- Cliff Lee might have etched himself in New York and Philadelphia lore for opposing reasons. It was not a matter of if, but when. That's what Yankees fans thought. Well, "IF" became "NOT". Cliff Lee decided to to head back and rekindle some brotherly love. The second he rejoined the Phillies they had duplicated what the Atlanta Braves had when they showcased what at the time was thought to be the beginning of a pitching and championship dynasty.
Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine and Steve Avery were the most dominant foursome ever assembled in the modern era. What happened afterwards was history.
The Yankees have been at the short end of the free agency stick for the past 3 weeks. Adrian Gonzalez finally joined the Red Sox. A move no one was surprised by. The true surprise came in Carl Crawford joining them [Red Sox]. Everyone figured the Anaheim Angels and Yanks were the front runners in the Crawford sweepstakes. The thought of Crawford and Ellsbury on the base paths is a scary notion.
So the Yankees re-signed Derek Jeter which was a little more drawn out than it should've been. Perhaps that affected the Yankees persuit of one Clifford Lee. Who knows, but at the end of the day the Yankees got their man. They re-signed Mariano Rivera which was a given, even though Boston made a serious pitch (pun intended) to him. The Yankees will have to rely on their bullpen and the big guy. Losing Kerry Wood is a big lost. Joba Chamberlain will be "the guy". CC Sabathia will have ot carry the load once again. Andy Pettite seems like a huge question mark and Phil Hughes will have to show reliance for a full season. The staff is questionable and AJ Burnett now seems like an expensive mistress. The offense is going to be put on full display this season because the pitching is suspect.
The Red Sox are the favorites to win the division...............but something tells me the YAnkees won't lay down. I'm just saying.
