And the winner of the Cliff Lee sweepstakes is ...

[OregonStrosFan]

the Philadelphia Phillies?!?!?!?

That's the story from Rangers beat writer T.R. Sullivan anyway...  LINK 

Just think, a rotation with Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels.  Absolutely amazing...  WOW!

[rifraft]

the Philadelphia Phillies?!?!?!?

That's the story from Rangers beat writer T.R. Sullivan anyway...  LINK 

Just think, a rotation with Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels.  Absolutely amazing...  WOW!

Ho Lee Shit!

[dirty steve]

phillies sure waited in the weeds there.  hamels will be in the bullpen for the playoffs next year.

[Reuben]

5 yrs/ $100 mil, turning down at least 6/$138 from the Yanks and Rangers, maybe as much as 7/161.

Wow. Good for him; you gotta admire that.

[cougar]

So when does the players' union call him up and bitch him out for not taking the absolute most money he could have gotten?  Isn't that how it works or something?

[Jose Cruz III]

the Philadelphia Phillies?!?!?!?

That's the story from Rangers beat writer T.R. Sullivan anyway...  LINK 

Just think, a rotation with Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels.  Absolutely amazing...  WOW!

Wow.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Roy, Cliff, Roy and Cole. Wow.  I hate the Phillies but admire the Phillies as an organization.

[moriartp]

And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him.

[subnuclear]

Isn't what makes this possible is Drayton paying some of Oswalt's salary?  (And I guess not resigning Werth . . .)

[Taras Bulba]

Could be dead wrong about this, but my first thought was that this gave Philadelphia an opportunity to deal Hamels for a position player and a #4 or #5 starter in return.

[hostros7]

Rumor is that they are trying to unload Blanton's $17mm or so but are being asked by counterparties to eat half of it.

[Gizzmonic]

Could be dead wrong about this, but my first thought was that this gave Philadelphia an opportunity to deal Hamels for a position player and a #4 or #5 starter in return.

Yeah, I guess they probably want a slugging RF to replace Werth.  If only they knew about this hustly young bananarmer who plays down in Texas, his hair often soaked in gasoline.

[BudGirl]

You all do realize the Astros start the 2011 season in Philadelphia, right?

[Ron Brand]

You all do realize the Astros start the 2011 season in Philadelphia, right?

Yeah, I'm not so sure a spring visit to Philly would be the best way to start the season. Ow.

[pots]

From what I've seen it's 120 million if he pitches 5 years.  135 million if he pitches 6.  

The yankee offer was 132 mil for 6 and 148 mil for 7.

The Phillies had the better 6 year deal.  

[pots]

You all do realize the Astros start the 2011 season in Philadelphia, right?

Perfect.  Probably the best chance to beat them is before they get settled in.  Before their aces are pitching CGs.

[MusicMan]

It's hard for me to say this, since he's a confirmed no-talent assclown, but Jon Heyman was absolutely right on this.

[austro]

Yeah, I guess they probably want a slugging RF to replace Werth.  If only they knew about this hustly young bananarmer who plays down in Texas, his hair often soaked in gasoline.

They let Werth go so they could make room for Dominic Brown (and not pay Werth mega-bucks). I doubt that they'd have any interest in Pence, even if he brings his own gasoline.

[EasTexAstro]

You all do realize the Astros start the 2011 season in Philadelphia, right?

I thought the Astros always started around the All Star break?

[OregonStrosFan]

It's hard for me to say this, since he's a confirmed no-talent assclown, but Jon Heyman was absolutely right on this.

He has been getting beat up on unmercifully for the past couple of days for his "mystery team" reference.  I guess he is getting the last laugh on this one...

[Bench]

From what I've seen it's 120 million if he pitches 5 years.  135 million if he pitches 6.  

The yankee offer was 132 mil for 6 and 148 mil for 7.

The Phillies had the better 6 year deal.  

According to Olney:  "It took a year, but the Phillies realized exactly how much Lee wanted to pitch for them; if you had to assign a number to it, the figure would be about $34 million. That's the difference between what Lee would have guaranteed himself if he had taken the Yankees' offer of six guaranteed years at $138 million -- plus an additional $16 million in a player option for 2017 -- and what he will get from the Phillies for the next five years."

[Jose Cruz III]

It's hard for me to say this, since he's a confirmed no-talent assclown, but Jon Heyman was absolutely right on this.

Taken from mlbtraderumors.com.............

Poll: Does A Cliff Lee Mystery Team Exist?
By Tim Dierkes [December 13, 2010 at 7:13am CST]
Ah, the mystery team.  Enough of a hot stove tradition that it has its own category here at MLBTR.  One such phantom club still appears to be pursuing Cliff Lee, multiple sources told SI's Jon Heyman.  Heyman cautions that it's not the Phillies.[/u]

Back to the confirmed no-talent assclown room for Mr. Heyman.

[pots]

According to Olney:  "It took a year, but the Phillies realized exactly how much Lee wanted to pitch for them; if you had to assign a number to it, the figure would be about $34 million. That's the difference between what Lee would have guaranteed himself if he had taken the Yankees' offer of six guaranteed years at $138 million -- plus an additional $16 million in a player option for 2017 -- and what he will get from the Phillies for the next five years."

According to the ESPN article (which apparantly Olney had nothing to do with):
"The Yankees' final offer to Lee came in at $132 million over six years, a source said, with a $16 million player option that could have brought it to $148 million"

And Buster seems to completely ignore the whole 6th year thing. Which is 12.5 million buyout or 27.5 million salary.  I'm assuming the 12.5 is part of the guaranteed 120 million.  Making it 135 for 6 years, if either the option automatically vests (via 200 inning in his last year or 400 in his last 2) or the phils pick it up.    Certainly there is 12 million of guaranteed 6 year money left on the table on the 6 year deal, but 3 million gained in possible money.  And 28 million in guaranteed money should he of opted for the 7th year deal.  But he only has to pitch for 5 years for the 120 million.  And if he's still good at 38 years old, he has 3 million more on the 6 year deal with Philly.  Oh and a limited no trade clause with philly.

[MusicMan]

Taken from mlbtraderumors.com.............
Back to the confirmed no-talent assclown room for Mr. Heyman.

My faith in a rational universe is restored.

[MusicMan]

Great story from Jayson Stark:

Which is why the phone rang in this reporter's household after midnight Monday night, and a highly ranked official on another National League team was asking, pretty much at the top of his lungs: "Did the Phillies just sign Cliff Lee?"

And when the answer was, "Well, he's coming to Philadelphia, if that's what you mean," the official on the other end of the line had this reaction, also pretty much at the top of his lungs:

"Holy [colorful adjective] [colorful noun]."

[VirtualBob]

Taken from mlbtraderumors.com.............
Back to the confirmed no-talent assclown room for Mr. Heyman.

Back?  Wouldn't that imply that he had left at some point?

[Noe]

FWIW - Cliff Lee just became my favorite MLB player.  The anti-Beltran if you will.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

FWIW - Cliff Lee just became my favorite MLB player.  The anti-Beltran if you will.

He's definitely up there for me as well.  But it started for me when he caught that weak pop-fly on the mound in the 2009 World Series.  It was awesome... just sucked the life out of the Yankees.  And, in my opinion, is the reason the Yankees were so determined to get him, he was not intimidated by them. 

[Gizzmonic]

FWIW - Cliff Lee just became my favorite MLB player.  The anti-Beltran if you will.

It's quite confusing.  I thought the reason he was treated like a rental and traded so much is that he sent signals that he was going to go with the highest bidder no matter what.

[Bench]

It's quite confusing.  I thought the reason he was treated like a rental and traded so much is that he sent signals that he was going to go with the highest bidder no matter what.

That's what the Phillies thought the first time around.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

It's quite confusing.  I thought the reason he was treated like a rental and traded so much is that he sent signals that he was going to go with the highest bidder no matter what.

People make mistakes?

[JimR]

That's what the Phillies thought the first time around.

that is exactly right. they had started talking extension with him and decided they could not afford him and Halladay both. they preferred Halladay.

[Reuben]

that is exactly right. they had started talking extension with him and decided they could not afford him and Halladay both. they preferred Halladay.

And in the meantime, they gave Ryan Howard an extension for more yearly money then either Halladay or Lee are getting. I guess they just decided they were gonna spend like the big boys.

[Lurch]

And in the meantime, they gave Ryan Howard an extension for more yearly money then either Halladay or Lee are getting. I guess they just decided they were gonna spend like the big boys.

They're certainly getting there.  2010 salaries.  Looks like they're close to $160MM now

From a philly board:
2011 Payroll Commitments (as of 12/14/10):
Howard $20MM
Halladay $20MM
Oswalt $16MM
Utley ~$15.3MM
Ibanez ~ $12.2MM
Lidge $12MM
Lee $11MM
Blanton $10.5MM
Hamels $9.5MM
Rollins $8.5MM
Victorino $7.5MM
Polanco $5.4MM
Madson $4.8MM
Ruiz $2.75MM
Contreras $2.5MM
Schneider $1.6MM
Gload $1.6MM
Reyes $950k

Baez $2.5MM

Oswalt $$ from HOU -$7MM

$157.6MM in payroll (19 players signed)

Arbitration: Mathieson, Kendrick, Francisco

[astrosfan76]

The Phillies might actually top the Red Sox in payroll this season, even if they trade Blanton.  The Red Sox have just under $136M committed to 17 players, but Papelbon is one of the arb-eligible players and they still may lock up Gonzalez.  Pundits talk about the Red Sox waiting until after OD to announce a Gonzalez contract, but with the luxury tax threshold at $178M for '11, it really shouldn't make a difference even if he signs for Ryan Howard money.  BTW, is Lee's contract really that backloaded?

[Lurch]

BTW, is Lee's contract really that backloaded?

Just the first year.  Jumps to $21MM in 2012.

[ValpoCory]

phillies sure waited in the weeds there.  hamels will be in the bullpen for the playoffs next year.

One of the 2011 ALDS is the one to get the extra day off, meaning that the Phillies will use a 4th starter if Game 4 is needed.  And of course the Phillies always use 4 starters in 7 game series.  So no Hamels in the bullpen.

[Noe]

Heard this the other night from MLB TV:

"The Phillies might be the best rotation on paper, but truth be told, the Giants might be better overall based on the performances of that foursome in the playoffs."

Made me think, okay: Lincecum, Cain, Sanchez, and Bumgarner vs. Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, and Hamels.  WOW!  On the one hand, you have a younger, cheaper starting four for the Jints, but as far as pure star power, playoff tested foursome, the Phillies have a very tough four.  Who would I pick?  Coin. Toss.  And I'd be happy with either result.

[ValpoCory]

He's definitely up there for me as well.  But it started for me when he caught that weak pop-fly on the mound in the 2009 World Series.  It was awesome... just sucked the life out of the Yankees. 

so much that the Yankees won 4 of the next 5 games.

[pots]

Contract:
2011: $11 million
2012: $21.5 million
2013: $25 million
2014: $25 million
2015: $25 million
2016: $12.5 million buyout or $27.5 million vesting option (200 innings pitched in 2015 or 400 innings pitched in 2014 + 2015)

Wonder if this is true:
The #Rangers' top offer -- six years, $138M -- included a vesting option for 2017 worth $23M. Total would have been $161M."

[Jose Cruz III]

Back?  Wouldn't that imply that he had left at some point?

MM let him peek out for a few minutes.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

so much that the Yankees won 4 of the next 5 games.

Right... the two losses to Lee.  That was my point.

[astrosfan76]

MM let him peek out for a few minutes.

Then Heyman tweets his HOF ballot:

my hall of fame ballot: alomar, larkin, mattingly, morris, murphy, parker, raines.

Guess he's one of those "not on the first ballot" guys.

[MusicMan]

Then Heyman tweets his HOF ballot:

Guess he's one of those "not on the first ballot" guys.

Mattingly over Bagwell.

I want to do actual physical harm to him right now.

[Reuben]

Mattingly over Bagwell.

I want to do actual physical harm to him right now.

Also Dave Parker, and Dale Murphy, over Bagwell. Either Heyman genuinely does hate the Astros, or he's just a fucking idiot. Probably both.

[MusicMan]

Also Dave Parker, and Dale Murphy, over Bagwell. Either Heyman genuinely does hate the Astros, or he's just a fucking idiot. Probably both.

I can give the FI the benefit of the doubt for different positions.  But he just said Mattingly was a better 1b than Bagwell, and thats indefensible.

[Lurch]

Also Dave Parker, and Dale Murphy, over Bagwell. Either Heyman genuinely does hate the Astros, or he's just a fucking idiot. Probably both.

Or, as stated, he subscribes to the first ballot approach.

[Ty in Tampa]

Or, as stated, he subscribes to the first ballot approach.

Which, as stated, means he subscribes to the fucking idiot approach.

[Jose Cruz III]

my hall of fame ballot: alomar, larkin, mattingly, morris, murphy, parker, raines.

Alomar? Sure. Raines? Probably. Morris? Possibly. Any of those names over Bags? Biased.

[Ron Brand]

Alomar? Sure. Raines? Probably. Morris? Possibly. Any of those names over Bags? Biased.

Mattingly is indefensible. De facto dipshittery.

[austro]

Mattingly is indefensible. De facto dipshittery.

But he was a Yankee!

[Reuben]

Don Mattingly was my favorite player for a while when I was a kid, and he remained among my favorites. I've never once considered him even a borderline HOF candidate. In fact, I forgot he was still on the ballot.

And yes, I think people who subscribe to the "HOF but not first-ballot" evaluation are complete morons, and they are doing the game of baseball and its fans a disservice by voting in such a fashion, not to mention the players.

[MusicMan]

Alomar? Sure. Raines? Probably. Morris? Possibly. Any of those names over Bags? Biased.

There's no defense for Morris over Blyleven either.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Heyman must think the HOF is a joke and not anything needing thoughful consideration. What a punk-ass.

[HudsonHawk]

Also Dave Parker, and Dale Murphy, over Bagwell. Either Heyman genuinely does hate the Astros, or he's just a fucking idiot. Probably both.

Dave Parker is as much of a HOFer as Cecil Cooper.  Cooper never received a single vote.

[Mr. Happy]

Heyman must think the HOF is a joke and not anything needing thoughful consideration. What a punk-ass.

What a maroon.

[geezerdonk]

What a maroon.

What an ignoranamus.

[Limey]

What an ignoranamus.

What a nincowpoop.

[Jose Cruz III]

There's no defense for Morris over Blyleven either.

Agreed.