Phillies pick up Cliff Lee's 2010 option

A full year against National League batters? Yes please! (AP Photo)

This was expected but today the Phillies made the inevitable move. Todd Zolecki reports (via Twitter) that the Phillies have picked up the option for 2010 on Cliff Lee's existing contract.

Lee had previously stated that he would like to work out a long-term deal with the team and that may still be a possibility, although it does not seem likely to be taken care of this off-season. With Lee certain to be here next season the Phillies can evaluate how he pitches from the start of the season and make sure that there is not any wear and tear from Lee's first full season that extended deep into the World Series. The amount of innings piched by Lee is a concern, so let's see how he comes back next year.

I feel confident in saying that he will be ok.

If 2010 starts out nicely for Lee I would expect the Phillies to lock him up for a few more years during the season, and maybe have a deal worked out around the All-Star break.

No word yet on whether or not the team will pick up the option on Pedro Feliz, but they have until Monday to finalize that decision. I know Feliz did not have a memorable post season, except for home run in game four of the World Series, but it is tough to give up that kind of defensive glove at third base. there are better options offensively though so this will be interesting to see what happens over the next couple of days. I would guess we have seen the last of Feliz.

Not roster related but Brad Lidge will have his elbow examined for what Zolecki says could be "loose bodies" - which I interpret as "bone chips." Raul Ibanez will also have an MRI as he has battled groin and abdomen injuries down the stretch of the season.