 |
| (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) |
When Cliff Lee finally put the Yankees in the rear view mirror and signed with the Phillies, I can admit, I was relieved. Finally, someone doesn't whine about an extra couple million bucks (like Jeter did), and gets preliminary contract stuff out of the way quickly, like it should be. Cliff Lee joined the Phillies because he enjoyed Philadelphia, not just for the money. This goes to prove that not everyone is worried about getting as much money as possible. Cliff Lee signed with them for the love of the game, not what it brings him financially. I can't help but think he was imagining the most dominant pitching rotation of the 21st century.
The Phillies rotation consists of 4 bona fide aces, with Roy Halladay, Lee, Cole Hamels, and Roy Oswalt. Who knows who they will put in the fifth spot, but we can be sure he is not going to slouch.
Which brings me to my next thought-- With Lee in Philadelphia, the Yankees lose someone who they thought was a for-sure free agent sign for them. This puts the Yankees in quite the predicament, and has led to rumors about the Yankees seeking Felix Hernandez from the Mariners. With the Yankees in a state where their rotation is questionable, they are seeking to find another high profile arm out on the market. Enter King Felix. Larry Stone of the Seattle Times suggested listening to offers from the Yankees.
Being a Seattle native, and an avid Mariners fan, I think this is completely absurd that people are even thinking of trading Felix. At age 24, he is the Mariners future, as well as the face of the franchise. He has barely tapped in to his full potential, and has 4 more years on his contract. If you get rid of Felix, you will lose an irreplaceable fan base. I don't care who you offer for him- it was suggested that a hypothetical trade could be Felix Hernandez for Robinson Cano, Jesus Montero, and Phil Hughes. The problem with this is, the Yankees would never do that, and it doesn't really make the Mariners any better.
I don't think the Mariners should even listen to possible trade scenarios, because if they listen, they will fantasize about offers, and even thinking about getting rid of Felix spells bad news for them.
The Phillies rotation consists of 4 bona fide aces, with Roy Halladay, Lee, Cole Hamels, and Roy Oswalt. Who knows who they will put in the fifth spot, but we can be sure he is not going to slouch.
Which brings me to my next thought-- With Lee in Philadelphia, the Yankees lose someone who they thought was a for-sure free agent sign for them. This puts the Yankees in quite the predicament, and has led to rumors about the Yankees seeking Felix Hernandez from the Mariners. With the Yankees in a state where their rotation is questionable, they are seeking to find another high profile arm out on the market. Enter King Felix. Larry Stone of the Seattle Times suggested listening to offers from the Yankees.
Being a Seattle native, and an avid Mariners fan, I think this is completely absurd that people are even thinking of trading Felix. At age 24, he is the Mariners future, as well as the face of the franchise. He has barely tapped in to his full potential, and has 4 more years on his contract. If you get rid of Felix, you will lose an irreplaceable fan base. I don't care who you offer for him- it was suggested that a hypothetical trade could be Felix Hernandez for Robinson Cano, Jesus Montero, and Phil Hughes. The problem with this is, the Yankees would never do that, and it doesn't really make the Mariners any better.
I don't think the Mariners should even listen to possible trade scenarios, because if they listen, they will fantasize about offers, and even thinking about getting rid of Felix spells bad news for them.
UPDATE: Jack Zduriencik made it clear today that they were never contemplating trading Felix. I know the rumor was just a column in the first place, but obviously there had to be some merit. Relieved?
ReplyDelete