blogger used the analogy as well) but to me this is like getting a Corvette after expecting a Ferrari. Not bad, but not as good as it could (or should) be.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
I got bored, and decided to give everyone a sneak-peak at Cliff Lee Pitching for the Phils.
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/Aswift5648/CliffLeeRoadGreyPhils.jpg
July 29th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
To celebrate I’m gonna break out my green laser pointer.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Halladay did have a clause in his contract that would have allowed him to opt for free agency after this year if he is traded. I don’t know about Lee, if he has that or not. But someone said to me, they thought that the Phils would have brought up Marson instead of having Bako, or Coste, as a back up if he was anything that special. And Carrasco went from an untouchable to a throw in, almost.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
@Chad: In 6 of Lee’s 9 Losses, he’s gone at least 6 innings and given up no more than 3 runs in each of those losses. technically qualifying as quality starts. lack of run support from the tribes offense yet still in the top ten in era, top 3 in complete games and is 3-0 since the all start break with an era under 2. not doing horrendous this year i would say
July 29th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
@scrapplejoe, I forgot I even made that. Good work my friend.
And my thoughts on this trade…AMAZING job by Amaro.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
In your face Swift!
July 29th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Haha Tug was hunting for post 100.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
@TH: LMAO! That’s funny.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
So, according to David Murphy, the physical remains a lynchpin in this (what the hell is a lynch pin-that doesn’t sound very pc anymore…) is the physicals. Remember how Donald and Knapp were recently injured and on the DL.
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/One_final_hurdle_for_Lee_deal.html
July 29th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
“still in the top ten in era”
That’s not true; he currently ranks 21st.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Senor RAJr, I applaud you! I don’t like the idea of losing Mayberry at all tho, so let’s think of another option. My loins quiver when people use phrases like “quality starts”. I was a ringer in statistics class, shoulda stuck with it, coulda had a job in baseball.
@ Mr. Tug- I KNEW IT WAS YOU!!! Nothin’ but a trouble maker!!!
July 29th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Jamie needs to take one for the team and let the Phils DL him with something vague (i.e. shoulder fatigue, dementia, etc.) that’s been the sign of the times recently.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
Melikes the move.
But I’m mostly commenting for the purpose of adding to the big ass number of comments.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Fuck… Tug just found my Youtube account. Dude’s like Dennis the Menace at times.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
@lebowski
Jamie Moyer on the 15 day DL for “damn kids on my lawn” and “Hoveround Power Chair injury”.
July 29th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Dude, Swift, I’m waiting for you to start that video blog.
July 29th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
@ Watrick
While Pedro does have bonuses for IP and starts, he also has bonuses for relief appearances. They basically threw every possible incentive onto his contract, so theres no chance of him filing a grievance. Plus Glavine didnt even file one either. Anyway, I think Pedro could be great in the pen, last year he pitched well at times, but always blew up in the 5th…
Great move, now its just up to Cholly to manage it all. Optimizing all these arms will be tough, but hes got some time to try a little bit of everything. Hes also got to be concerned about Lidge at this point. I was all for backing him up all season, but you need a contingency plan. Hopefully Myers can be that, but you gotta look at other options too.
July 29th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
I am using my tears from Jim Johnson’s death as lubricant as I masturbate to all of the phillies possible rotations for the next two years.
July 29th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Nicely executed trade by the Phils’ brass. But now what happens to Halladay? Will the Yanks deal Joba in exchange for Halladay? What about the Sox? There’s still a chance that he will be dealt somewhere, and right now, the only two real contenders are the Yankees and the Red Sox. Assuming those two teams take 1st in the AL East as well as the Wild Card, there is a decent chance the Phils could end up facing Halladay. That would be one hell of a showdown, huh? Lee v. Halladay? Damn.
July 29th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
@chroniclesofridunk
dude.
July 29th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
When I saw the comments had reached about 80 I knew Tug was waiting to get #100.
July 29th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
@ Bronx Bomber
The Blue Jays look like they never really intended on trading Halladay unless they got an offer they absolutely couldnt refuse
July 29th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
@PhillyCubano
True, but the Yanks and the Sox are both capable of putting up trade offers like no other team can, making them something even J.P. Retard couldn’t refuse.
July 29th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
@Swift: Tug’s been like that his entire life. He’s just taller now.
July 29th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
119th!
July 29th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
oh shit, Donald failed the physical???
July 29th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
The trade was announced as OFFICIAL, everyone passed their physicals.
July 29th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Nothing gets by you, Chris. Nice job.
(Tried to freak people out)
July 29th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
@Gonzo, you can’t mess with people like that haha
July 29th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Gonzo I literally think you made me shit my pants. Luckily when I came back Chris denounced that.
July 29th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
@Gonzo: For the slightest of moments, like .075 seconds, you had me going.
July 29th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
to those of you fooled by my statement…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX7wtNOkuHo
July 29th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
I know Lee is good, but we had the chance to obtain pure greatness for two years in exchange for a few guys who may never amount to anything.
Bottom line is we won’t know how this works out for a few months, but if whatever team Halladay goes to (likely the Yanks or Sox) wins the World Series this year and we don’t, then we will all forever be asking, “What if?” I don’t even want to think about what will happen if Halladay faces the Phils in the playoffs or WS and we get smoked…
July 29th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
@Chad: It’s not entirely sure if Toronto ever even intended on moving Halladay, for anything less than the moon. My money is they weren’t, and aren’t going to move him without an offer that depletes a franchise of all it’s best players. Also, Halladay will probably stay in Toronto now. So we won’t be seeing him in October, more than likely.
July 29th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
@Swift: Just wait and see what Boston does. If Halladay joins the Red Sox, I don’t even want to think about Hamels-Lee-Blanton against Halladay-Beckett-Lester. Stranger things have happened, but let’s call a spade a spade — that lineup owns ours.
The best case scenario right now is that Halladay stays north of the border. If he goes to a contending AL team, however, or even an NL contender like LA, the Phils may be in for a very rude awakening. People are tauting this deal now, but as I said, if Halladay ends up beating us in the Series, all hell is going to break loose.
July 29th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Chad-do you realize that bos scoring is down the last 2 months & they are trying to get a bat? The phils lineup is the best in baseball.
July 29th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
I’m conflicted bout this move. Lee blew his load last year and who knows how he will fare in the NL (remember barry zito) I felt all along we should get halliday so while i like that we got him for practically nothing (i’m a big lou marson fan i think he” going to be an all star) i’m taking a wait and see approach!
July 29th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
All right, time for some relief (potential closer) and utility infielder help.
I propose trying to hook up with the Reds to get David Weathers and Jerry Hairston, Jr. Trade them Happ (since we have this surplus of starting pitching) and some two other B-level pieces they may want (i.e. Mayberry, Joe Savery, Drew Carpenter, Kyle Kendrick)
July 29th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Lee is not Halliday, but he’s no 1 year wonder, either.
Watched Cliff Lee pitch a couple of games on TV this season. He out dueled Sabbathia and helped the Indians get the first win at New Yankee Stadium. He didn’t have his best stuff in the pre-season and in April and May, but has been very good in July (in 2008, he started very strong and finished well but not as dominant as April/May). Watched him throw a no-hitter against the Brewers into the 8th inning in June, wound up with a 3 hit, complete game shut out. I believe that he also pitched a CG gem against the Tigers only to pick up a loss against Verlander, who pitched a CG shut out. I missed watching this one as I was at a Phillies game.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
In the long term, this might be the best case scenario for this team. Both Lee and Halladay could have been out of town right about the same time Drabek is ready to hit the majors.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
135th
July 29th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Woohooo!!!! Meech! YAHOO!!! Here’s my celebration video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3fOeBYjLoo
Bring on the comments baby!!
July 29th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
And Meech – You’re my favorite Blogger!!
July 29th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Carla that was awkwardly erotic, and cliff lee is wearing 34.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Thank you Mike!! Damn – I was hoping that rookie would give up his #31….
July 29th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Dubee said that Pedro would be a starter and that they couldn’t ask or it wouldn’t be cool if they asked Jamie to move to the pen. So he’s basically saying in not so many words that Happ might be pushed to the bullpen.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
CarlaKnows: Beautiful, scantily-clad women, and baseball. The fusion of wanton thought and pure thought. I could write a book on this.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
@joe: I don’t care what Boston has been doing the past two months. What I know is that now that the Phillies are out of the picture, every source out there lists Boston as the team most likely to get him. Bottom line is if he ends up beating us down the road, we’ll see how happy this Cliff Lee deal makes people.
July 29th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Beebs!! Hilarious!! Hey! I think Happ will get pushed to the pen – that sorta sucks! All that matters is the playoffs! Think about Hamels – Lee – Blanton…we kick ass in the Divisional Series..Then again in NLCS…then I sell my guaranteed seats for the WS and buy a complete season ticket package for next year!!!
July 29th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
And Scott Franzkie just talked about what I was saying before-he almost didn’t win his spot in the rotation LAST YEAR.
Another point-the Indians now have spent the last two years trading away the reigning AL Cy Young.
And what’s with the Pirates totally selling off their entire roster this year?
July 29th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
I just bought http://cliftonphiferlee.com/ SUCKAZZZZZ.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Toronto just traded Halladay to Boston for the rights to Brett Favre. An ESPN wet dream
July 30th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Just checked out the Carla video. 5 stars baby! Christmas in July? Maybe Ruben can make more magic and get us big Roy too. Not greedy just hoping.
July 30th, 2009 at 8:55 am
I’m conflicted bout this move. Lee blew his load last year and who knows how he will fare in the NL (remember barry zito)”
The differnece between Zito and Lee is that Zito sucks balls. The NL is a much easier league to pitch in and Lee should be no different.
It’s funny how everyone is worried about Boston. I didn’t know the Phillies won the NLCS already.
Also, http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/cliff-lee-to-philadelphia
July 30th, 2009 at 11:48 am
It would be interesting to see if any more trades are made by tomorrow. Eric “Automatic Out” Bruntlett will unfortunately be staying, and Mayberry will be sent down. I am excited to see what Francisco will do with his bat. He’s got 10 homers so far this season which is as many as Rollins has, plus he can play all the outfield positions in case they feel like resting Ibanez. Interesting to see how he will fare against National League pitching. As for Lee, I think he was a good acquisition. Kudos to Ruben on this deal
July 30th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Fuck it. 150th.
July 31st, 2009 at 1:00 am
Perhaps the beard is getting in Bruntlett’s way. Although it’s his trademark beard, I’d rather see him get on base in the rare instance that he is up.
He should try something like this: http://pleasegodno.com/uploads/Wilford-Brimley-03.quickblog.jpg