My comments remain “awaiting moderation” on another site. But Cliff Lee has wasted no time whatsoever. Neither have his suitors, as they have begun lining up to bid for his services.
Bill Ladson is the beat reporter for MLB following the Washington Nationals. Ladson reported over the weekend the Nationals top priority is acquiring a front-line starter. Remember, they will be without Stephen Strasburg for all of 2011.
You have to give the Nationals some credit. They really were an awful franchise (from top to bottom) when they moved from Montreal a few years ago. Like the Mets in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Washington Nationals secured high draft picks due to their last-place finishes. Over the years, their farm system has developed players like Ryan Zimmerman, Stephen Strasburg, and Jordan Zimmerman, John Lannon, and now Bryce Harper is in the pipeline. They were also pretty fortunate to sign Adam Dunn as a free agent. If you recall, Dunn was an unsigned free agent two years ago and signed a deal with Washington right before spring training began. While the Nationals do not appear to be interested in re-signing Dunn, it looks like he’ll be a highly sought after free-agent this winter (and good for at least one draft pick). The Nationals have also had their share of boneheaded moves as well. But it is really bad form to point out other team’s flaws, when we have a pretty lengthy list of our own.
Ladson reported the Nationals are interested in speaking with Cliff Lee. I’m not really certain what kind of terms Lee is seeking, but he should be the top catch of the off-season. The Yankees have also contacted Lee’s agent, wasting no time in bidding for his services.
Suppose the Nationals were somehow able to sign Cliff Lee. While we know Strasburg will be out for all of next year, Lee will be 32 on opening day and will likely be seeking a multiyear payday. Going forward, a rotation of Lee, Strasburg, Jordan Zimmerman and John Lannon will be tough to beat. At least for a few years.
Finally, most Met fans ought to know that Cliff Lee was drafted in the fourth round in 2000 by the Montréal Expos. Two years later, Expos general manager Omar Minaya traded Cliff Lee, along with Brandon Phillips, Grady Sizemore and Lee Stevens to the Cleveland Indians, for Tim Drew and Bartolo Colon.
How would you feel about seeing Cliff Lee in a Washington Nationals uniform? Or, how about seeing Cliff Lee in a Yankees jersey? What kind of deal do you think Lee will ultimately sign?
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I wouldn’t mind it. Cliff Lee doesn’t make the Nationals contenders, so it doesn’t threaten the Mets prospects at the division. He’ll face the Phillies and Braves just as much.
Seeing him in a Yankee uniform is unlikely, but I would be amusing to see them locked into so many long term pitching contracts for so much money. especially if those pitchers start to wear down or show their age.
…and they already ARE starting to show signs of breakdown (Burnett is a good example). Remember how Mussina essentially threw away the key at the end, he was done. How long will CC be able to do it in the shape he is in? Not to get too far off topic, but what is the braintrust thinking about Vazquez?
I agree with you, I think (at least for 2011) I would rather see Lee in a Nats uniform than a Phillies uniform (you know what I mean). One pitcher will not turn the Nats around, but it could be a difference maker for Philadelphia or Atlanta.
I am so tired of seeing pitchers (especially) getting these monster contracts and then breaking down after a year or two. I know it was important for the Mets to get someone like Pedro, cuz petey helped bring over Beltran. But look around, it seems like a lot of pitchers never live up to the promise when they are signing on the dotted line.