Mook vs Cliff Lee

Another big move as Cliff Lee was traded from the Mariners to Texas... despite all the reports he had been traded to the Yankees...

This could serve as another reminder to Cleveland fans of another player who got away.
Lee is posting incredible numbers this season, and is front-runner for the Cy Young despite missing a month of the season. Has has an amazing 89k's vs 6 walks on the season in over 100 IP, while sporting a 2.34 era... WOW!

While it may be sad for Cleveland, maybe sadder for Expos fans who saw him, Brandon Philips and Grady Sizemore traded together for Bartolo Colon... at least the Indians got a few years out of him...

The M's were able to get top hitting prospect Justin Smoak and others. Last year the Tribe only got Lou Marson- a back-up cathcer- Jason Donald - a good utility player- and a couple pitchers who could turn out ok, but nothing spectacular.

Still the losers here are the Phillies. They didn't need to trade Lee when the traded for Halladay. And if they would have waited a bit, they could have got even better prospects. Plus, if you keep him and lose him you get two high draft picks.

It is interesting that teams pay more for half a season than a year & a half...

The lesson though may be this. Everyone was raving about the Mariners off-season moves last winter. But where did it get them. True the prospects they got from Texas were MUCH better than the ones they traded to Philly, but how about Figgons? Letting go of Beltre? Bradley's explosions & Silva's success?

People are quick to praise moves way before we see any results.
(i guess i shouldn't pass judgment on the prospects Philly got yet- that's more of a fact they traded Lee when they didn't need to...)

So all those who think the Miami signings were incredible or horrible - i guess we have to wait & see...

I think the Lee trade is good for both teams. Texas is doing well, but will need better pitching. Seattle needs some power in their lineup and builds their future.
I'd be both happy & sad if i was a Texas fan, but at least i know my team is going for it!