Along the way, the team picked up high-priced Cy Young winners in Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay.
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Burnett and Phil Hughes, not to mention the retirement of Andy Pettitte and failure to sign Cliff Lee.
Questions have already begun regarding the future destinations of Cliff Lee, Carl Crawford, Jayson Werth, Adrian Beltre and Manny Ramirez.
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If the Yankees sign Cliff Lee you can expect this from MLB pundits: New York has just bought another World Series.
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With free agency awaiting, there is no question that Cliff Lee will command an annual base at least within this range.
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With their surprise signing of Cliff Lee, the Philadelphia Phillies become the odds on favorite to win the 2011 World Series.
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Sabathia makes more than Roy Halladay, more than Cliff Lee (at least until 2013) and about twice as much as Justin Verlander.
Kendrick (1-1) allowed two runs and eight hits to become the first Philadelphia starter other than Cliff Lee to get a win.
And Texas rebounded from the loss of Cliff Lee during the off-season to give themselves yet another chance to advance to the Fall Classic.
For example, Zack Greinke has become a hot commodity on the trade market and is currently viewed as the next best option after Cliff Lee.
But a couple of below-par pitching outings in the playoffs, such as the one they got from Cliff Lee Sunday night, can lead to trouble quickly.
But if Texas wins the series, better for them to finish it off in six, thus avoiding the need to use ace Cliff Lee in a deciding game.
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Left fielder Carl Crawford of the Rays will be the top free agent in the 2010-11 class, followed by starting pitcher Cliff Lee and both could be wearing pinstripes next season.
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Ryan Howard and Michael Young hit back-to-back home runs, Cliff Lee came within one out of a complete game and the Philadelphia Phillies beat Gee and the New York Mets 8-3 on Tuesday night.
Unfortunately, despite their frugality and the financial windfalls that accompany a possible World Championship, it probably will not be enough to retain Cliff Lee given the riches that await him in light of his postseason dominance.
Cliff Lee decides to be a Phillie.
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The Royals would love for the Yankees to get involved if the Cliff Lee deal falls apart since the Yankees have two prized catchers in Jesus Montero and Austin Romine plus economically affordable and highly productive outfielder, Brett Gardner.
The World Series kicks-off tonight in San Francisco and millions will tune in to Fox to watch Cliff Lee face-off against Tim Lincucum (Cablevision subscribers will have to find something else to occupy their time as their battle with Fox rages on).
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