Cliff Lee throws a complete game in win over Giants

In Cliff Lee's first start with the Phillies he did not dissapoint. After acquiring Lee on Thursday from the Indians for four prospects, Lee got the start Friday against the Giants. He went the distance giving up 4 hits 2 walks and 1 run. He also had a no hitter through 5.1 innings until the power of the bloop was used by Juan Uribe. I was impressed with Lee's ability to throw strikes with all of his pitches. He used his cutter/slider very effectively against the right handed lineup of the Giants, consistently getting in on their hands producing weak ground balls.

This trade gives the Phillies the upgrade they needed in their starting rotation. The Phillies lead the league in runs scored, fielding percentage, and have one of the best bullpens in the NL. With the Phillies getting a frontline starter to pair with Cole Hamels it makes them more of a complete ballclub. Ruben Amaro did a good job of not giving up the Phillies top 3 prospects (Drabek, Taylor, Brown). The Phillies gave up Marson, Donald, Carrasco, and Knapp. Knapp is the player the Indians really wanted. At just 18 years old, Knapp is 6'5" 240 pounds and can throw 98 mph. He was dominating Class A with 111 strikeouts in 85 innings while holding opponents to a .208 average.

The value for this trade was good but I think Cliff is a little overrated. I noticed that opponents were batting .278 against him including .303 against righties. Cliff Lee is a guy that carries the "Ace" label with him and I am concerned that he is a little to hittable to be the ace of the staff. The positive side of it is that he doesn't walk many hitters and keeps the ball in the yard, although he will find it harder to keep it in the ballpark at his new home. He also has that ability you look for to go deep into games keeping his pitch counts low by throwing a ton of strikes. Lastly the best part of this deal is that he is moving from the AL to the NL. He should fare well after facing the AL for his whole career. If you think about Clifford from an NL perspective, I think he can be an Ace. I expect him to be pretty damn good in the second half for the Phillies giving them a much needed boost in their rotation.