Could Ruben trade Cliff Lee again?
By Ethan Seidel
The trade winds are gusting through Philadelphia of late. A team in last place is always subject to the rumor mill, and the Phillies are no exception. While the team hasn’t identified themselves as “sellers” just yet, it’s not a stretch to see them forced to deal with the reality of their position by the trade deadline. Anyone predicting the team struggling this bad would have been laughed out of town before the season, but they’re the ones laughing now.
Cole Hamels and Shane Victorino have drawn the most interest among internet GM’s as their futures are the mirkiest with no contracts beyond this season. The flyin’ Hawaiian could be had for a decent prospect as the Phillies have decent depth in the outfield. Even if the prospect of John Mayberry and Dominic Brown patrolling the outfield next year isn’t appetizing, it’s easier to stomach than giving a soon to be 32 year old outfielder hitting .248 a 5 year deal. The thought of trading Hamels on the other hand defies logic. He is entering the prime of his career, having a Cy Young-caliber season, and he throws left handed. The only reason not to give into Hamels contract demands is…none. There is no excuse for Ruben Amaro and Co. not get it done. If the team is convinced the only way to get younger is by dealing Hamels, they should turn to a different left handed pitcher.
Cliff Lee may not be the hot commodity that Cole Hamels is, but he could fetch a handsome reward at the deadline. Afterall, he’s been traded three times already in the past four seasons, so what’s one more trade. Despite being winless his numbers are very solid.
The trade winds are gusting through Philadelphia of late. A team in last place is always subject to the rumor mill, and the Phillies are no exception. While the team hasn’t identified themselves as “sellers” just yet, it’s not a stretch to see them forced to deal with the reality of their position by the trade deadline. Anyone predicting the team struggling this bad would have been laughed out of town before the season, but they’re the ones laughing now.
Cole Hamels and Shane Victorino have drawn the most interest among internet GM’s as their futures are the mirkiest with no contracts beyond this season. The flyin’ Hawaiian could be had for a decent prospect as the Phillies have decent depth in the outfield. Even if the idea of John Mayberry and Dominic Brown patrolling the outfield next year isn’t appetizing, it’s easier to stomach than giving a soon to be 32 year old outfielder hitting .248 a 5-year deal. The thought of trading Hamels on the other hand defies logic. He is entering the prime of his career, having a Cy Young-caliber season, and he throws left handed. The only reason not to give into Hamels contract demands is…none. There is no excuse for Ruben Amaro and Co. not get it done. If the team is convinced the only way to get younger is by dealing Hamels, they should turn their attention to a different left handed pitcher.
Cliff Lee may not be the hot commodity that Cole Hamels is, but he could fetch a handsome reward at the deadline. Afterall, he’s been traded three times already in the past four seasons, so what’s one more trade. Despite being winless his numbers are still very solid. He is sporting a 3.72 ERA and is averaging about a strike out per inning. They may not be what you expect from a player making $20 million, but he’s been victim of a few bad innings that skewed his overall performance.
The biggest downside to another Lee trade is the man pulling the strings, Ruben Amaro Jr. He traded Lee once a few years ago and has very little to show for it. Phillipe Aumont, the “prize” of the deal, is one of the few youngsters in Lehigh Valley not to make an appearance in the Phillies bullpen this year. He was supposed to be a top flight starter, but now can’t find the strike zone consistently enough to make it to the Philadelphia. The Phillies would rather have Brian Sanches pitch than Aumont at this point, which says it all. Tyson Gillies and J.C. Ramirez, also part of the trade, have largely been disappointments giving Amaro little to show for the deal.
The only silver lining of trading Lee was Amaro bringing him back to Philadelphia. He realized his mistake the first time around, so would Ruben have the guts to try it again? He has shown a willingness to defy logic in the past, giving no reason that he will give way to reason come the trade deadline. If Ruben feels he can’t have 3 pitchers making $20 million a year next year he may be tempted to repeat history (Editors note: GOD HELP US IF HE DOES)