Choosing Philadelphia, said Cliff Lee yesterday, was a 'no-brainer'. Once the Phillies got involved late last week, everyone wanted to make it happen, most of all the Lee family. Yet, according to all, the deal died a couple of times before coming back to life with a roar. Thanks for the persistence of all involved! Thanks, too, to Kristen Lee, who said that when she ran into one of the Phillie owners at this year's All-Star game, she burst into tears.
If the rotation stays healthy and all pitch up to their records, it should be an even more rollicking time at CBP than ever. On Monday, the Phillies sold 1500 tickets. On Tuesday, after the news came down, the number jumped to 40,000. Season tickets have been maxed out since last year and there is a waiting list. The tickets sold on Tuesday were six-pack plans. Individual game tickets go on sale in February but I guess I can forget about opening day.
Think about it. If healthy, Halladay, Hamels, Oswalt, and Lee may start 132 of 162 games. But don't forget the fifth guy. Yesterday Ruben Amaro, Jr. gave some love to Joe Blanton, whom all expect soon to be gone. While all the talk was about the fab four, Amaro brought Blanton into the conversation. It reminded me of this past season, after Oswalt joined the staff and all the talk was H2O. Roy Halladay was always sure to include Joe in any talk of the rotation. Like the team itself, there are no egos on the pitching staff.
Amaro, speaking this morning on the radio, said the first negative comment about the Lee signing came from Jayson Werth, who sent him a text that basically said, "BOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
