The lingering question regarding the 3-way trade involving the Blue Jays, Phillies and Mariners is why would the Phillies trade a former Cy Young winner only to net another former Cy Young winner? Did the Phillies net anything? And with Cliff Lee’s affordable $8 million salary for 2010, why trade him away?
The Phillies were trying to solve three problems: how are they going to win now, how are they going to win in the future and how are they going to accomplish all of this while staying within budget? Lee’s salary is a bargain at $8 million (you can see his complete contract history here) especially with ace starting pitchers commanding $20+ million like C.C. Sabathia or Barry Zito. After his contract expired after the 2010 season, they Phillies believed that they could not re-sign him. ESPN.com reports that after speaking with Lee’s agent, it is believed that he is seeking a 5 or 6 year Sabathia-sized deal. Halladay on the other hand wanted to come to the Phillies and he was willing to sign an extension to make it happen. What the Phillies gain in this 3-way trade is an ace pitcher that will be around in the near future, something that could not be guaranteed with Lee , and it enabled them to win now. It preserves their farm system which will enable them to win the future. Lastly, it keeps the Phillies under the supposed $160 million payroll had they kept Lee.
In July, the Phillies actively pursued Roy Halladay, but could not close the deal because the Blue Jays insisted on getting pitching phenom Kyle Drabek. While there’s speculation that he may be involved in the present trade, he was untouchable last July. By adding the Mariners, the Phillies were able to tap the Mariner’s farm system, not deplete their own (especially with keeping their top position-player Domonic Brown), and satisfy the Blue Jays demands for youth. Additionally, the Mariners were happy by getting affordable starting pitching giving them that 1-2 punch of Felix Hernandez and Cliff Lee to win the AL West.
Several years down the road when you see the true results of this trade and understand the winners and losers, keep in mind the Phillies will need to be graded by not what they gained initially, but what they did not give up – in this case their future.
Related posts:
- Breaking News: SI's Jon Heyman reports 3-way trade agreed with Halladay and Lee
- Roy Halladay wants deal done before Spring Training
- Phillies are shopping Joe Blanton
- Roy Halladay to the Rays?
- Yankees to trade prospect Jesus Montero for Roy Halladay?
