Cliff Lee made only 13 starts last season before he was shut down with a flexor pronator strain in his throwing elbow. A number of teams were interested in trading for him prior to the injury, and that may still be the case if he can prove his health in spring training.
The Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals could be the top two teams that could keep in touch with the Philadelphia Phillies, especially after Lee's debut in the Grapefruit League on Thursday. The left-hander tossed two scoreless innings, throwing a total of 22 pitches and giving up two hits, and spoke to reporters after his outing. It was his first action since July 31.
"It has been a while since I've faced live hitters so it was good to get that under my belt and behind me," he told Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly. "Now it's just build on that and try to get to where I can throw a hundred and some pitches and be a starting pitcher."
"... Personally, until I do that, I don't think that I've proven that I can do that yet. Not that I'm trying to prove anything to anyone, but I mean, I don't think anyone is going to know that I can do that until I go out there and show it."
The Red Sox and Cardinals are in need of continuity atop their starting rotation since Boston lacks an ace and St. Louis is dealing with potential nagging injuries to Adam Wainwright and Michael Wacha. Both of these clubs have inquired about Phillies' ace Cole Hamels, but general manager Ruben Amaro wants a lot of young talent in return on top of full financial relief of the remaining money on Hamels' contract (he's guaranteed $100 million and could make a maximum of $120 million).
Lee is much less of a commitment as he carries a $25 million salary for 2015 as well as a $27.5 million vesting option for 2016 that kicks in if he throws 200 innings in 2015. That option could also be bought out for $12.5 million. He would also require much less in a trade because of his contract, age and recent injury. However, teams are likely waiting to see at least how spring training plays out before making a decision.
"Lee, obviously, is a lock to be with the Phillies in April," writes Salisbury. "How much longer he stays after that remains to be seen. Like every other veteran on the rebuilding Phillies' roster, he is available for a trade and could attract a taker as soon as he proves he's completely healthy."
Being that the Red Sox and Cardinals have been involved in talks with the Phillies regarding Hamels for the entire offseason, it wouldn't be shocking if they began considering/doing their homework on Lee. His previous success and invaluable experience could put either one of those clubs over the edge in 2015.
If he's healthy, that is.
