The Yankees called the Indians about pitching star Cliff Lee, but the chances for a deal turned south when the Indians told them one of two fine young Yankees starters -- Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes -- would have to start the package. The Yankees are not inclined to do that for Lee.
While Lee's value is enhanced by a reasonable $9 million club option for next year, the Yankees appear to like Chamberlain and Hughes too much to consider that deal. If Roy Halladay were to become available to the Yankees, they'd more seriously consider such a request. But not for Lee.
The Phillies (the favorites for Halladay), Dodgers, Brewers and Rays are among other pursuers of Lee.
MLB Trade Deadline 2009
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Cheryl Burke
Cintia Dicker



Comments (21) Add A Comment
Much like Buchholz for Martinez, I'd trade either one of those guys for Lee if he were a couple years younger.
hyperRevue
Total Comments (12521)
indians are insane if they think the yanks would give one of those guys up. in my opinion, the indians would have to begin with lee to get hughes or joba.
kook58
Hoboken , NJ
Total Comments (2134)
are you kidding me kook58? Lee won a CY YOUNG AWARD last year! What's Joba? he's a #3 starter at best. Hughes isn't even in the question. He's invaluable after getting 6 Ks and a 2 inning save? C'mon now.
Yankees should trade Joba, Hughes, and a prospect for Cliff Lee.
Bsktblking25
New York , NY
Total Comments (181)
They are not insane, They know that they have what other teams want and will expect nothing less than that teams best prospects to get a deal done. They also know that their biggest enemy right now is the Bullpen and Injuries, If they can keep the team intact and get some better relief in the off season they will. They don't need to move either Lee or Martinez right now so note to all the teams calling, The price will be high but you will get a great player in return. Simple as that.
And as for the Yankee's, Mark Shapiro is a guy who does not like to send talent to the same league (reference the Bartolo Colon trade and C.C. last year). He would rather send them to the NL so it doesn't bite him in the ass later. Granted C.C. ended up in NY but that was because he was a FA.
TribeFan4Ever
Columbus , OH
Total Comments (2898)
The Indians are well within their bounds to ask for one of those guys (Joba or Hughes) for a pitcher who is coming off a Cy Young performance and is putting together another great season. However, its understandable that the Yanks backed off, since they don't have a pressing need for a staff ace at the moment. He'd be a luxury more than a necessity at this point in time.
BigBlue4You
Boston , MA
Total Comments (301)
I would certainly consider one of the two for Hallady, but not Lee. Too streaky of a pitcher. In Hallady, you consistency
broblog
Total Comments (481)
You get consistency.
broblog
Total Comments (481)
the only reason you dont get consistency from lee is b/c he has no offense behind him... lets look back a couple of years to kevin millwood. leading the league in era with a 11-12 record (cant remember exact)
bluca05
Alliance , OH
Total Comments (2)
If the Indians would take Joba and a mid-level prospect for Lee, the Yankees would be stupid not to make the deal. Joba's nothing more than a fourth starter who nibbles with his pitches. The Indians should not trade Lee unless Hughes is involved in the deal, period...
LostInTheBoom
Craftsbury , VT
Total Comments (11)
The Yankees are going to hold on to jobs and Phil and only consider them in a trade for Roy Holliday. I would not give either one for Lee
dominicanchipmunk22
Bronx , NY
Total Comments (34)
Wow, I am glad you arent my GM!
Steelyankee09
Birmingham, AL
Total Comments (44)
Hhhhmmm ???..Let???s look at stats - not opinions:
1st three years side by side
Lee 17-12 with an ERA of 3.60 and avg 70k???s
Joba 11-5 with a ERA of 2.99 and avg 79K and still going
Joba 23 yrs old and Lee???s 30yrs old
No way you give up on Joba this early, if things are not going well in 2 years he moves into the closer role. Lee won a CY but now Pavano has more wins???.who else won a CY young? Colon, Zito, Hentgen, Carpenter, Peavy??????all guys that have to pay admission at the front door if they ever go to Cooperstown
Wally666
Total Comments (11)
Joba the Joke!!! A legend only in Yankee minds.
PherrisPhain
Total Comments (94)
Did Lee start out as a reliever though? I don't know. But if he was a starter from the very beginning, comparing his early stats to Joba's (when they contain a majority relief appearances) doesn't mean anything.
hyperRevue
Total Comments (12521)
All, Lee is the real deal! The Tribe has had NO support for him this year. If you take out 2 bad starts in the first 3 weeks of the season (notice I didn't say 4 or 5 like most good pitchers) by Lee this year his ERA is at 2.46. He won the CY Young with this same ERA. He is a solid #2 for the Yankees and would push CC for the #1 spot. Look at his stats for the last 5 years.... not to bad for a pitcher on a average team. True professional and good team player. If they get him the Yanklees win the East. If Boston gets him look out!
Ditto
Brunswick , OH
Total Comments (1)
What kinda of logic is that ...........innings are innings, joba is 22 inning less ..and his 3rd year is not over yet.
Greg Maddux never got run sopport and still won.......stop the crying already
Joba has a much better celebration than Papelbon also........Pap looks like a guy from deliverance performing self service.
Wally666
Total Comments (11)
THE INDIANS DON'T WANT JABA ANYWAYS, HE CAN'T BE COUNTED ON TO PITCH IN THE FALL WHEN THE BUGS COME OUT:)
TribeFan4Ever
Columbus , OH
Total Comments (2898)
Are you serious??
Relief innings and starter innings are totally different. Going 1 inning at a time is no where near as hard as going 6, 7 or 8 innings and going through the entire lineup 3-4 times. Come on.
hyperRevue
Total Comments (12521)
As a reliever, Joba has a 1.53 ERA. As a starter, it's 3.52.
hyperRevue
Total Comments (12521)
Dear Yankees, Joba is not all that, matter of time before Hughes becomes Hughes again. If you don't have the balls to go after the real deal, Halliday, you will without a doubt be swept by the Red Sox for the season and right out of the playoffs. My vegas money is already on the Boston sweep for the season. Enjoy the winning streak, over when you meet a real contender.
Miss Oktober
Naples , FL
Total Comments (22)
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