Phillies, D-backs Discussing Blockbuster?
By John Parent
According to Pedro Gomezof ESPN, the Philadelphia Phillies have entered the Justin Upton sweepstakes and while they aren’t offering a shortstop, they are offering a former Cy Young winner.
Sept. 28, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cliff Lee (33) throws during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Phillies and Diamondbacks are discussing Justin Upton for Cliff Lee. Money coming to AZ would also be involved.
— The Pedro Gomez Foundation (@PGFoundation_) December 4, 2012
Gomez notes that Arizona would be getting money in the swap, should it happen. The Phillies have a need for an outfielder, specifically one that bats from the right side, and that need has been accentuated with the Phillies being shut out thus far in their attempts to land a center fielder.
In Lee, the D-backs would be getting a true ace, but one that is owed over $100 million in the next four seasons. The money just doesn’t seem to come anywhere near matching up here with Upton owed a comparatively small $38.5 million.
According to Nick Piecoro, there is no truth to the Gomez rumor. I knew it was too juicy to be true.
Dbacks source tells me the Upton/Lee stuff "hasn't been discussed" and is "off base."
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) December 4, 2012