http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/players/cliff_lee/370 Recent articles about Cliff Lee en-us It’s funny how fast things can change. Just two days after finishing up an atrocious road-trip against three bad teams, the Phillies have won two straight against the Nationals, with a chance to sweep the series on Wednesday. Cliff Lee allowed a solo home run to Jayson Werth in the fourth, but the Phillies came back to score four straight runs, which was all they would need in their 4-2 victory. The Phillies have now won six straight games at home. Lee dazzles again Lee tossed eight strong innings, striking out nine and walking none en route to his ninth win. PHOTO: AP It seems like every start is the same. He works fast, pounds the strike zone, racks up the punchouts, and exits having only improved his season numbers. Yea he gave up a few mistakes (solo homers to Werth and Jeff Kobernus) but he was still flat out dealing tonight. Lee tossed eight strong innings, giving up just the two runs on five hits while striking out nine. It’s his third nine strikeout game in his last four sta... Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:49:13 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/lee_leads_phils_to_second_straight_win_over_nats/13866290 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/lee_leads_phils_to_second_straight_win_over_nats/13866290 Lee leads Phils to second straight win over Nats http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/lee_leads_phils_to_second_straight_win_over_nats/13866290 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/d/0d0785264e0bc1f59d8b07cc4726dee8bdf2838b/mini/los-angeles-angels-anaheim.jpg (April 30, 2013 – Source: Jason Miller/Getty Images North America) With June wrapping up soon and July on the way, I’ll be looking into some trade targets and rumors surrounding the Giants and A’s until they actually do (or do not) happen. Cliff Lee is having quite the season.The Giants are short a starting pitcher. Hey, perfect! This is what I’m assuming most fans are thinking, but there have been some rumors from Danny Knobler of CBS Sports, the Giants are definitely interested in a quality pitcher to join the rotation. “Anybody that’s trading pitching, they’re on,” one of the officials said. “They want somebody quality.” Lee was on the list of possible interests, so lets take a closer look. Lee is set to make $25 million this year. And next year. And the year after that. Wipe that sweat off your brow, there is a reason why he is going to make that much. Here are the numbers: RecordERAK/BB HRWHIP 8-22.555.2450.977 So a low ERA, a few homers allowed and not a lo... Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:09:51 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/trade_target_of_the_day_cliff_lee/13858031 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/trade_target_of_the_day_cliff_lee/13858031 Trade target of the day: Cliff Lee http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/trade_target_of_the_day_cliff_lee/13858031 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/d/0d0785264e0bc1f59d8b07cc4726dee8bdf2838b/mini/los-angeles-angels-anaheim.jpg Cliff Lee made headlines today for his comments to Jim Salisbury when asked “You came here to win. How tough is it to be here on a team that’s spinning its wheels around .500 and has a real uphill road?“: The past year and a half hasn’t gone the way I anticipated, but that’s why you play the games. You never know. I don’t think anyone here is happy with the way we’ve played over that time frame. It’s due to a lot of injuries. There’s some good excuses. But they’re still excuses. We’re the Philadelphia Phillies. We should play better than we have. There’s not a good excuse for it, but we have had a lot of key guys injured, so it is what it is. Salisbury then joined 97.5 The Fanatic today and said the following, fueling more trade speculation. Salisbury: If [Cliff Lee] didn’t have a wandering eye he would’ve said, “Yeah, I’m absolutely committed to this team.” — 975TheFanatic (@975TheFanatic) June 14, 2013 The truth is, the Phillies will get some tantalizing offers for Lee an Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:05:50 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/no_blueprint_for_trading_pitchers_like_lee/13837892 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/no_blueprint_for_trading_pitchers_like_lee/13837892 No Blueprint For Trading Pitchers Like Lee http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/no_blueprint_for_trading_pitchers_like_lee/13837892 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/0/90e3569c775559d3718709e07a24841e1f27167a/mini/philadelphia-phillies-lee.jpg The bullpen and the lineup are major culprits of the Philadelphia Phillies' longest losing streak of the season. They hope starting Cliff Lee means they won't have to rely much on either one. Lee will try to help the Phillies end their skid in the finale of a three-game series with the Minnesota Twins on Thursday night. Philadelphia (31-35) has seen its relievers post a 4.56 ERA, ranking ahead of only two of baseball's worst teams record-wise - the New York Mets (4.65) and Houston (4.86). The Phillies' bullpen has been particularly poor during the current five-game losing streak, surrendering nine runs and 18 hits in 11 innings. The offense hasn't provided much relief, either. Philadelphia is batting .218 with 13 runs during the slide, which has matched the team's worst of the year and would equal its longest from last season with a loss Thursday. The lineup mustered only one extra-base hit Wednesday in a 4-3 loss at Minnesota (29-33). The relievers wasted a two-run, sixth-inning Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:28:41 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/twins_brace_for_phillies_ace_cliff_lee_in_series_finale/13826345 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/twins_brace_for_phillies_ace_cliff_lee_in_series_finale/13826345 Twins brace for Phillies ace Cliff Lee in series finale http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/twins_brace_for_phillies_ace_cliff_lee_in_series_finale/13826345 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/0/90e3569c775559d3718709e07a24841e1f27167a/mini/philadelphia-phillies-lee.jpg The Phillies after managing to “surge” to the plus side in the win column quickly showed us in Milwaukee they are sellers. Managing only one run in yesterdays loss and lets face it, without Dom Brown and Cliff Lee it would already be long over. Who will or should the Phillies be moving? Once or if Chase Utley is healthy he should be moved immediately as it is highly unlikely he will be signed again next season. As many rumors fly in regards to Cliff Lee (Texas being one) I for one would hate to see him go. With that said, he could certainly bring us some talent. Papelbon another rumored to be moving before or at the deadline, well they aren’t too many games to save are there? Another Phillie’s that NEEDs to go, Delmon Young and Lance Nix, figure on a bag of used balls and a water cooler. Sadly the Phillies have little to offer in trade, Chooch a possibility when again healthy the last of any players that could fetch much of anything in minor league talent. It is officially over, des... Mon, 10 Jun 2013 07:07:52 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/fading_phillies_looking_like_sellers/13799750 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/fading_phillies_looking_like_sellers/13799750 Fading Phillies looking like sellers http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/fading_phillies_looking_like_sellers/13799750 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/d/0d0785264e0bc1f59d8b07cc4726dee8bdf2838b/mini/los-angeles-angels-anaheim.jpg Your browser does not support iframes. A young Milwaukee Brewers fan put on a nice demonstration of hospitality by sharing one of his Twizzlers with Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee during Friday night's game at Miller Park. Lee was warming up in the on-deck circle for one of his at-bats when the young Brewers fan in the second row offered him a Twizzler, which Lee gladly accepted. The fans in the immediate vicinity gave Lee a nice show of applause, but the young boy was just as deserving for his act of kindness. Video via MLB. Visit us at holdoutsports.com and follow us on Twitter @HoldoutSports. Sat, 08 Jun 2013 13:42:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/young_brewers_fan_shares_his_twizzlers_with_cliff_lee_video/13790987 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/young_brewers_fan_shares_his_twizzlers_with_cliff_lee_video/13790987 Young Brewers fan shares his Twizzlers with Cliff Lee (Video) http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/young_brewers_fan_shares_his_twizzlers_with_cliff_lee_video/13790987 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/0/90e3569c775559d3718709e07a24841e1f27167a/mini/philadelphia-phillies-lee.jpg Your browser does not support iframes.It's been said that sharing is caring. But what about if that sharing comes with the enemy?Well, one young Milwaukee Brewers fan was feeling generous Friday night when Phillies pitcher stepped into the on-deck circle. The fan was munching on some licorice when he decided to offer up a piece to Lee, as well.As you can see, Lee happily accepts the offer and goes back to preparing for his at-bat.A few innings later, the Brewers wound up winning on a walk-off single, so all was well in Miller Park. Sat, 08 Jun 2013 09:05:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/video_cliff_lee_gets_licorice_from_fan_while_in_on_deck_circle/13789826 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/video_cliff_lee_gets_licorice_from_fan_while_in_on_deck_circle/13789826 Video: Cliff Lee gets licorice from fan while in on-deck circle http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/video_cliff_lee_gets_licorice_from_fan_while_in_on_deck_circle/13789826 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/5/e5c2bb1ae8e806c03e19f20fc585fafda6e82d40/mini/mlb-all-star-home-run.jpg There are two things that are certain when it comes to Cliff Lee this year—he is having a monster season so far, and he is not getting any younger. But he might just be getting better. I dug up some research on Lee, and tried to put what he has done both this season, and since re-joining the Phillies in 2011, into perspective. I found that age has made no difference in his output, and in many ways he has gotten better at certain things as he has gotten older. Lee’s command is impeccable We all know Lee is a strike thrower. It seems like every game he comes in and throws 100 pitches and 75 or so are strikes. In fact, as a side note—as a Phillie, Lee has had 20 starts where he has thrown 100 + pitches and 80 + for strikes, and also has had 20 starts where he has not issued a walk. But back to this season. Lee’s control is still spot-on as he works through his age 34 season. PHOTO: AP Lee’s command is one indicator that he could be extremely effective for several more years, even he we... Fri, 07 Jun 2013 13:00:44 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/at_age_34_cliff_lee_is_as_good_or_better_than_ever/13784540 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/at_age_34_cliff_lee_is_as_good_or_better_than_ever/13784540 At age 34, Cliff Lee is as good (or better) than ever http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/at_age_34_cliff_lee_is_as_good_or_better_than_ever/13784540 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/d/0d0785264e0bc1f59d8b07cc4726dee8bdf2838b/mini/los-angeles-angels-anaheim.jpg BOSTON — Who needs Cliff Lee when you can add an 18-year-old version of the lefty? OK, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. But Trey Ball, who the Red Sox drafted seventh overall on Thursday, said after being picked that he models his game after the talented Phillies hurler. “I look up to Cliff Lee — the way he’s always constantly in the zone with all of his pitches and that’s what I try to strive for,” Ball said. It’s always fun to see who young players try to emulate or who scouts compare younger players to. The Lee name-drop is kind of funny, though, seeing as how it was just over a week ago that Lee dominated the Red Sox for eight innings, and many have tossed around the idea of the Sox going after Lee should he become available before this season’s trade deadline. But that’s neither here nor there. Instead, let’s focus on Ball, a left-handed pitcher/outfielder who the Red Sox selected with their highest draft pick in 20 years. “We viewed Trey as one of the most complete players avail Fri, 07 Jun 2013 03:30:39 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/red_sox_draft_pick_trey_ball_models_game_after_cliff_lee_plans_to_really_work_on_curveball_going_forward/13781513 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/red_sox_draft_pick_trey_ball_models_game_after_cliff_lee_plans_to_really_work_on_curveball_going_forward/13781513 Red Sox Draft Pick Trey Ball Models Game After Cliff Lee, Plans to Really Work on Curveball Going Forward http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/red_sox_draft_pick_trey_ball_models_game_after_cliff_lee_plans_to_really_work_on_curveball_going_forward/13781513 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/5/e5c2bb1ae8e806c03e19f20fc585fafda6e82d40/mini/mlb-all-star-home-run.jpg Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cliff Lee recently told reporters that he wouldn't be shocked if he was traded this summer. Despite this solid grasp on reality, Lee told Bob Brookover and Matt Gelb of The Philadelphia Inquirer that his first choice is to remain with the Phillies. "Yeah, this is where I signed as a free agent and this is where I want to be," said Lee, who is in the third season of a five-year deal that guarantees him $62.5 million beyond this season. "But I definitely want to win, there's no doubt about that. That's the main thing." This may not seem like major news, as this could just be what Lee is required to say in his situation. However, his willingness to accept a trade could play a large factor in whether or not he's dealt this summer, considering he has a limited no-trade clause as a part of his current contract. Among the teams Lee can decline trades to reportedly include the Baltimore Orioles, New York Yank... Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:30:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/phillies_rumors_cliff_lee_wants_to_remain_a_phillie/13777598 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/phillies_rumors_cliff_lee_wants_to_remain_a_phillie/13777598 Phillies rumors: Cliff Lee wants to remain a Phillie http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/phillies_rumors_cliff_lee_wants_to_remain_a_phillie/13777598 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/d/0d0785264e0bc1f59d8b07cc4726dee8bdf2838b/mini/los-angeles-angels-anaheim.jpg When the club is winning or in first place, there are a limited number of calls for the Philadelphia Phillies to trade Cliff Lee and other stars. Blow up the team and fire Charlie Manuel, however,  are the sentiments during rough patches. TAL’S HANDY CAPS:  POLL WELCOME, NEWCOMERS: This is my 17th poll and I will hone them over time, like my other postings. If you’re interested in checking out something different, my storyline articles–by design–represent a baseball man’s thinking, the view from the dugout and the GM’s box. Please go to my author archives or the Phillies page for my most recent coverage. Scroll down to Tal’s Handy Links at the bottom. Thank you. Check out:  Philadelphia Phillies storyline: Win, place or a no-show The new summer schedule will allow me to publish the best 2-3 storylines each week, but there will be an updated calendar included with each feature:  These posts involve commentary, polls and stats for the upcoming 7 days. Post time is mostly 5 to 9 pm for the Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:03:54 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/philadelphia_phillies_story_poll_suds_or_studs_battle_scars/13763072 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/philadelphia_phillies_story_poll_suds_or_studs_battle_scars/13763072 Philadelphia Phillies story-poll: Suds or studs, battle scars http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/philadelphia_phillies_story_poll_suds_or_studs_battle_scars/13763072 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png If you are Philadelphia Phillies starter Cliff Lee there are some things that come with the territory.  Being the subject of trade rumors year after year is as much a part of him as being handed the ball every five days. Lee’s been traded three times, including an offseason deal from Philadelphia to Seattle.In fact Lee  he accepts this part of the business when asked about  the possibility of being traded.  “Nothing I can do about it, so I’m not going to get too caught up in it.”  Lee said.Lee is 7-2 with a 2.45 ERA over 88 innings  in 2013. The 34-year-old  has shown there are still plenty in the tank.However, just because the probability is high that he will be traded his contract with the Phillies includes a 20 team no trade clause  Unless he waives the clause  the Phillies will be restricted to nine teams to try and strike a deal.The New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles are among the 20 teams that would need Lee’s permission to acquire him, the s Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:15:15 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cliff_lee_may_be_traded_but_no_trade_list_includes_20_teams/13759115 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cliff_lee_may_be_traded_but_no_trade_list_includes_20_teams/13759115 Cliff Lee May Be Traded But No Trade List Includes 20 Teams http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cliff_lee_may_be_traded_but_no_trade_list_includes_20_teams/13759115 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/d/0d0785264e0bc1f59d8b07cc4726dee8bdf2838b/mini/los-angeles-angels-anaheim.jpg Cliff Lee is performing. His team has a losing record. The trade deadline no longer seems far away. The rumors are starting. It happened in 2009, when he went from Cleveland to Philadelphia. It happened in 2010, when he went from Seattle to Texas. You wonder if Lee is thinking, "Here we go again." In fact, he is. "Yeah, pretty much," Lee acknowledged Friday, during an interview at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. "Nothing I can do about it, so I'm not going to get too caught up in it." That's not entirely accurate: Lee can do something about it. His contract with the Phillies includes a 20-team no-trade clause. Only nine teams can acquire Lee without his permission. So if the Phillies make him available in the days leading up to the July 31 deadline, he could limit his market to roughly one-third of the major leagues. In resetting the list of clubs before this season, the 34-year-old and his agents structured the clause such that it would have maximum impact. Whi Tue, 04 Jun 2013 02:08:44 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/phils_lee_prepared_for_another_trade/13756271 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/phils_lee_prepared_for_another_trade/13756271 Phils' Lee prepared for another trade http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/phils_lee_prepared_for_another_trade/13756271 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/0/90e3569c775559d3718709e07a24841e1f27167a/mini/philadelphia-phillies-lee.jpg Cliff Lee recorded his 1600th career strikeout yesterday, and Philadelphia reporter Sigourney McCreaf attempted to congratulate him on the accomplishment while doing her report yesterday. Unfortunately for McCreaf, she was pretty unsuccessful in doing so. See for yourself above. [Deadspin] Article found on: Next Impulse Sports Mon, 03 Jun 2013 10:40:48 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/reporter_has_freudian_slip_while_trying_to_congratulate_cliff_lee/13750310 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/reporter_has_freudian_slip_while_trying_to_congratulate_cliff_lee/13750310 Reporter Has Freudian Slip While Trying To Congratulate Cliff Lee http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/reporter_has_freudian_slip_while_trying_to_congratulate_cliff_lee/13750310 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Cliff Lee is good. The Phillies? Not so much. While it remains to be seen whether Philadelphia will be a buyer or a seller at this year’s trade deadline, Cliff Lee is sure to be a name floating around in rumors until the Phils decide. That means that every outing the left-hander has is more or less an audition for any prospective teams looking for a piece to help their rotation. Would the Red Sox be one of them? NESN Nation’s Dan Duquette surmises that they should be. Check out the above video to see why. Join NESN Nation: In-game home page | Twitter | Facebook Tue, 28 May 2013 20:57:11 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cliff_lee_could_be_pitching_his_way_out_of_philadelphia_which_means_red_sox_should_be_interested_video/13712681 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cliff_lee_could_be_pitching_his_way_out_of_philadelphia_which_means_red_sox_should_be_interested_video/13712681 Cliff Lee Could Be Pitching His Way Out of Philadelphia, Which Means Red Sox Should Be Interested (Video) http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cliff_lee_could_be_pitching_his_way_out_of_philadelphia_which_means_red_sox_should_be_interested_video/13712681 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/5/e5c2bb1ae8e806c03e19f20fc585fafda6e82d40/mini/mlb-all-star-home-run.jpg