Paul Hagen of the Philadelphia Daily News said that some “in Philadelphia have wondered if history might repeat itself, if the Phillies might be able to once again get Lee before the trade deadline if they find themselves in need of a starter.” Hagen responds that it is “doubtful” since the Phillies’ Minor League system has been emptied of attractive trade bait.

In the recent deals to acquire pitchers Joe Blanton, Lee and Roy Halladay, the Phillies have given up a number of prospects including catcher Travis d’Arnaud and right-handed Kyle Drabek.

Lee could be a free agent after the 2010 season, and the Phillies could go after him then, but with a payroll expected to exceed $140 million and Jayson Werth being a free agent the Phillies have other decisions to worry about.

On a side note, Hagen mentions that the Phillies’ marketing department was not expecting the trade of Lee to the Seattle Mariners. They were working on a bobblehead promotion for Lee when the trade changed their plans.