Cliff Lee To The Philadelphia Phillies Means What To The Atlanta Braves?

Just when you thought it was safe to say the Atlanta Braves were serious contenders to topple the Philadelphia Phillies from the top of the NL East, the Phillies pull a magic rabbit out of the hat. 

The rabbit in the form of former Texas Ranger ace, Cliff Lee.

Lee was reportedly close to signing a mega-deal with either the Rangers or New York Yankees for seven years, $138 million. 

Yet, the Phillies—like a thief in the night—came in from nowhere and got Lee for less money and a shorter deal.  It is reported Philadelphia will pay the lefty $120 million over the next five years. 

It is truly highway robbery when you consider the Phils rotation will now consist of Cy Young-winner Roy Halladay, former World Series MVP Cole Hammels, two-time 20-game-winner Roy Oswalt and 2008 AL Cy Young award-winner Cliff Lee.

The Lee signing comes on the heels of Philadelphia losing outfielder Jayson Werth to the Washington Nationals via free agency and the Atlanta Braves, the Phillies’ biggest threat to unseat them from the top of the NL East, traded for All-Star second baseman Dan Uggla to bolster their offense.

It appeared the Braves had gotten much better and the Phillies had gotten worse, until Tuesday morning. 

With the addition of Cliff Lee to Philadelphia’s rotation, it once again makes Philly head and shoulders above anyone in their division, including the Atlanta Braves. 

What does this mean for the Braves? 

It means come September the Braves will once again be looking up at the Phillies trying to run them down in the NL East, and instead will end up with a wild card berth for 2011.

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