Given the health issues around Chien-Ming Wang and the inconsistency of Joba Chamberlain, does it make sense for the Yankees to go out and get a proven starting pitcher for the second half of 2009? Well, that’s today’s wild thought…
And, while everyone is focused on the chase for the Blue Jays’ Doc Halladay, perhaps the Yankees should try a sneak attack at another solid starter…like the Indians Cliff Lee? He’s also available…see this, recently, from Bob Nightengale:
The Blue Jays would require a package greater than the three prospects the Cleveland Indians received last year for ace CC Sabathia, Ricciardi said, considering Halladay won’t be a free agent until after the 2010 season. Halladay, 10-2 with a 2.79 ERA, said he is open to a trade but has told Ricciardi the teams for which he would exercise his no-trade rights.
Cleveland is in a similar situation with Cliff Lee, the defending Cy Young winner who is a free agent after next season. Indians GM Mark Shapiro has not publicly made the left-hander available. But since Cleveland has the American League’s worst record, teams are bound to call.
“We’re in a position where we are open to all thoughts and ideas,” Shapiro said.
Few teams might have the resources and prospects to acquire players the caliber of Halladay and Lee, who are making $14.25 million and $6 million this year.
Well, we know that the Yankees have kicked the tires on Halladay. Maybe they should do the same with Cliff Lee and the Indians?
10 Responses to “Wild Thought: Cliff Lee?”
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July 11th, 2009 at 10:34 am
between wang’s injury, joba’s struggles, and hughes being moved to the pen (it seems permanently, though they might want to reconsider from a pure depth perspective, even if he hasn’t been great in that role yet), it’s looking more and more like they are going to have to get somebody. amazing how that happens.
July 11th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
How far off would a Jackson & Robertson for Lee offer be?
July 11th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
I doubt Shapiro would bite that that…since Lee has another year on his contract. If this were rent-a-pitcher for three months, then, maybe…
July 11th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Good point. What would they have to add to that offer to get Lee, in your opinion?
July 11th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Edwin Jackson and Nate Robertson for CMW and then ship the 2 Jackson’s and the 2 Robertsons to Cleveland for Lee.
July 11th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
ChrisXS wrote:
if we get edwin jackson, why would u flip him for cliff lee? I feel like Lee could revert back to his old self that got sent to the minors at any time…not to mention, why would the tigers do that lol
July 11th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Yeah, the Tigers would never do that and if you get Jackson, you keep him.
But seriously, would I guy like Ivan Nova being added to that deal make it work, or would they have to go much higher like Austin Romine or Zach McAllister?
July 11th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
@ hallofamer2000:
i’d imagine they want a major league ready arm because they feel they can compete next year
July 11th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
[...] wasn’t effective in his outings. The guys over at WasWatching brought up the idea of the Yankees possibly pursuing a trade for Cliff Lee. It doesn’t seem like a bad idea to me. Everyone is focused on where Halladay will go, and the [...]
July 13th, 2009 at 9:48 am
[...] If possible, try and acquire Cliff Lee via a trade with the Indians – and then give him Mitre’s or Kontos’ spot in the [...]