Philadelphia Phillies deny trading Cliff Lee to Boston Red Sox for Jacoby Ellsbury, sources say-MLB
As per the sources, the Philadelphia Phillies have refused to accept the offer of trading Cliff Lee to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for a centre fielder, Jacoby Ellsbury.
The Phillies may agree to the deal involving Ellsbury but for as long as the Boston ask for Lee, it is least likely to materialise.
Lee is a hope of the franchise. Even as he posted a below average win-loss record in the last season, his ability to throw shut-out games is doubtless. He is among those pitchers that the Phillies are going to count on heavily during the 2013 season.
He is capable of restricting even the best batters of the game and striking them out.
The Phillies understand that the major reason why Lee could not experience a remarkable 2012 season is the offence of the club.
They are aware of the fact that more often than not Lee threw quality innings but thanks to poor support from the offence, he could not convert those starts into wins.
If the Phillies add quality batters in their line-up for the 2013 Major League season, they can have Lee unleash his best performances.
It appears the Phillies are aware of what needs to be done ahead. Addition of star batters such as Michael Young and Ben Revere by the team reflects their intent to improve the offence.
Both, Michael Young and Ben Revere, are equipped with an excellent ability to show power at the plate and put substantial totals on the scoreboard.
Their past record suggests if they maintain their excellence with the Phillies, they can turn out to be the difference makers next year.
For example, the frequency with which Young can hit home runs, even the 50% of his best can ensure valuable contributions for the club. In light of this, Lee will have an ideal opportunity to rebound and improve win-loss numbers next year.
That is what may have discouraged the Phillies to get rid of him for Ellsbury.
Although Ellsbury can solidify the offence of the team, he is not worth losing Lee. It is more so after the club has acquired a number of batters that can keep their offence on top during the next season.
A couple of days ago, Red Sox’s General Manager Ben Cherington was against the idea of removing Ellsbury from the roster at any cost. He was intent on making Ellsbury a part of their next year expedition.
Something important must have happened within the organisation that has motivated them now to change their mind and consider the trade of Ellsbury.
“No, that’s not our intent,” Ben Cherington said. “We’re expecting Jacoby to have a really big year in 2013, be a huge part of what we’re doing. You answer the phone and take the calls and listen to ideas, but our expectation is Jacoby will be here and be
our center fielder.”
Within a next couple of days, further developments in the story can take place.
It will be interesting to see what players other than Lee the Phillies are willing to sacrifice in order to have Ellsbury.
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