Trade rumors involving the Philadelphia Phillies have been one of the running storylines of the 2015 MLB offseason, mostly regarding left-hander Cole Hamels and closer Jonathan Papelbon. There may be another veteran that could be dealt before either of those pitchers-former Cy Young winner Cliff Lee.
One exec who spoke with #Phillies says he was told they could move Cliff Lee as soon as spring training if he proves he's healthy
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) February 6, 2015
Lee, whose season ended early in 2014 because of elbow troubles, has already thrown off a mound three to four times this offseason according to Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro.
Cliff Lee has already thrown off a mound three or four times, Ruben Amaro Jr. just said. On track for spring training. — Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) January 20, 2015
2014 was a disappointment for Lee, who went 4-5 with a 3.65 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. He only pitched 81.1 innings and posted his lowest K/9 rate since 2010. Those health woes, plus his age (36 years old) make him a far less attractive acquisition compared to Hamels. Those same factors may also make him less costly, and more cost-effective for a franchise in need of pitching help and willing to take a chance.
Prior to his injury-riddled campaign last year Lee had posted six straight seasons of 200-plus innings, with sub 3.22 ERAs each time. There may also be more demand for him now that James Shields is off the market having signed a four-year, $75 million deal with the San Diego Padres.
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