Guess Who's Back?

It may be 20 degrees in Philadelphia today, but you'd never know it. For the second time in 18-months, the Phillies acquired stud left-handed pitcher Cliff Lee. It came out of nowhere. Somewhere around 6 p.m. last night word started to spread that the Phils were the mystery team still involved in the negotiations for Lee's services. But they were up against the Yankees unlimited budget and the fact that they scorned Lee by shipping him to Seattle this time last year to make room for Roy Halladay. Everyone wanted him back but in the eyes' of the fan base it was more that a million-to-one shot. Then the news came down just after midnight, Lee accepted the Phillies offer and would be teaming up to form the greatest rotation in the history of baseball.

After the initial exuberance subsided and more details began to emerge, it became even more unbelievable that the reports were true. He left $50 million on the table from New York and $30 million from Texas. He signed for less guaranteed years (5) then the Yankees and Rangers offered (6). This marks the third time in the last year that a coveted pitcher has asked to go to Philadelphia. First it was Roy Halladay, who went on to win the Cy Young this year and then it was Roy Oswalt at the deadline. Both players were acquired via trade, but both had no-trade clauses and could have easily nixed the deal. Halladay took much less than he would have commanded had he reached free agency because he wanted to go to Philly. This just doesn't happen. It's too good to be true. Based on the trade that brought Halladay in and sent Lee out last year, I fully expected Amaro to trade Hamels to the Rockies by lunch today. But it didn't happen and now the Phils will have Halladay, Lee, Oswalt and Hamels leading the way to October next season.

For all of you loyal Phils fans who kept your Lee #34 jerseys, don't fret. Lee will wear #33 but no one will chastise you for rocking last years uni. Personally, I couldn't be happier. I've followed Lee since his younger days in Cleveland where he quickly became one of my favorite players and the fact that he spurned the Yanks makes me love him even more. My only wish now was that I could fast forward time to Opening Day 2012 because this season will be more fun to watch than any other in the sport's history. Eight weeks til pitchers and catchers. Until then, it's the Mike Vick show in Philly.