Cliff Lee will most likely be the biggest name moved this season.
There have been lots of rumors about where Lee may eventually end up, and he has been linked with the Mets, Twins, and Rangers among other teams. There are even rumors that Lee will be traded within the next two weeks.
It’s amazing that a player of Lee’s caliber has been traded twice since last July. Both packages were solid, but weren’t what you would expect for a pitcher that has preformed as well as Lee. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Mariners get a better package for him than either the Indians or Phillies did.
Lee has been absolutely lights-out this season.
In 11 starts, Lee has posted an AL-leading 2.39 ERA and leads the AL with a 0.91 WHIP. Lee has only walked four batters in 86.2 innings, which gives him a league-leading 0.4 BB/9. Lee has also struck out 76 batters this year, giving him an absolutely absurd 19.00 K/BB rate.
The K/BB rate is unheard of, as the previous high is an 11.00 K/BB rate posted by Brett Saberhagen in 1994.
While Lee may not be able to maintain this level of success throughout the rest of the season, it certainly helps his value, and Lee’s numbers could actually improve if he’s traded to a National League team.
Because of his success and the fact that he’ll be a hot commodity at the trade deadline… (to read the rest and see who the Mariners could get for Lee click on the link below)
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