Cliff Lee; this generations version of the Hired Gun?
In a move that has pretty much solidified their playoff berth, the Texas Rangers landed Cliff Lee from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for four prospects; pitchers Blake Beavan and Josh Lueke, second basemen Matthew Lawson, and the player that is the star heading back to Seattle, first baseman Justin Smoak. Oh and relief pitcher Mark Howe is along for the ride to Texas as well. In reality though, it boils down to Lee for Smoak and some minor league depth that those that don’t live pro baseball have never heard of. Now a trade like this by itself isn’t all that big of a surprise; it’s the time of year when the leaders build, and the rebuilders pawn off their veteran talent like college kids needing beer money. Nor is it that Cliff Lee is on the move….yet again.
It’s who Texas beat to acquire him.
Up until the last minute, Lee was all but fitted for Yankee pinstripes with Venezuelan catching prospect Justin Montero having his plane ticket to Seattle booked. Which is why Texas’s Jon Daniels needs some kudos for being able to sweep in and steal the deal, being able to nab one of the better pitchers on the market. And beating out the team that could make a case as the Rangers playoff nemesis adds a nice bit of schadenfreude to the whole equation. However, it wasn’t cheap to acquire Lee’s services. Smoak has been touted as a future star at first base, with power and average on both sides of the plate, and a defensive wizard at first base. A high price for a rented gun that has a talent for beating the Yankees on the big stage. And considering that there’s a a very good chance they’ll be facing the Bronx Bombers, any psychological edge to counteract their 1-8 record against them in the playoffs (and indeed their entire playoff record) can’t hurt.
And what about Cliff Lee, who is on his fifth team in a little over two years? Well outside of he should seriously consider asking for a no-trade clause in his next contract, there’s already rumors that he’ll end up with the Yankees after the end of the year anyways, as they’re the usual suspect for any player of talent at his stage of career. In the meantime, he gets to try and take a franchise on his back that has a very low bar set for playoff success (heck two wins would do it), before finding yet another place to hang his cleats. Whether he’ll be able to show Texas some success and make a decent showing, or even win a series for the first time in franchise history.
And in the meantime, he gets another chance to play this generations David Cone. For Ranger fans, they’ve bet the farm on him doing just that.
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The owner of the Sports Blog Network, Chris tells it exactly as he sees it, be it in the stands, in front of the tv, or on his semi-trusty laptop. And always with a can of trusty Dr. Pepper by his side, and spell-check working overtime. 
Ya this deal is turning out to be a real winner for us. What a bum.
Oh ya. Guy gets Texas to the World Series for the first time in franchise history with dominating after dominating performances. Ya he sucks.
What a putz.
Good article.
His first start didn’t’ put a lot of faith into us Ranger fans, but hopefully that’s just him getting used to his new surroundings. I’d hate to think that we gave up Smoak for anything less then a World Series appearance.
As a rays fan I’m thrilled the yanks didn’t get him. Last thing we need is for those bastard to get more talent.
Eh it’s just delaying the inevitable. The Rangers might have beat us out for his services, but it’s ok. He’ll be in pinstripes next year, after we beat the Rangers and the Rays en route to the World Series!
As a Reds fan I was slightly disappointed, but ultimately relieved that the Reds did not go for Lee (as the M’s were reportedly interested in Yonder Alonso n AAA). The Reds have been fine and Edison Volquez has a sub 2 ERA during rehab in AAA – so that’s going to be like adding an All Star caliber arm after the AS break.
Good luck to the Rangers and M’s.