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The Dodgers Should Claim Cliff Lee

August 2nd, 2012 3:03 PM
  • The-Dodgers-Should-Claim-Cliff-Lee
  • Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee delivers to the plate during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

    • To nobody’s surprise, Cliff Lee has been placed on waivers, and with the size of his contract, he is likely to clear and become eligible to be traded to a contender.

    Lee is due $6 million this year, and is under contract for $25 million in each of the following three seasons. In 2016, there is a club option for $27.5 million with a $12.5 million buyout, but if he is not on the DL and pitches either 200 innings in 2015 or 400 between 2014-2015, it becomes guaranteed. In other words, Lee’s contract will be viewed as $110 million over 4 1/2 seasons during trade negotiations.

    Not many teams will be willing to take on such a big contract for a 34-year-old, because despite his success, he could end up being a huge liability. The Dodgers, however, should take a chance on the lefty.

    New owner Mark Walter has shown he doesn’t mind taking on big contracts. He overpaid for Andre Ethier and Yasiel Puig, and took on all $36 million owed to Hanley Ramirez. He recently said the team is under no financial restrictions, so why not go after Lee?

    Los Angeles is 56-50 and second place in the NL West. They did a nice job boosting their offense before the deadline, but they still need a starting pitcher. Lee is one of the best left-handers in baseball and would certainly help the rotation. He would most likely take over for rookie Stephen Fife.

    Before the season, many assumed the Dodgers would make a push for Cole Hamels or Joey Votto, but both ended up re-signing with their clubs and now options are running out. Zack Greinke will be a free agent after the season, but the Dodgers need help now. They are on the bubble and at this point, every game is extremely important. It will be interesting to see if Walter is willing to make another big purchase to improve his team.

    — Tim Moczula

    While this kind of thing is expected, there's still some news today from Jeff Passan of of Yahoo Sports.

    Source: Phillies have placed Cliff Lee on waivers. Executives expect him to clear Friday afternoon, be eligible for trade.

    Read the original post from fangraphs.com

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