With Cole Hamels locked up to be a Phillie for the next half a decade or so, the eyes of Phillies nation now turn to the likes of Cliff Lee, Shane Victorino, and Hunter Pence as the next pieces of the current team that could be dealt before the Tuesday trade deadline.
Well you can cross Clifton Phifer off that list, as CBS Sports Jon Heyman's sources are saying that Lee will not be dealt.
Heyman writes:
One person with ties to the Phillies said team higherups believe trading
Lee would potentially undo most or all the good that was done by
extending Cole Hamels and that the team's plan is to build around its
trio of great starters, including also Roy Halladay, next year
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Now, I know what you're thinking. After Lee's last start in which he was totally tuned up, what could you possibly get in return for that anyway? But baseball is a funny game, and as some of the stat heads will tell you, Lee hasn't been as awful as some of his numbers might lead you to believe.
In my opinion, keeping the trio of Lee, Hamels, and Halladay intact for the next year gives you a chance to compete no matter what else happens. Obviously the team has issues, but keeping the big three provides plenty of hope.
>>Sources: Phillies plan to hold onto Cliff Lee through the deadline [CBS]