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Cliff Lee

Cliff Lee

Philadelphia Phillies: 10 Reasons the Phillies Should Consider a 4-Man Rotation

In a December to remember, the Philadelphia Phillies acquired the most coveted MLB free agency gem in Cliff Lee.

The Phillies' rotation now includes Roy Halladay, Lee, Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels and Joe Blanton.

Lee gave the Phillies their fourth legitimate ace, and the group was christened R2C2.  This group has the potential to be historically good, which has gotten a lot of people to thinking: Why do they even need a fifth starter?

New 2011 Philadelphia Phillies Starting Rotation Predictions

Looking at the Philadelphia Phillies starting rotation is something everyone will be doing all season. Why?

Because they could be the best starting rotation ever assembled.

What makes one say that?

Well let's take a look at each one.

Roy Halladay: good old No. 34 happens to be turning 34 years old this May, yet is still ranked as the No. 1 starting pitcher in all Major League Baseball.

MLB Predictions: Strengths and Weaknesses for Every MLB Team

As baseball's opening day approaches teams are sizing up their division chances. Spring brings excitement to every team. Even those teams whose chances look bleak have the potential to catch lightning in a bottle and make this season memorable.

For every team, it will take more than dumb luck to reach the postseason. They’ll need to play from their strengths and hope that there weaknesses can be covered or muted by breakout stars or exceptional play. So here’s a look at each teams strengths and their glaring weaknesses and what it means to each team. 

2011 MLB Preview: Looking at Cliff Lee and the Philadelphia Phillies "On Paper"

Prior to the start of the 2009 season, the Yankees made a huge splash in free-agency by landing CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. They won 103 games and the World Series. Looking back, the Sabathia signing sent shock waves, but nothing like the Cliff Lee spectacle this past offseason.

The Phillies won a MLB high 97 games a year ago, and it was a down year. Players were falling down like flies, and many fans were doubting if the team could even make the postseason. During the summer, the Braves held a large lead in the NL East.

MLB Power Rankings: The Top 25 Craftiest Pitchers in the League

When it's used to describe pitchers, the term "crafty" is a pretty subjective one. 

Does it apply to all soft-tossers who get results?  Or maybe it should only apply to pitchers with impeccable control and consistently low walk totals? 

Based on common usage patterns, you might assume that the term describes all pitchers who play or have played for the Oakland A's. 

Preview of the New York Yankees and Their Offseason Acquisitions:

Quick, check your calender. OK it's still 2011. Yes, that was the theme of this offseason for your usual big spending, aggressive New York Yankees. I'm not sure if Hank and Hal Steinbrenner know what year it is, because they sure as hell don't know how to construct a team. If I didn't know any better I would of thought Tommy Boy was running this organization.

Race for the Ring: Every MLB Team's Chance of Winning It All in the Near Future

Major League Baseball is in the air. All 30 teams have flocked to a warm weather site with the same goal in mind: Win a ring.

Whether it's veterans of the league imparting as much knowledge as they can on the young guns, or legends from the past returning to the place that they loved, spring training is a beneficial and necessary time for baseball players.

2011 MLB Standings Preview: The Usual Suspects Rise to the Top

Pretty simple. If I was betting on the season's final standings, this is where my chips would fall. I'm going to pass on predicting all the playoff stuff, but stick to the regular season, with my award favorites as well.

In the AL East...

Boston: 99-63

New York: 90-72

Baltimore: 83-79

Toronto: 77- 85

Tampa Bay: 70-92

 

Philadelphia Phillies: Why They Will Not Win the World Series in 2011

Late February. Optimism fills the air in Major League Baseball.

The reason?

Baseball is back.

Granted, it is only a lowly beginning. Late February is the time for spring training games in Arizona and Florida. The exhibition games, though it is good to see that baseball has returned, are just that: exhibition games.

Adam Wainwright and the Biggest Spring Training Question For 2010 Playoff Teams

The St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright will have Tommy John surgery on his right elbow and will miss the entire 2011 season. 

While this puts a major damper on the Cardinals playoff hopes, last year's Major League Baseball playoff participants are faced with questions of their own.

Whether it's the New York Yankees or the World Champion San Francisco Giants, each of these teams will have to address major concerns if they hope to play deep into October for consecutive seasons. 

Poll

Best of the American League
Tampa Bay
19%
Boston
19%
Chicago
7%
Minnesota
10%
Los Angeles
17%
Texas
27%
Total votes: 270

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