Just four days ago, reports surfaced that LHP Cliff Lee, 37, had been cleared to pitch in the 2016 season. Lee missed all of 2015, and after signing a five-year deal with the Phillies in 2010, the team declined his option in what would have been the final year of the contract.
Despite the scare with his left elbow injury and the election for no surgery, at least fifteen teams (half of the league, for those keeping score at home) have expressed interest in the veteran's presence.
Cliff Lee drawing interest from 15 clubs
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 7, 2015
With Matt Klentak taking over as the team's General Manager, and Andy MacPhail as President, the team has certainly taken a turn in the other (younger, less injury-prone) direction. It is less than likely that the team is one of those interested, but cannot be completely ruled out.
Cliff Lee has not pitched since mid-2014, when he finished 4-5 with a 3.65 ERA and 72 strikeouts. He'll probably nab a one- or two-year deal with a club looking to capitalize on his low stock.
Andrew Gillen, Contributor to Philliedelphia.com
