MLB: Top Fifteen National League Acquisitions In The Hot Stove League

First off, congratulations to the San Francisco Giants on winning their first world championship in San Francisco.  Following the World Series, all attention turns to the Hot Stove League.

The off season feeding frenzy is now about half over with spring training just around the corner.  Now is a good time to evaluate what has transpired thus far.

Who are the top fifteen National League acquisitions thus far in the Hot Stove League?

For the purposes of this article, I am not including players that have re-signed with their 2010 team, such as Aubrey Huff with the Giants or Jorge De La Rosa with the Rockies.  My focus is only on players who are changing uniforms for the 2011 season.

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Cliff Lee a Philly Once Again

Hard throwing Cliff Lee surprised the baseball and sports world Tuesday by arriving in Philadelphia to finalize a deal worth $120 million dollars guaranteed for five years with a player option 6^th year. This comes after most players, fans, and GM’s, especially Brian Cashman and Joe Daniels, expected him to sign with either the Yankees or Rangers. He returns to the Phillies after being traded away mid season despite the Phillies being in the midst of a successful season; not that going to the Rangers didn’t take him all the way to the World Series in spite of losing to the San Francisco Giants.

            Lee, 32 and this off-seasons hottest free agent, will earn a total $135 million if the contract is maxed out after the 6^th year. Lee turned down a whopping $137 million dollar 5-year deal from the Yankees and Rangers. Mets former General Manager Omar Minaya says that’s the most money he’s ever seen a player walk away from. This comes at a time when other players like Lebron James are attempting to show the world that it’s not all about the money. In other words, every now and then being in an organization an athlete feels interconnected with best is logically the best idea. Lee, a would be number in almost all other rotations, is expected to wear number 33 and pitch 3^rd in the rotation behind this years Cy Young winner Roy Halladay and Phillies World Series win mvp Cole Hamels. This deal will give the Phillies with 3 of the top 8 active pitchers in terms of winning percentage and together with Oswalt have made 13 all star appearances.

            Lee was quoted as saying this rotation could potentially be the best ever but we will just have to see how things play out. Lee returns to the Phillies after starting 12 games for them in 2009 posting a 7-4 record with an ERA of 3.39 and a whip of just 1.13. Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins was shocked but pleased by the deal finding out through a txt message from his mother which he was able to confirm through ESPN shortly after. Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. got the approval from Rollins via txt message and Phillies fans getting the news was sure to bring an even more positive outlook regarding the future of the Phillies organization after locking up heaving hitting slugger Ryan Howard through 2017. The potential this rotation has is exponential and unfortunately Lee won’t be reunited with former teammate C.C. Sabathia, who’s wife and Lee’s wife are close friends, I’m sure pitching with Halladay, Hamels, and Oswalt won’t put a damper on next season. 

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Philadelphia Phillies: 5 Big Positives From Signing Cliff Lee

December 15th is a historical date.  In 1794, the United States Bill of Rights became law.  In 1933, the 21st Amendment went into effect, legalizing alcohol.  Russians landed on Venus in 1970. And now, in the year 2010, Cliff Lee re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.

The signing will obviously not impact our society in such way as the Bill of Rights or the 21st Amendment once did.  And it is doubtful that December 15th will be named a national holiday.  However, this is still a historic occasion for the City of Philadelphia.

The following is a list of five ways in which the Cliff Lee deal has made a positive impact on the team, the city and the fans.

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Oh Come All Lee Faithful, Joyful And… Well, You Get The Point

I’ll be honest. I don’t watch postseason trades. I find them as futile as foreplay after forty or light beer chasers. But when I read that the phenomenal uniform philler-outer, Jayson Werth, had been signed by a division rival, I burned my bra in defiance.

Then I just had to buy a new one. That’s when I made an important discovery:

Not everything expands when it’s cold.

In this era of disclaimers, stipulations, and legal litigation, let me make one thing vividly clear:

I’d still do Jayson Werth.

But some people thought I’d take the news hard.

Hard? Hell, at least he didn’t run up the phone bill and stick my toothbrush someplace dreary when he left. Besides, who can blame him? Like my husband said, “It’s just a man taking care of his family.”

Considering a few years ago he questioned whether he’d ever play ball again, I take my hat off to him.

Okay, maybe a few other pieces of clothing too.

And the Nationals: Was it an accident that a team hoping to fill its stands with fans nabbed one of the sexiest players in baseball? I think not.

Was it a quirk that those new stalker laws went into effect shortly after I became a Phillies fan?

Nothing’s a coincidence.

Think of t-shirt sales alone. Nat fans are already stuffing their bras to embellish Jayson’s 28 on their chests (or like me, the 28 around my chest.)

Hey, aren’t there plans for a high-speed train from Philadelphia to DC?

Like my friend, Dave, said, “Jayson Werth is getting paid in Trident Layers.” I told him, “I’m one of them.”

So last week’s headline read: “Phils Have Hole to Fill as Werth Signs With Nats.”

Yeah, so did I.

This week’s is, “Hole Wasn’t as Big as We Thought.”

Heard that before.

There’s one major reason the Phillies signed Cliff Lee: So my husband wouldn’t have to hear me whine.

Cross that one off my bucket list, and my Christmas list, my delusional fantasy baseball list, my most wanted list, my Amazon wish list, and my own personal to “do” list.

Tell the truth: How many of you tried to redeem American Express points for him?

And why are we so obsessed with the one who compLEEtes me?

The behind-the-back catch.

A man that can do it with a hand tied behind his back is an odds-on favorite for the feline fans.

Whoops, did I just say feline?

I’m sorry. I was dreaming of Cliff Lee reaching every part of my body with his tongue.

From his mound.

I have no idea what that means.

So, while fans ponder which slot in the rotation he’ll master or if the 9-5 odds of the Phils winning the World Series will waiver, I wonder about the important stuff:

What month will he get in the new Phillies calendar?

And he’s getting Ruben Amaro Jr’s old number: 33.

Hey, that’s my lucky number. Hold on, I think that’s my IQ.

Wait, what’s an IQ?

Actually I don’t care what number he gets just so it’s ironed on his uniform in Braille.

Then it won’t be a violation to fondle him.

I really need to start that petition for women umpires.

Or cheerleaders.

Or just a block of seats for middle-aged perverts.

By Jayson leaving Philly for more and Cliff coming back for less, I don’t think Ruben has to worry about dissent in the stands.

And look on the bright side—I can still flash Jayson 18 times next season.

Hey, don’t scowl at me—I have a permit for that. I petitioned the court and called it “freedom of expression.” And they bought it because they agreed—there aren’t many ways I can prove I’m a girl.

And since I have a licentious license I told my husband for this year’s Christmas card we should flash the camera, then use the caption “Merry Titsmas.”

He answered with a new concept in grammar: The exclamation fart.

That means he doesn’t like it.

Or my casserole was a little rich.

So, with 2010 drawing to close, I’d like to serve up my graciousness for three things:

Cliff Lee is back.

If I miss Jayson, he’s only 150 miles away.

And my husband can still make me fart when he makes me laugh.

 

Let me proclaim my joy another way:

Oh Christmas Lee, oh Christmas Lee

How lovely are your britches.

In the meantime, while I wait to see if the Phillies sign another great butt, I’ll iron my pinstriped thong and wear it close to the part of me my husband truly cherishes.

Like he says, “At least it’ll keep something else from crawling up there.”

Happy Halladay everyone.

See you at the ballpark.

 

PS. Happy birthday, Dad.

 

Copyright 2010 Flattish Poe all rights reserved

Catch life one-liner at a time on Twitter.

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Pennsylvania Peace Treaty: Why the Phillies and Pirates Match Up for a Trade

At one point in history, the Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates had a steaming hot rivalry not all that unlike the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox rivalry that has spanned baseball history.

In the mid-to-late 1970s, two of the National League’s best teams and perennial contenders were the Phillies and the Pirates. Thanks to proximity in geography, there was a burning passion for each of the teams.

If you were a fan in Philadelphia, you absolutely hated the Pirates, and the adverse was true as well for residents of the Steel City.

“During the 1970s, a total of only three teams won the National League East—the Pirates won it six times, the Phillies won it three times and the New York Mets won it once. In all three of the Phillies’ title seasons, the Pirates would finish breathing down their necks in second place.”

That rivalry has long since died out.

Though it is due to many factors, modern-day scheduling has the Phillies and Pirates meeting on an average of six times per season, and with the fact that the Phillies have trumped the National League East over the latter half of the last decade and the Pirates have finished with 18 consecutive losing seasons, the memories of those old rivalries are just that: memories.

However, that won’t stop the two teams from matching up for a trade.

When the Phillies shocked the baseball world by signing free agent left-hander Cliff Lee, it wasn’t a surprise to learn that right-hander Joe Blanton almost immediately became expendable. Rumors had the Phillies and Red Sox discussing a potential deal well into the night before the Phillies signed Lee, but that deal fell through.

In fact, many baseball executives believe that the Phillies won’t move Blanton unless they find the right deal for them, since the backloading of Lee’s deal (he’ll only make $11 million in 2011) gives them some breathing room in the payroll.

So what do the Phillies need, and how do the Pirates make sense?

Before signing Lee and still hereafter, the Phillies have a glaring vacancy in the lineup left by the departure of right fielder Jayson Werth. Though the Phillies made him a fair offer, and general manager Ruben Amaro joked that he could have remained with the team had he accepted arbitration, Werth signed with the division rival Washington Nationals for a mega deal of seven years and $126 million.

Though the Phillies continue to reassure their fanbase that they are comfortable with their options in right field, which as of now will be some combination of Domonic Brown, Ross Gload and Ben Francisco, Werth’s production will not be easily replaced.

In a year in which most of the lineup was plagued by injury, Werth was able to stay healthy in 2010 and would go on to put up a .296/.388/.532 slash line, good for a career high .921 OPS. Though he struggled mightily with runners in scoring position, Werth blasted 27 home runs and drove in 97 runs.

The production of the Phillies’ trio of candidates in 2010? Well, let’s just say that they weren’t as good. They’ll look for an affordable upgrade there.

The key word, of course, is “affordable.”

The Phillies have a ton of money committed to their payroll in 2011, and the major reason they’re looking to deal Blanton in the first place is to clear some of that capital. Though Blanton is owed $17 million over the course of the next two years, he is an affordable commodity to a team that craves starting pitching.

When discussing Blanton, the word “serviceable” comes up often. Though he’s not a top of the rotation arm, he is a valuable option for any rotation. In a full, healthy season, Blanton is going to log close to 200 innings and feature a FIP right around 4.30. He won’t win a Cy Young Award, but he will help a team win games.

The Phillies may have a valuable trade chip, but what do the Pirates have, and why would the Phillies be interested?

Ryan Doumit. The former catcher was forced to move to right field when the Pirates acquired Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Chris Snyder at the trade deadline last season, and Doumit was not thrilled about losing his starting catching job.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Doumit had this to say about the trade: “I was shocked, obviously. I didn’t know how to interpret it. He’s a starting catcher type guy. I’m a starting catcher type guy. I didn’t know what to think of it. You know, obviously, I want to play. I want to play every day. I think I’m an everyday major leaguer and…I don’t know. I’m still kind of taken aback by it.”

Obviously, Doumit was not happy from being moved out from behind the plate, and he had every right to be upset. After he hit .318/.357/.501 with 15 HRs behind the plate for the Pirates in 2008, they rewarded him with a three-year, $11.5 million contract in the offseason, seemingly locking up their catcher.

The deal, which included club options for the 2012 and 2013 seasons, made the acquisition of Chris Snyder, who hit just .231/.352/.426 for the D-Backs before being shipped to the Pirates, seem questionable, to say the least. Speculation surrounding the deal was that the Pirates were concerned with Doumit’s health behind the plate.

Though Doumit’s 2010 numbers over the past two seasons have been somewhat disappointing, a move off a weak Pirates team and a solidified role in the lineup may do wonders for him.

For example, Roy Oswalt was in much the same situation with the Astros in 2010. During the first half of the season, with Houston, Oswalt was 6-12 with an ERA of 3.42. After being traded to Philadelphia, a revitalized Oswalt went 7-1, posting an incredible ERA of just 1.74, making a case for Cy Young consideration and finishing sixth. Could a change of scenery and a spot in right field be just what Doumit needs?

It’s possible, and the Pirates, who are in desperate need of starting pitching, could use Blanton as well.

As it stands on Dec. 17, 2010, the projected ace of the 2011 Pittsburgh Pirates staff is James McDonald. The 23-year-old McDonald was part of a Pirates staff that finished in dead last in many major pitching stat categories in 2010, including ERA, wins, complete games, innings pitched and batting average against.

Joe Blanton, who could easily take the mantle as the ace of that weak staff, could be an interesting option for the struggling Pirates.

Could a deal take place?

It’s a very likely possibility, assuming that each team is willing to bargain. The Phillies will try to move as much money as possible. Blanton will be owed $17 million guaranteed dollars over the next two years, and Doumit, on the other hand, will be owed $5.6 million, including his buyout, over just one guaranteed year in 2011.

The Phillies will need to pitch in a good sum of money for the Pirates to take on Blanton. They aren’t going to take on $11.4 million in a rebuilding phase without a significant return. On the same token, the Pirates may be much more interested in Phillies prospects than Blanton and will only accept him to facilitate a deal. They’ll have to take borderline prospects and not top-of-the-line, projectable prospects.

So it’s not the perfect match, but it is a deal that could work well for both sides. Blanton, who is expendable because of the Phillies’ quartet of aces, could find a new home in Pittsburgh, where Doumit, who has become expendable by the recent acquisitions of Chris Snyder and Lyle Overbay and who will push Garrett Jones back out into right field, will find limited playing time.

If the trade is made and Doumit meets his great 2008 and down 2010 seasons in the middle, the Phillies will have turned an extra arm in that monstrous rotation into a switch-hitting outfielder with decent pop, the potential to hit for average and protection in the bottom half of the order. Not a bad deal. As always, though, dollars rule the day.

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Philadelphia Phillies: 10 Ways They Will Make Up for Jayson Werth’s Production

Philadelphia Phillies fans were devastated when they heard the news of Jayson Werth’s departure to the Washington Nationals, especially considering it was so sudden.

It was also shocking to see our everyday right fielder sign to a team within our own division.

Well, like normal, Philadelphia fans panicked immediately, just like every time when something like this happens.

It’s hard to admit, but as a Phillies fan myself, it’s true.

But let me be the first to tell you that there isn’t too much to worry about.

Yeah, we lost our right fielder, but that’s why we have young prospects to take his place.

Not only that, but it will also make every other player know that they lost something valuable and they must step up their game in place of it. 

Without further ado, the 10 ways the Phillies can make up for the loss of Werth.

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Cliff Lee: Another Former Philadelphia Phillie Ignites Winter’s Hot Stove

The reacquisition of Cliff Lee this week was the latest in a series of moves the Philadelphia Phillies have made this offseason that brought former players back to the fold.

Ryne Sandberg, Juan Samuel, and Mickey Morandini, all retired players, have returned after long absences from the team.

Lee, of course, returns to South Philadelphia to expand upon his legendary 2009 season in pinstripes.

Ruben Amaro’s admission that introspection played a role in Lee’s return should slam the book shut on all past speculation about why Lee left.

Basically the club was unwilling to commit to him long-term last year, saw how the 2010 season ended and decided that they needed him after all.

It is always good when people acknowledge being human.

Carlos Ruiz

Amaro does need to make sure that the outfield and bench are solid, because the team does need to score runs.  While many crooked numbers might not be needed on most nights, Werth’s offensive production needs to be accounted for.  Carlos Ruiz has shown every sign that he will fill some of this production void and could be a candidate to move up in the batting order in 2011.

The level of excellence that Pat Gillick inspired in everyone changed the culture of the Phillies brain trust and clearly has influenced his best student, the Phillies current GM.  He deserves credit for being both bold and humble.

 

Mickey Morandini is the Phillies new Single A manager in Williamsport.

The second baseman on the famed 1993 “Macho Row” team is actually returning for his third tour of duty. He had two stints as a player from 1990-1997 and in 2000.

This fan favorite always exhibited a professional demeanor on and off the field. His depth of character should add to an already strong farm system and help to produce future stars who will play at Citizens Bank Park.

Two former second basemen also returned to the Phillies recently. Ryne Sandberg and Juan Samuel were promising prospects in a rich minor league system.

One that helped the big club to produce numerous summer blockbuster seasons, the sequels to which have not been seen until just recently.

Sandberg played the remainder of his career with the Cubs and retired in 1997. Samuel went on to play with six other teams and retired in 1998.

Both men were key figures in the Phillies fortunes, or lack thereof. 

Sandberg, the 2005 Hall of Fame inductee, was involved in a seminal 1980’s trade.

The 10-time All Star and 1984 National League MVP was hired to manage the Phils triple A team, possibly preparing for a future role in Philadelphia.

Juan Samuel, the new third base coach, was a dynamic young player who got his chance to play during that same era, in part, because of Sandberg’s departure.

Ryne Sandberg

“Ryno” was a minor league infielder, coveted by Dallas Green, himself a former Phillies pitching farmhand in the 1960’s. Sandberg only played a handful of games in red pinstripes, before he was sent on a plane to Wrigley Field.

His efforts in the windy city allowed him to write HOF under his signature, because he became one of the greatest second baseman of all-time.

So, why was his vast potential discarded?

 

Bill Giles

Phillies Chairman Bill Giles provides answers to that question in his excellent book, Pouring Six Beers at a Time.

Giles took a lot of heat during the period when Sandberg and Samuel were Phillies. His group purchased the team in 1981. Fans referenced him as a key source responsible for years of losing seasons.

However, he shares significant credit with a management group that is responsible for four World Series appearances and the 2008 champions; he was also one of the principle visionaries who enabled Citizens Bank Park to become Phillies fan newest friend.

This son of former National League president Warren Giles is an honest guy, whose heart was always in the right place. His sincerity and passion for the game is undeniable.

Like any baseball season, every long reign has its down times. So, any retrospective about his overall legacy deserves to be filled with positive words.

 

Sandberg’s career statistics (1981-1997):

Games: 2,164

Batting Average: .285

Home runs: 282

Runs Batted In: 1,061

Stolen Bases: 344

Fielding Percentage: .989

 

Dallas Green

Ryne Sandberg was traded with Larry Bowa after the 1981 season. They were acquired by former 1980 World Series champion manager Dallas Green, who had left Philadelphia to become the Chicago Cubs Executive Vice President and General Manager.

He took so many Phillies personnel with him and acquired so many Phillies players, that his Cubs team became known as “Phillies-West.”

Green’s exit signaled a new era—one where the Phillies developed little new talent. His departure was one in a series of blows to an organization that was at the tail end of its greatest era.

It set in motion the decline of the team, the Vet and the Eagles rise to prominence.

While the Phillies did appear in the 1983 World Series, their glory was dazed. Gassed after winning Game 1 against the Orioles, the Phillies then lost four straight.

The team failed to reach the playoffs again until 1993. Of course, that was “Macho Row’s” one year of wonder.

As Sandberg’s career was moving towards its twilight, Mickey Morandini was manning second by then.

Sandberg became a Hall of Famer, in one of the most referenced trades sports fans in this area still talk about. Coming full circle, the 51 year old Sandberg returns to the team where his baseball career was born.

He is also a natural selection to eventually join the major league staff, be mentored by and then succeed Charlie Manuel.

He won the Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year award this past season, but was not picked to take over for the retiring Lou Pinella.

So, in a reversal of fortune come full circle, the Phillies now have re-acquired him 28 years after his infamous trade. Pat Gillick used to speak of restocking inventory and this move helps replenish the Phillies future coaching or managerial supply.

Since he was not chosen to replace Lopes on the coaching staff, it would seem reasonable to believe that the organization has placed him on a future managerial path.

Would the organization let him get away again, as it did in the past? With the situations are not comparable, it seems likely that he was specifically chosen with a plan in mind.

 

Juan Samuel

So, with Sandberg gone, Samuel’s position in the 80’s infield was set. He starred at second base for the Phillies in the 1980’s, earning two of his three All Star appearances.

“Sammy” was eventually involved in a 1989 trade that landed Lenny “Nails” Dykstra.

The San Pedro de Macoris native transitioned into coaching after retiring in 1999. He managed in the minor leagues and was an interim manager for the Orioles this past season.

Samuel, now 49 years old, was inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame in 2008.

If Samuel were somehow a part of today’s team, he would fit in well. Personable, possessing a smile that belies a kind-heart, he made the best of his time and was well-liked because of it.

 

Samuel’s career statistics (1983-1998):

Games: 1,720

Batting Average: .259

Home runs: 161

Runs Batted In: 703

Stolen Bases: 396

Fielding Percentage: .973

 

Samuel’s time starts with the new season. That third base coaching position has proven to be challenging for many, so he will need to remain sharp.

His approach to coaching and overall loyalty are big pluses, so hopefully he fits right in.

With whatever the future holds, it would be great to also see Sandberg in our uniform at some point. Charlie Manuel may have a future opening on his staff, which Sandberg could fill.

He would likely prove to be as strong a coaching mentor for Ryno, as he has proven to be for his players.

This Hall of Famer could, eventually, lead this talented squad.

During the offseason, these are the type of recipes that all of us sports fans enjoy cooking on that old hot stove.

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Cliff Lee Snubs the Eyes of Texas and the Big Apple

BY: ANTHONY BARATTA

 

December 14^th, 2010

 

“Start spreading the news….

 I’m leaving today….

I want to be a part of it….

In old….??Philadelphia??”

 

“The stars at night…

Are big and bright…

Deep in the heart of?? PHILLY??”

 

By now everyone’s heard it.  In a surprise move, Cliff Lee, has snubbed his Pinstriped and Lone Star suitors, in favor of his former team, the Philadelphia Phillies.  Reports surfaced last night, that the Yankees deal had bottomed out (Hard to believe huh? The Yankees not getting a big name player they coveted in the off-season… since when?).

The deal, worth $120 million over five years, is a sharp decline from the lucrative 7 year offers from Texas and New York, which were thought enough to land the hot-commodity left-hander. 

Bringing Lee to Philadelphia sets up one of the most dominating rotations in the history of Major League Baseball.  Halladay, Lee, Hamels, and Oswalt, on paper, certainly look to be enough to land the Phillies back in the World Series after they were derailed by the white hot San Francisco Giants last year. 

That is, at least on paper. 

The baseball season is still approximately two months away, and there are still names out on the market to be signed.  Obviously, none of them compare to the names already signed/traded (Gonzalez, Crawford, and now Lee), but it should be interesting to see how the rest of the offseason shapes up. 

Yankees and Rangers fans, dismayed at losing out on Lee, now are looking to their respective front offices for a swift maneuver to somehow counteract losing Lee. Looking at both teams, plenty of questions arise after losing out on such a big name.

 

THE YANKEES:

They seem to have a lot more to be concerned with than Texas now that they have  fallen out of the Lee chase.  More than likely, their first move will be to try convincing Andy Pettitte to come back for one more season. 

Obviously after Pettitte, the pitching cupboard is pretty bare in free agency.  Even so, assuming Pettitte returns for one last year in Pinstripes, expect the Yankees to look into the trade market for another starter. 

The question though, is who? Zack Greinke? Josh Johnson? Mark Buehrle? Felix Hernandez? Carlos Zambrano? 

Out of those four, it seems likely Zambrano or Buehrle could be headed for the Bronx if the price is right for the Yankees.  Greinke, Johnson, and Hernandez all would command a hefty price for the Yankees one that General Manager Brian Cashman would be unwilling to pay. 

If, in fact the Yankees cannot find a trade partner, they will turn to AJ Burnett and Phil Hughes to put in the best years of their careers in 2011.  Both starters are enigmas, so can they really be trusted? Only time will tell, but don’t expect the Yankees to have to answer that question, because I’m fairly certain they will make a trade in the coming weeks.

 

THE RANGERS:

The addition of Lee last season propelled this team into the post season.  Lee gave them the ace they desired for so many years. 

Now, the subtraction of Lee gives them SLIGHTLY less to worry about than the Yankees.  I say slightly because, unlike the Yankees, the Rangers are a younger team.  However, without Lee’s return, the Rangers are left to ponder many questions as well.

Can C.J. Wilson step into the shoes of an ace and fill them out as the organization expects him to? 

Will the youngsters, Tommy Hunter, and Derek Holland, be able to repeat strong 2010 campaigns?

Will Neftali Feliz continue to dominate in the closer role?  

Can Colby Lewis slide in behind Wilson and maintain his attempt at career resurgence? 

All of these are valid questions that Ranger fans are sure to be asking.

One pitcher who is likely to find his way to Arlington now that Lee has left is Carl Pavano.  Pavano has also found a fresh start to his career after suffering multiple injuries during his stint with the New York Yankees. 

Winning 17 games last season, and 14 in 2009, Pavano looks to get a solid contract from teams searching for decent starting pitching.  Expect the Rangers to jump at him and even sign him away from the Twins by January.  That should give the Rangers at least a decent shot at repeating as AL West champs. 

The answers to all these questions and more will begin to unfold more clearly as the off-season comes to a close. The story of the 2011 Major League Baseball season begins to be written.  As it stands right now, the Phillies are holding the pen.  

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A Cliffmas Miracle in Philadelphia: Welcome Home, Cliff Lee

Perhaps it’s the beard.

He just didn’t want to shave it on someone else’s terms. Not even for all the extras the pinstripes were throwing at his wife…I mean him. Can you blame the guy?

Was Cliff Lee scared of New York? He says no, according to the New York Post. 

The New York Post quotes Lee: 

“There wasn’t anything that scared me away from New York,” 

“I wasn’t scared to play there. I wasn’t any of that. It was just I wanted to have all my options in front of me. Once the Phillies were there, it was relatively close to everything, it was a no-brainer for me.”

Plus, he was quoted on WFAN NY stating that Philly fans “don’t need a teleprompter to tell them to cheer.” This was probably more of a dig at the Ranger fans than the Yankees, but still. Lee has returned home. 

So where does that leave Philly? Well, let’s see. Roy, squared. Hollywood Hamels. Now Cliff Lee? It’s certainly going to be tough to be the number 5 in Philadelphia. 

As for NL East competition? Go ahead Metsies. Terry Collins, keep rebuilding. Maybe one day your Lego pieces will turn into big boy buildings. Until then, the Phillies architectural genius is dwarfing your childish abode. Perhaps it’s time to lose the “re” and just start building. And imitation is not offensive at this point. After all, the Mets built Citi Field in the shadow of Citizens Bank Park. Perhaps it’s time to take some lessons on how to build a team. 

Also, how is it that both Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay prefer Philadelphia over New York? And both accept LESS money to come to the cheesesteak capital? Move over Miami, there’s a new Heater trilogy in town. The only problem is, there are four guys capable of the top three spots. Yikes.

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Staggering Stats: 2011 Phillies Rotation Predictions

With the free-agent acquisition of left-hander Cliff Lee, the Philadelphia Phillies have certainly made an enormous splash in the sports-news world.

Now is the time for huge baseball geeks, such as myself, to start importing the new statistical data and create our predictions for what this starting rotation, assuming both good health and performing at career averages, will do in 2011.

If no further trades are made between now and the end of the 2011 MLB season including any of the current Philadelphia Phillies’ starting pitchers, the quintet’s combined career record is a staggering 553 wins versus 335 losses. That’s a 60.5% winning percentage.

The group would have a 3.63 ERA and each pitcher would average approximately 202 innings pitched.

Also, all five pitchers career WHIP averaged out to 1.22.

6,139 career strikeout’s between the five pitchers divided by their combined 7868 innings pitched averages out to 1.28 strikeout’s per 9 innings.

With all five pitchers working concomitantly, one could certainly predict each pitcher—again assuming perfect health—will have better statistics than their average career numbers in 2011, especially if the offense regains its former output from 2008 and 2009.

Also take into consideration Blanton, and especially Lee and Halladay, spent varying periods of time pitching in the more hitter friendly American League and had to face the designated hitter on a daily basis.

It’s certainly an exciting time for a Philadelphia Phillie fan.

Spring training can’t come soon enough, because us number crunching baseball statistic geeks can’t wait for our first samples of these four great pitchers working as a unit.

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