I'm still in shock. Even after having a full week to digest the news of the Cliff Lee signing, I still can't believe it. After the Phillies traded Lee last year, there was an uproar from the fans. The Phillies front office was criticized heavily and the trade just didn't make sense on any level. Now a year later, the Phils have managed to assemble one of the greatest starting rotations in baseball history. Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels will all be pitching for our Phils next year. Just thinking about it gets me excited. Cliff Lee and the Phillies agreed on a 5 year 120 million dollar contract with a vesting option for a possible sixth year. The future of this team looks extremely bright, let's go through player by player and see who will be here and for how long.
Roy Halladay: Roy Halladay's new contract with the Phillies will go into effect this season. Halladay was still under his Toronto contract last year, and his 3 year 60 million dollar deal with the Phils will keep him in Philadelphia through 2013 with a vesting option that could keep in Philly through 2014. Before signing Lee, Ruben called Halladay to make sure he would be OK with the length of the Lee contract. Halladay responded,"Ruben, this is completely different. This is a totally different circumstance. Do what you think you've got to do to put the best team on the field. ... All I want to do is win." Roy Halladay is a true gamer and a true teammate and the fact that he is commited to winning makes me extremely happy that he will be in Philly for a long time.
Cliff Lee: Word of advice to Yankees fans: If you want a pitcher to come play for your team, don't spit on his wife. Although there are reports that the "spitting" incident had no impact on Lee's signing with the Phils I'm sure it didn't help the Yankees cause. Lee turned down the Yankees offer of 148 million over 7 years, and a huge offer from the Rangers as well. So why Philadelphia? After all they are the team that traded you last season, why want to come back? Lee said he loved the area and he loved the energy that the fans give. He also said that his family loved it here and that it's just the best fit. Cliff Lee's 120 million 5 year contract will keep him in Philly through 2015 with a vesting option that could keep him in Philly through 2016.
Roy Oswalt: The Phils acquired Roy Oswalt midway through the season last year from the Houston Astros. He is due 23 million this year and the Astros will pay 11 of that and the Phils will pay 12. His contract will be up after this season, but there is a mutual option that could keep him in Philly through 2012.
Cole Hamels: Hamels was given a 3 year 20.5 million dollar contract after the 08 season. Hamels is due 9.5 million this year in the final year of his contract.
Joe Blanton: Blanton was given a 3 year 24 million dollar contract that will keep him in Philly through 2012. The Phils may look to trade Blanton as opening day approaches.
Ryan Howard: Howard signed a 5 year 125 million dollar extension that will keep him in Philly through 2016 with a club option for 2017. Howard will make $20 million each in 2012 and 2013 and $25 million annually from 2014-16. The option for 2017 is 23 million and a 10 million buyout. The big man is here to stay, and aside from the last AB in the NLCS, the big man has been extremely productive.
Chase Utley: Utley signed a 7 year 85 million dollar deal that will keep him a Phillie through 2013. Utley will get 15 million in 2011, 2012, and 2013.
Jimmy Rollins: The Phils exercised their club option last year to keep Rollins a Phillie, but this is his last year.
Placido Polanco: Polanco signed a 3 year 18 million dollar deal last year so he will be a Phillie through 2012.
Raul Ibanez: Rauuuul is in the final year of his contract. He signed a 3 year 30 million dollar deal after the 08 season.
Shane Victorino: He signed a 3 year 22 million dollar extension that will keep him a Phillie through 2012.
Carlos Ruiz: Ruiz is signed through 2012 with a club option for 2013.
Brad Lidge: He is in the final year of his contract, and he will get 11.5 million this year. The Phils have a club option for 2012.
I wanted to do all of this to show that the Phillies have a really good team now and into the future. Lee, Halladay, Howard, Utley, Victorino, Polanco, and Ruiz will all be here for at least the next 2 seasons. The Phils have a wonderful window of opportunity to win championships. After this year, Rollins, Lidge and Ibanez will be off the payroll. I expect the Phils to lock things up with Hamels with that money and possibly give Oswalt a solid short term deal as well. The Phils are in great shape for this year and years to come and I can't wait to see what this team will be able to do.
