Cliff Lee available?

[Milltownhooker]

According to Jon Heyman. http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/12/roy-halladay-rumors-monday-1.html

Phils close to landing Halladay, but can't get Lee to lower his demands on an extention. Possible 3-way trade happening? Confused I am

[GoudaBrew]

Not sure why the Phils wouldn't want a rotation with Halladay, Lee and Hamels, but maybe it's a money thing. Maybe Halladay is more sign-able than Lee?

 

If he really is available I would love to get him for a year.

[Invader3K]

I really do not understand that rumor. It seems based off some blind speculation from Ken Rosenthal the other day (I think). I just can't understand why the Phillies would bother to trade for Halladay only to turn around and deal Lee. I don't think Halladay is a big upgrade over Lee. I guess the only advantage for them is if they can get Halladay to agree to an extension (which Lee seems to balking at currently).

[yoshii8]

I hope we get Lee if this is true. A 1-2-3 of Lee, Gallardo, Wolf would be outstanding.

[DocLuna7]

Assuming this is true, what would we have that Toronto and Philadelphia need which could land Lee for the year?

[Milltownhooker]

Some combo of Salome, Gamel, Parra, Lawrie, would interest Toronto

[Invader3K]

I don't think we have anything. At least one of the teams would want a top level pitching prospect, and we don't have that available.

[brewmann04]

I just hope if this is true Melvin get himself involved Lee would be awsome ( Lee Gallardo and Wolf) wow i like that alot.

[Invader3K]

Holy-you-know-what...

 

From MLB Trade Rumors (where else?):

 

Heyman tweets that a three-way deal has been agreed to with Halladay going to the Phillies and Lee to the Mariners. The Phillies are now trying to sign Halladay to an extension.

 

Edit: Toronto Sun is apparently now confirming as well.

[GoudaBrew]

Dang it Jack Z!

 

Any guesses on what the M's are going to have to give up? I'm sure Morrow is in the deal. Beyond that I have no idea. It will be interesting to see what the Phils are giving up with Lee. I'm assuming they'll send a prospect Toronto's way. Toronto is apparently throwing in some cash towards Halladay's '10 salary.

[Invader3K]

Toronto must be getting some key prospects from both teams, I'd assume.

[DocLuna7]

If it is Morrow, this is where I revisit my initial anger at Jeffries decision-making process. I think besides a young pitching prospect, we have all the other tools in our system to get a deal like this done.

[yoshii8]

I'm betting Aumont is also in the deal.

[colbyjack]

If Lee is dealt, this makes no sense to me. I know I gave the Phillies a lot of credit for turning away from Halladay to acquire Lee, as it turned out to be an incredibly astute acquisition for them. He was money down the stretch and during the playoffs, almost guaranteeing a win. Halladay is a great pitcher, but we've all seen great pitchers have different results in the postseason. I guess I don't understand why the Phillies are getting cute with this move, unless they really had a serious falling out with Lee. It seems as though they may be getting caught up with the idea of acquiring Halladay, who as noted doesn't pose an upgrade over Lee.

 

If the Mariners make this happen, good for them and Jack Z.

[Invader3K]

It seems like the difference was that Lee was refusing to sign an extension and wanted to test FA after this coming season, whereas Halladay was willing to sign an extension. From that standpoint it seems like a solid move. I do think Halladay is a bit better than Lee, too.