Lee, who will be a free agent after this season, will be due "just" 3 million dollars in the final two months of the season. And whoever acquires him will become immediate favorites to claim their division title, and perhaps even favorites to represent their league in the World Series. Yes, Cliff Lee is that good (as he proved in last year's post-season).
So what are the odds Cliff Lee will don the colors of your favorite team? Here's how I'd set them...
Minnesota Twins: The Twins, in my opinion, have the greatest need. They're a team with a great line-up and decent pitching - enough to get them to the post-season - but they lack the true "ace" that will get them past the first round and into the promised land. They also have the catching prospect the Mariners covet, Wilson Ramos. Odds: 3 to 1.
New York Yankees: Can the rich get richer? Of course they can. If it looks like the Red Sox or Rays will grab Lee, look for the Yankees to swoop in no matter what the cost. They have two catching prospects to dangle in front of the Mariners (Jesus Montero and Austin Romine), and they'll probably end up with Lee after the season anyhow. So why not now? Odds: 4-1.
Chicago White Sox: Never underestimate Whie Sox GM Kenny Williams. Look for him to try and beat the Twins to the punch here, especially since it looks like Sox ace Jake Peavy has been lost for the season. Odds: 6-1.
Tampa Rays: Rumor is they'll offer center fielder B.J. Upton for Lee, which could be enough to get it done. Upton, still only 25, hs a huge upside. If the Mariners think they can turn him around, and can squeeze a few more prospects out of the Rays, it could happen. Also, the Rays window to win is now. Cliff Lee would be a sure way to vault them past the Red Sox and Yankees and into the post-season. Odds: 8-1.
Philadelphia Phillies: Will the Phillies undo their biggest off-season mistake (trading Lee to the Mariners)? It will take a lot more than they gave up to get it done. I don't see this happening, but it would make the Phillies a lock for their third World Series in a row. Odds: 8-1.
Boston Red Sox: If the Yankees and Rays are in the mix, you can be sure the Red Sox are too. But GM Theo Epstein has been reluctant to part with his top prospects, so this is much less likely. Odds: 10-1.
New York Mets: Is Josh Thole, Fernando Martinez enough to get it done? Not if they're bidding against the Twins and Yankees. The Mets will need to throw in Jonathan Neise as well, which I doubt they'll do. Odds: 12-1.
The field: The Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers and also said to be in the mix for Lee, but they are long shots at best. The same goes for anyone else you can think of. Odds: 20-1.
Seattle Mariners: Could Lee just stay in Seattle? It's possible, since the Mariners would net two draft picks when he leaves as a free agent. But with the rumor mill in full force though, they're sure to get more value now in a trade. Odds: 30-1.
Again, my gut tells me Mr. Lee will land in Minnesota, which will make the Twins a team no one will want to face in the playoffs. With Joe Mauer and Justin Mourneau both in the line-up (Mourneau was hurt in the 2009 playoffs), and Cliff Lee anchoring the pitching staff, you'd have to say the Twins would have a good a shot as any team (even the mighty Yankees, Red Sox or Rays) to take the 2010 World Series trophy home.
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