If you are a Philadelphia Phillies fan, you might be disappointed that you do not have the good Canadian Doctor.
But thanks to Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., now you have the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner.
The Phils have pulled off the first real blockbuster in wake of the 2009 Trade Deadline, trading right-handers Jason Knapp and Carlos Carrasco, shortstop Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson to the Cleveland Indians for the aforementioned Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco. Cleveland, destined to finish near the cellar in the AL Central, has once again embarked on what is now the annual tradition of cleaning house. They started yesterday with the departure of first baseman Ryan Garko to the San Francisco Giants for valued pitching prospect Scott Barnes, who is currently in High Class A ball.
Ben Francisco is not to be forgotten about either. The young outfielder hit .266 with 15 home runs and 54 RBI last year, his first full major league season. He provides Philadelphia with a solid right-handed option off the bench to make up for a lefty-heavy bench and lineup.
Last year, the Indians traded another Cy Young award-winning southpaw to a National League contender in the Milwaukee Brewers – the big ticket CC Sabathia. Sabathia was nothing short of crucial in ending Milwaukee’s 26-year-long playoff drought. Will Lee have the same effect on the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies? Only October will tell as one reigning award-winner will have a chance to play for the ultimate reigning award-winner.
Photo source: Flickr.com
