According to multiple sources, Cliff Lee is returning to the Phillies. Lee rejected a seven-year, $150 million deal from the Yankees to sign with the Phillies for five years, $100 million (approximately).
This gives the Phillies one of the best rotations I’ve ever seen on paper.
- Roy Halladay
- Cliff Lee
- Roy Oswalt
- Cole Hamels
- Joe Blanton
Three 20-game winners in the same rotation with all three still in their primes? When’s the last time that happened?
What I’m most surprised about is Lee taking less money to play for the Phillies. Some have reasoned it’s more expensive to live in New York so the offers would actually be very close in terms of value.
The Yankees are now hoping Andy Pettitte returns more than ever. If he doesn’t, and the Yankees don’t add either Rich Harden, Brandon Webb or a top starter via trade, Phil Hughes becomes the Yankees’ No. 2 starter. In the beginning of the offseason, most projected he would be the No. 4.
Let the rotation projections begin…
1. CC Sabathia
2. Phil Hughes
3. A.J. Burnett
4. Freddy Garcia
5. Ivan Nova
What’s your idea?
