Phillies fan everywhere can breathe a huge sigh of relief as it was announced today that Cliff Lee has been traded to the Texas Rangers.  The relief comes for many reasons.  #1 – He did not go the Mets or anywhere in the Phillies division.  #2 – He did not land with their World Series rivals, the Yankees. #3 – He is in the American League.  Whoo Hoo!

Why so excited?  Because Lee was LOVED in Philly and losing him this off-season in a very bad trade stung enough.  To have seen him go to a local or rival team would have been rubbing salt in the wound.  Of course, Philly would have loved to have him back, but did anyone really think that was going to happen?  Not likely.  To acquire Lee again would have meant Ruben Amaro Jr. would be admitting he made a mistake trading him in the first place.  Plus, the Phillies farm system has very little left to offer in any trade.

Here are the gritty details of the trade:  The Mariners get first baseman Justin Smoak and minor leaguers Blake Beavan, Josh Lueke and Matt Lawson.  The Rangers get Lee plus reliever Mark Lowe.  They will call up Chris Davis to play first since Smoak was moved.

Best of luck to Cliff Lee in Texas (unless he is playing the Phils, of course)!  He will always hold a special place in the hearts of all Phillies fans.

 

Photo by Jenn Zambri Photography

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