When the Texas Rangers slipped in and made the deal for left-hander Cliff Lee, stealing him right out from under the New York Yankees, Ranger fans and players couldn’t have been more excited.
They were getting a guy that was a proven winner not only during the season, but also in the playoffs.
However, that’s not what they’ve gotten. Through 11 starts, Lee is 2-5 with a 4.69 ERA and has been nothing short of awful over his last five starts, giving up a combined 25 runs in those starts.
He’s also struggled against two potential first round playoff opponents, Tampa Bay and Minnesota.
It’s easy to look back now and call Lee a bust. I will admit that I wasn’t sold on this trade from the beginning but wasn’t completely against it because of his postseason track record.
With his struggles, there has been more and more doubt planted in the minds of fans and the Dallas media, but there are also those that will defend him tooth and nail.
Here are five reasons Lee won’t be able to help the Rangers come playoff time.