Cliff Lee's unexpected five-year, $120MM deal with the Phillies has repercussions for several teams.
Rangers
- Lee's agent Darek Braunecker proposed a seven-year contract that would have sealed the deal for the Rangers, and they declined.
- The Rangers figure to be rumored with most available starters. They were linked to Chien-Ming Wang this morning and Brandon Webb previously, and in theory could go after Carl Pavano. Names like Zack Greinke and James Shields could also be in the mix.
- GM Jon Daniels won't limit himself to starting pitching; he may consider "beefing up the offense."
- Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News notes that the Rangers still have to address their DH situation and will probably want to add late-inning relievers if they're to move Neftali Feliz or Alexi Ogando to the rotation.
Yankees
- From Joel Sherman of the New York Post: "One Yankees executive likened what they now face as losing out on Microsoft stock and instead having to diversify the portfolio to keep it strong." The Yanks have added Russell Martin and will probably look into innings-eaters or reclamation project starters. They're also expected to add two relievers and a righty-hitting fourth outfielder. So, they'll spread the wealth.
- GM Brian Cashman preached that "Plan B is patience." He feels that prices will go up with teams, and I assume agents, sensing blood in the water. He's also willing to wait until the season to make an acquisition.
- Cashman says Lee's decision "doesn't affect" Andy Pettitte, who remains undecided but is feeling the pull of retirement a little stronger than normal.
- Cashman talked about the failed Lee trade from July and said he's grateful it didn't happen. At this point, he says "It would be a rare situation for me to include Montero in a deal."
Phillies
They'll look to move Joe Blanton before Opening Day; CSNPhilly's Jim Salisbury tweets that there is no rush. Nonetheless, we've already looked at potential trade partners. Blanton's agent Casey Close expects a trade.
Other Teams
- The Lee signing works out well for the Red Sox, explains WEEI's Rob Bradford. The Sox get Lee out of the league and have a shot at a first-round pick if the Rangers sign Adrian Beltre.
- Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times believes that if the Rangers push for Beltre, it will complicate things for the Angels.
